SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Community Forestry Capacity Grant Agreement between the city of Clearwater and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in the amount of $50,000, accept the grant for a total project value of $100,000 including required city match, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), through the Florida Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service, has awarded the city of Clearwater a Community Forestry Capacity Grant in the amount of $50,000, which requires a $50,000 city match, for a total project value of $100,000.
The grant will fund a citywide tree canopy assessment and development of an Urban Forest Management Plan (Plan). This work will analyze existing canopy coverage, identify canopy gaps and priority planting areas, and establish long-term strategies for expanding and managing Clearwater’s urban forest.
This effort is particularly important as the city works to recover tree canopy lost during recent storms and strengthen long-term resilience. Urban trees help cool neighborhoods, manage stormwater and support tourism and overall quality of life in Clearwater. A well-managed tree canopy increases property value and hence property taxes. Plantings will target areas with limited tree canopies to help ensure an expanded tree canopy across Clearwater.
This project is aligned with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Clearwater 2045, specifically Objective QP 5.7 -- Prioritize the creation of a sustainable and long-lived tree canopy on public and private properties during development or redevelopment, along with identified Policies QP 5.7.1, 5.7.2, 5.7.3, 5.7.4, and 5.7.5, as well as Policy CCM 2.2.5.
In addition to guiding future city investments, development of the Plan will help position Clearwater to pursue future urban forestry implementation grants, which require clearly defined strategies and priority projects.
The grant term runs through June 30, 2027, and funds will be reimbursed based on eligible project expenses.
The grant agreement requires the city to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and its officers, agents and employees from claims arising from the city’s performance under the agreement. It also includes standard administrative requirements such as quarterly reporting, compliance with federal procurement and subcontracting requirements, and completion of grant closeout documentation. As a governmental entity, the city’s obligations remain subject to the limitations of sovereign immunity as provided in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Revenues and expenditures associated with this grant will be accounted for in special program 181-99970, Tree Replacement Program.
The Tree Replacement Program is funded through payments made when required tree replacements cannot be accommodated on development sites. In accordance with city code, these funds are used for tree planting projects on public lands and other urban forestry enhancement projects within the city.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
• This project supports this objective by establishing a data-driven framework to assess, manage and expand Clearwater’s urban tree canopy as critical green infrastructure that contributes to stormwater management, neighborhood cooling and environmental health.
Community Well-Being
3.3 Promote marketing and outreach strategies that encourage stakeholder engagement, enhance community education, and build public trust.
• The project includes community workshops and public outreach to educate residents on the benefits of urban trees and gather input that will inform development of the Urban Forest Management Plan.
Environmental Stewardship
4.1 Support proactive climate resiliency strategies based in science to protect natural and built environments from impacts associated with sea level rise
• The tree canopy assessment will use GIS and existing environmental data to identify priority planting areas and guide strategies that strengthen Clearwater’s resilience to heat, storms and other environmental stressors.
4.3 Protect the conservation of urban forests and public green spaces to promote biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
• Development of an Urban Forest Management Plan will establish canopy goals and implementation strategies to expand and protect Clearwater’s urban forest and green spaces over the long term.