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POR 2026-145 · Agenda item attachment · Aug 3 2026
That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by October 1, 2026.
POR 2026-145
FIRST IN COUNCIL
August 3, 2026
City of Cambridge
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS:
The City keeps track of some tree related permits on its Open Data Portal, but it’s hard
to navigate [link:https://data.cambridgema.gov/Public-Works/Tree-Removal-
Permits/vj95-me7d/about_data]; and
WHEREAS:
Critical data fields – such as “Number of Trees” and “Reason for Removal” – are
frequently left blank, preventing clear compilation of total number of significant and
exceptional trees removed; and
WHEREAS:
The City has long celebrated its tree canopy and, in 2018, commissioned highly
respected landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand to conduct an Urban Forest Master
Plan
[link:https://www.cambridgema.gov/departments/publicworks/initiatives/urbanforestma
sterplan] to ensure the forest’s robust health; now therefore be it
ORDERED:
That the City Manager, working in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Department,
Inspectional Services and IT, be and hereby is requested to devise a fuller, easier to
navigate public accounting system that is searchable by neighborhood and explicitly
records:
1.
Tree removals categorized by project type and/or reason for removal
2.
Total count of significant and exceptional trees lost per permit; and
3.
Potential Critical Root Zone impacts on preserved on-site trees, adjacent private
trees, and public city street and park trees; and be it further
ORDERED:
That this tracking system include an automated monthly public reporting summary
detailing tree removal permits, number of trees removed, and project associations dating
back to 2023; and be it further
ORDERED:
That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council
regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by October 1, 2026.
A true copy;
ATTEST:-
Paula M. Crane,
Interim City Clerk
City of Cambridge
That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss
accounting and reporting systems by October 1, 2026.