On Monday evening, the Palo Alto City Council will consider a new Tree Protection Ordinance.

Join us and speak at the Palo Alto City Council Zoom meeting this Monday 10/18 after 7:00pm (Agenda Item 13) , or email City Council, to show your support for the Tree Protection Ordinance as recommended by the Policy and Services Committee, and ask Council to ensure the ordinance achieves Goal 2 of the Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan, “Re-generated native woodland and riparian landscapes as the key ecological basis of the urban forest with focus on native species and habitat.”

The proposed ordinance would address tree protection and replacement for both private and public land, which is critical for tree canopy as well as for birds and nature. We are asking Council to include a list of acceptable replacement tree species, primarily native trees, that support biodiversity and prevent an influx of non-native trees. Visit Bay Nature to learn more about the importance of rewilding our cities and protecting our trees.

For a sample public comment, see below:

Hello Mayor DuBois and Palo Alto Council Members,
My name is Blank and I am a Palo Alto resident/community member.
Development pressures and drought conditions in the region have resulted in the loss of trees and canopy, with an associated toll on the myriad health, wellness, habitat, climate and air quality benefits that trees and canopy provide.
I support the Tree Protection Ordinance as recommended by the Policy and Services Committee, and ask Council to improve these recommendations by providing a list of acceptable replacement tree species, primarily native trees, that support biodiversity and prevent an influx of non-native trees.
This will help Palo Alto achieve Goal 2 of the Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan, “Re-generated native woodland and riparian landscapes as the key ecological basis of the urban forest with focus on native species and habitat”.
Over time, this mitigation framework should allow Palo Alto to lead the region in rewilding the city, to regenerate an ecologically resilient community, and to support birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and other wildlife.
This approach should also help advance and implement the Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (Natural Environment Element), the Urban Forest Master Plan, and the City’s Climate Action Plan.
Thank you for your consideration and for taking a step forward to protect our trees and canopy.

Additional Details:
Zoom Link to join City Council Meeting and Give Public Comment
Agenda: see Item 13

Thank you and we hope to see you there!