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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br /> 1.0 INTRODUCTION <br /> The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (VPB) <br /> contracted with ACRT, Inc., Urban Forestry Consultants, to <br /> perform a comprehensive review and analysis of their <br /> management and operation of the street tree maintenance and <br /> planting programs including policies and procedures. A <br /> statistically significant 10 percent sample survey of street <br /> tree conditions and work needs was a key informational <br /> component of this study and the resulting recommendations. <br /> The survey was performed by VPB personnel under the guidance <br /> of ACRT, Inc: in Fall 1988. <br /> Other background data for this preliminary phase plan was <br /> - gathered from August 1988 through March. 1989 by a coordinated <br /> effort with VPB staff. _ - <br /> The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the <br /> current VPB Arboriculture program and make recommendations for <br /> modifications, additions and improvements to current policies <br /> ... - and operations. : ,. , ,. <br /> '. -This preliminary, study` was taken .to_. identify the <br /> order of magnitude of service .levels . and resource <br /> requirements. <br /> A final street. tree managemen_ t. plan will be prepared when <br /> :the preliminary.plan has•received public review and a complete <br /> . street tree inventory.. has been undertaken. <br /> 2.0-• NECESSITY FOR A STREET TREE MANAGEMENT STUDY <br /> The VPB undertook this detailed study of the city's <br /> • street tree program for these primary reasons: <br /> * A desire to respond to the citizens of Vancouver in a more <br /> proactive and positive manner regarding street tree planting <br /> and maintenance. The VPB recognized the current program could <br /> be improved to better meet the expectations of the citizens. <br /> * VPB wanted to compare the existing policies with those of <br /> other municipalities and jurisdictions; and <br /> * There was a desire to compare administrative and field <br /> practices with industry standards. <br /> * Most major progressive municipalities in North America utilize <br /> computerized tree inventory systems for day to day street tree <br /> management. VPB wanted to investigate that option as a <br /> potential management tool to enhance their productivity, <br /> effectiveness and responsiveness. <br /> -1- <br />