Encinitas Urban Forestry Program Survey

The City of Encinitas wants your input on taking care of our urban forest. The City's urban forest is made up of trees growing on private property, along City streets, and in parks. Encinitas is in the process of refining its Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), which guides the City and tree care professionals to proactively and effectively manage our trees. The success of the UFMP relies on the public's input.

The goal of the program is to help guide the planting, care, protection, and sustainability of the City's urban trees. To ensure this program considers and incorporates resident priorities, the following survey is provided for your voice to be heard. We want to know where focus should be placed as the program is continually improved.

We want to know what you know and how you feel about trees in the City of Encinitas. We also want your input on the value of a vigorous and engaged urban forestry program in meeting the City's commitment to sustain a healthy urban forest.

Your feedback will remain anonymous, and findings will only be reported in group form. All survey responses collected will be stored securely and confidentially. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you may stop the survey at any time, without any negative consequence to the survey. However, completed surveys are most helpful to us in shaping the UFMP.

We appreciate you taking part in this important process.

For additional information regarding this first step toward improving the City's Urban Forest Management Program, please contact City Arborist Chris Kallstrand at ckallstrand@dudek.com.

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* 1. Do you live in the City of Encinitas?

Yes

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* 2. If you selected “Yes,” please tell us which neighborhood you live in:

Old Encinitas

New Encinitas

Olivenhain

Leucadia

Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

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* 3. If you selected “No,” please tell us your connection with the City (business owner, frequent visitor, etc.):

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* 4. How would you rate your knowledge about trees and the urban forest?

Substantial knowledge (understand tree ecology and care)

Some knowledge (generally understand tree benefits and their care)

Almost no knowledge

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* 5. Trees are considered green infrastructure. How important do you think trees are as part of the City's overall infrastructure (along with streets, sidewalks, sewer, lighting, etc.)?

Trees are equally important as other infrastructure

Trees are almost as important as other infrastructure

Trees are not as important as other infrastructure

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* 6. How important is it to protect and sustain trees during construction?

Very important

Important

Not important

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* 7. Which of the following best describes your feelings about preserving mature trees when they are in conflict with development (City and private trees)?

The City should prioritize preserving trees over development.

Measures should be in place to protect and preserve trees, but not inhibit development.

The City should prioritize development over tree protection and preservation.

Property owners should be allowed to remove trees from their property without City oversight.

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* 8. Are you aware that the City has urban forest policies and ordinances?

Yes

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* 9. Did you know that there are City staff and contractors dedicated to maintaining trees on City-owned properties, such as parks, parkways, and medians?

Yes

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* 10. How well do you think the City's trees are currently being managed?

Very well – trees are in great condition

Acceptably – the trees are ok but management could be improved

Poorly – trees are not being maintained well enough

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* 11. Please select the most important benefits of trees to you.

Air quality (pollution absorption and oxygen creation)

Climate change (carbon storage/greenhouse gas reductions)

Aesthetics (appearance)

Noise reduction/deflection

Increased property value

Community enhancements

Wildlife habitat (food, cover)

Energy conservation (lower energy bills)

Water quality improvement (reduction of erosion and runoff)

Shade

Human health

Other (please specify)

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* 12. Please select the most important threats facing trees in your neighborhood (City).

Drought

Insect pests

Disease

Development/land use change (e.g., injury or removal during development)

Lack of care/investment

Harsh urban growing environment

Conflicts with other infrastructure

Unpermitted pruning

Vandalism

Lack of planting

Aging forest

Other (please specify)

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* 13. Please select the most important tree problems in your neighborhood.

Sidewalk cracking and displacement

Obstructing traffic, sidewalks, signs, or street lights

Safety issues from tree and limb failures

Tree roots and underground pipe problems

Blocked views

Difficulty of tree removal for development

Restrictions on property use

Water requirements

Litter, leaves, and fruits

Pollen allergies

Tree pests and diseases

Cost to maintain and/or remove

Other (please specify)

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* 14. What is your opinion regarding the number of trees along streets in your neighborhood?

There are not enough trees

The number of trees is about right

There are too many trees

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* 15. What is your opinion regarding the number of trees in City parks in your neighborhood?

There are not enough trees

The number of trees is about right

There are too many trees

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* 16. In your neighborhood, where do you think more trees should be planted (if anywhere)? Please identify the street or area where trees are needed.

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* 17. Which public outreach or communications methods do you prefer to stay informed about urban forestry issues in the City (select all that apply)?

New policies to promote tree management

Being allowed to plant and care for new trees in the public right-of-way when trees die, subject to City policies

Increasing the City's tree management budget

A City-developed, formal citizen educational outreach program

Incentive programs to encourage tree planting on private property

Additional fees, fines, or taxes to fund tree management

A long-term Urban Forestry Management Plan with clear vision and detailed goals

Sufficient City urban forest management personnel

I don’t know

Other (please specify)

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* 18. Which public outreach or communications methods do you prefer to stay informed about urban forestry issues in the City (select all that apply)?

City newsletter

City website

Posters, notices in utility bills

City's Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram or other social media

Webinars/online presentations

No opinion

Other (please specify)

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* 19. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns regarding the City's tree program?

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* 20. Would you like to receive additional information and/or help with Arbor Day? If so, please provide an email.

Thank you for participating in this survey about the City's Urban Forest Management Program. If you have questions about this survey or the City's Urban Forest Management Program, please contact City Arborist Chris Kallstrand at ckallstrand@dudek.com.