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Policy Development <br /> Hundreds of decisions are made in running an urban forestry program, such as how <br /> and when trees should be pruned, what species should be selected for planting, and <br /> who should pay for sidewalk damage caused by tree roots. Recently, for example, <br /> city department heads in Eugene made a policy decision regarding sidewalk tree root <br /> damage -- property owners are now responsible for repairs. <br /> Very rarely will a successful program emerge without this understanding of what <br /> and why, how and when. The time spent in planning the why's and wherefore's of an <br /> urban forestry program, of developing policies, goals, and objectives, will be paid <br /> back many times in the efficient decisions and operations that will most likely follow. <br /> At present, Eugene's urban forestry practice is crisis management. However, what is <br /> needed is both the policy and resources necessary for preventative maintenance. <br /> Education & Coordination <br /> The present Tree commission provides public education through a booth in <br /> September at the Eugene Celebration and Arbor Day events in April which involve <br /> school children in tree planting. In 1986 planting occurred at the Blue Heron Bike <br /> Bridge and Ida Patterson School, in 1987 at Roosevelt Middle School on both Hilyard <br /> and 24th streets, and in 1988 at Shasta Middle School in the Bethel area. Recent <br /> publications include Trees for Eugene, a Tree Tour Guide for the Central Eugene <br /> Area, flyers explaining tree ordinances, and Eugene's Urban Forest: A Guide to <br /> Preservation & Development. <br /> Coordination with other public agencies can ensure wise expenditures of public <br /> resources. Arbor Day events with 4J and Bethel schools are good examples. Tree <br /> planting on South Willamette Street in 1986 and on Broadway between Pearl and <br /> High in 1987 happened when a member of the city's business assistance team <br /> involved the city arborist and the abutting merchants. Coordination with EWEB, the <br /> public utility, holds future possibilities for line clearance and tree planting policies <br /> that work to the benefit of Eugene's urban forestry program. <br />