Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Implementation of the Parks Department's Tree Risk Management Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to increase Intrafund Transfers by $3,000,000, Salaries and Benefits by $470,000, and Services and Supplies by $2,530,000 for the implementation of the Parks Department's Tree Risk Management Program ("Program").
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BACKGROUND:
At the April 11, 2023, meeting of the Board of Supervisors ("Board"), the Parks Department's report regarding storm damage in the San Mateo County parks system was accepted by the Board.
The report detailed how the San Mateo County parks system sustained significant amounts of damage during the first quarter of 2023 due to the unprecedented levels of precipitation, wind speeds, and wind gusts experienced. Specifically, almost every park has experienced flooding, landslides, erosion, and/or falling trees causing catastrophic damage to trails, roads, picnic sites, campgrounds, parking lots, and other facilities.
Additionally, the report stated that initial assessments conducted by staff indicate there are several factors that contributed to the magnitude of damage sustained in the County's parks system. First, throughout the system, trees had been stressed by extended drought conditions, leaving many weak, susceptible to root rot, and unable to withstand the severe storms experienced. Second, the volume and frequency of precipitation received resulted in elevated ground-saturation levels for long durations of time. This reduced the ability for trees' root systems to hold in high-wind events. Third, as trees either fell or were removed to reduce threats to public safety during storm events, the remaining grove structure changed, causing some trees to be directly exposed to wind for the first time.
Based on the discussion at the Ap...
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