Politics & Government

Marin ReLeaf Proposes Tree Project

Would bring greenery to areas in need.

The nonprofit Marin ReLeaf is proposing a public-private partnership with the city of San Rafael for a three-year tree-planting and education pilot program.

Known as the San Rafael Street Trees Project, the proposal would establish a program that would include city officials, the public works department and residents.

The proposal was included in a report from the city's Tree Advisory Committee in a special study session at city hall Tuesday.

Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under the plan, volunteers from the community would work with Marin ReLeaf to identify areas in need of trees and plant at least 50 trees over the course of the program. The organization would like to see 15 new trees planted by the end of the year.

Marin ReLeaf initially would monitor and care for the trees but the city would become responsible for them at the close of the pilot program. The organization, which has planted 15,000 trees in Marin, wants to recruit and train 10 volunteers by the end of 2010. It also would provide an educational element to increase neighborhood appreciation for the aesthetic and environmental benefits of trees in urban areas.

Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Property owners or designated tree stewards would take care of watering, pruning and fertilizing trees that have been planted.

John Tune, the city's parks superintendent, said it is probably not realistic to think any program could get started as soon as ReLeaf would like. He thinks it would take a year or two to go through the proper procedures.

"It's a good idea and it just needs to be walked through the process a little longer," Tune said.

Deputy City Manager Nancy Mackle, said the city does not have money to fund such a program but views the proposal a a good road map for what may be done in the future.

"We are in fiscal crisis and we don't have the money for innovative programs right now," Mackle said.

 

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here