Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 20, 2022
Subject
SUBJECT: LA METRO TREE POLICY
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
ADOPT Metro Tree Policy (Attachment A).
Issue
ISSUE
In April 2022, the Metro Board of Directors approved a motion (#2022-0259, Creating a Metro Tree Policy Motion) to develop an agencywide Tree Policy. The Tree Policy developed here is in direct response to the intent of the Motion.
This policy clarifies and standardizes LA Metro's practices for protecting the urban canopy throughout its construction program. It also indicates our commitment to a sustainable replacement strategy where tree removal is unavoidable.
The Tree Policy also recognizes the benefits that tree canopies provide to our customers- including shade and protection from extreme heat and improved air quality. Because of the value that a healthy urban canopy provides to our riders, Metro is committed to providing high quality care and maintenance of the trees on our own properties, and to pursuing partnerships with cities and local jurisdictions to install trees to provide long-term shade along transit corridors.
Background
BACKGROUND
Since the early 2000s, Metro has been working to create a more environmentally sustainable, equitable and resilient public transportation system. Metro's commitment to climate action and resilience is included in several planning documents such as the 10-year Sustainability Strategic Plan Moving Beyond Sustainability (MBS), the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), the Customer Experience Plan, and the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Protecting, planting, and maintaining trees is a component of these plans.
Trees are a critical part of our region's green infrastructure and provide multiple benefits for our communities including improved air quality, stormwater management, shade, reduction in urban heat, carbon storage, bird and other pollinator habitat1, and reductio...
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