HomeMy WebLinkAbout_ 4.6(b)--Resolution for Arbor Day and Recognizing Tree City U.S.A. Award GI �" Y C� F
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REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: April 21, 2026 FROM: Travis Menne, Director of
ITEM NO. 4.6(b} Community Services/Airports
***APPROVED BY***
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tmenne@cityofredding.org wtarbox@cityofredding.gov
SUBJECT: 4.6(b)--Adopt Resolution for Arbor Day and Recognizing the Tree City U.S.A.
Award
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution proclaiming Friday, April 24, 2026, as Community Tree Planting Day,
otherwise known as Arbor➢ay, in the City of Redding; and recognizing the City of Redding's
Community Services Department - Parks Division for receiving the Ti^ee City U.S.A. Award
and/or the City of Redding Electric Utility for receiving the T�ee Line U.S.A. Utility Awa�d.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
Alternatzve Action
The City Council could decline to adopt the resolution proclaiming Friday, Apri1 24, 2026, as
Tree Planting Day and not recognize the Ti^ee City U.S.A. Award and/or the Tree Line U.S.A.
Utility Awa�d and provide staff with alternate direction.
Background/Analysis
On January 4, 1872, J�. Sterling Morton, Secretary of the Nebraska Territory and tree enthusiast,
proposed a tree planting holiday called "Arbor Day" at a meeting of the State Board of
Agriculture to spread his message of the value of trees. Arbor Day was officially proclaimed in
1874 by Nebraska's Governor, Robert W. Furnas, and eventually became a legal state holiday.
By 1920, more than 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day by planting trees, and
children across the nation were learning about the importanee of trees in schools. Today, Arbor
Day is celebrated in a1150 states.
Report to Redding City Council Apri116, 2026
Re: 4.6(b)--Resolution forArbor Day and Recognizing Tree City U.S.A.Award Page 2
On March 3, 2026, City of Redding (City) was notified by the California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection that it is the recipient of two awards from the Arbor Day Foundation. The
Community Services Department — Parks Division received the Tree City USA Award for
demonstrating a high level of commitment to tree care and community engagement during the
2025 calendar year. This marks the Parks Division's 45th consecutive year receiving this
recognition. Redding Electric Utility (REU) also received the Tree Line USA Utility Award for
the 31 st time. This award recognizes public and private utilities that demonstrate best practices in
protecting and enhancing urban forests while maintaining reliable utility service.
In 2026, the City's Parks Division will continue to embrace the spirit of Arbor Day through its
ongoing tree-planting program. Trees wi11 be planted in open space areas near the City's walking
and biking trails, including locations within Landscape Maintenance Districts. One such area is
Salt Creek Heights, where 19 new trees will be planted as new units are added to the subdivision.
The program will also include planting and maintaining replacement trees associated with
current and upcoming construction projects, such as the new Dignity Health Cancer Center,
which will result in the planting of 63 replacement native shade trees.
Continued efforts will also focus on maintaining trees planted through the Re-Grow Redding and
Northeast Crossing Trail projects, as well as expanding tree planting and maintenance
throughout Redding City parks. Additionally, the Parks Division will host a booth at the local
Earth Day event on April 18, 2026, at Caldwell Park, where staff wi11 distribute informational
brochures and provide guidance on proper pruning techniques for both young and mature trees.
REU will continue promoting the coexistence of trees and utility lines through communication,
education, and training.
While many holidays commemorate events of the past, Arbor Day represents an investment in
the future. Planting trees provides numerous long-term benefits, including cleaner air and water,
cooling shade, wildlife habitat, healthier communities, and natural beauty. Through this program,
the Community Services Department — Parks Division fosters environmental stewardship and
civic engagement, supporting a sustainable and thriving urban landscape that will benefit present
and future generations.
Envir�onmental Review
This is not a project defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and no further
action is required.
Council Priority/City Manager Goals
� Budget and Financial Management — "Achieve balanced and stable 10-year Financial
Plans for all funds."
� Government of the 21st Century — `Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and
challenges of today's residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better
decisions today."
• Economic Development — "Facilitate and become a catalyst for economic development
in Redding to create jobs, retain current businesses and attract new ones, and encourage
investment in the eommunity."
Attachments
Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
A RESOLUTION OF THE REDDING CITY COUNCIL DECLARING
APRIL 24, 2026, AS COMMUlVITY TREE PLANTING DAY,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ARBOR DAY, AND RECOGNIZING THE
TREE CITY U.S.A. AWARD
WHEREAS, in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a
special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and
WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating
and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat
for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than one million trees in
Nebraska; and
WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood to build our homes, fuel for
our fires, and countless other wood products and by-products; and
WHEREAS,trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business
areas, and beautify our community; and
WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and
WHEREAS, the City of Redding has been recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. by the National
Arbor Day Foundation for the forty-fifth consecutive year, and desires to continue its tree-planting
activities;
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Redding hereby:
l. Proclaims April 24, 2026, as Community Tree Planting Day, otherwise known as Arbor
Day.
2. Recognizes the Tree City U.S.A. Award.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council encourages a11 citizens residing within
the city limits of the City of Redding to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands,
support our City's Urban Forestry Program, and plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the
well-being of present and future generations.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the
City Council of the City of Redding on the 21 st day of April, 2026, and was duly adopted at said
meeting by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBER:
MIKE LITTAU, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
SHARLENE TIPTON, City Clerk BENJAMIN L. STOCK
Interim City Attorney