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<br />e <br /> <br />presentations on environmental issues to children in the public schools. He <br />emphasized the need for balanced information in our community on all <br />environmental issues and pointed out that within any urban area, trees <br />provide an array of aesthetic, ecological, and economic values. It is the <br />hope of the Tree Commission that community interest in trees can be fostered <br />through a public education program. <br /> <br />Mr. Alijian gave a slide presentation on Eugene's urban forest. He noted <br />that plant diversity and tree compatibility are critical aspects of any <br />healthy urban forest. Mr. Alijian stressed the importance of proper pruning <br />to the structural preservation of trees and spoke about the aesthetic <br />benefits of street trees and planting strips. He pointed out the importance <br />of having a comprehensive tree inventory which could provide the City with an <br />accurate assessment of the composition and health of its urban forest. A <br />management plan based on an analysis of the tree's inventory facilitates a <br />proactive maintenance program, rather than a crisis-response approach. Mr. <br />Alijian stressed that the concepts of urban growth and a well-managed urban <br />forest are not mutually exclusive. <br /> <br />Mary Bentsen spoke about the City's need for a comprehensive tree master <br />plan. Such a plan would set forth clear City guidelines for tree management <br />and would help further communication and cooperation between City departments <br />on the maintenance and preservation of our existing tree resources. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Jenny Sirnio discussed the importance of historic and special trees to <br />Eugene. The commission ranked historic preservation as very important in its <br />work plan discussions because of the significant contribution historic trees <br />can make to Eugene's heritage. Ms. 5irnio emphasized the importance of <br />having a tree inventory within the City in order to preserve Eugene's <br />historic trees. <br /> <br />Mr. Lum gave a presentation on Eugene Water and Electric Board's (EWEB) <br />involvement in the promotion of Eugene's urban forest. He said that EWEB has <br />recently recognized the value that an urban forest can have in the City and <br />is currently taking steps through employee education and increased <br />communication to ensure the management of a healthy urban forest. <br /> <br />Ms. Bentsen presented Councilor Bascom with a plaque in recognition of her <br />dedication to the promotion of environmental issues within our community. <br /> <br />Mr. Boles said that he supports the concept of a tree master plan, but noted <br />that an extensive tree inventory would take some time. In light of existing <br />controversy within the community surrounding tree preservation, he asked for <br />suggestions from the commission on actions the council could take in advance <br />of a master plan to assist in urban forest preservation and management. Mr. <br />Alijian stressed the importance of communication between City departments on <br />the issues of tree cutting to prevent unnecessary eradication of our existing <br />tree resources. <br /> <br />Responding to a question from Mr. Holmer regarding the estimated cost of <br />constructing and maintaining a tree inventory, Mr. Alijian said that there <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />April 18, 1990 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br />