Executive Director’s Report December 2021

Federal Policy Update –

The Biden Administration is tackling the climate crisis at home and abroad and has created a government-wide “Justice40 Initiative.”  The FS is integrating this into their UF programs. Trying to determine what this means for us is being thought through. Essentially, it is much like our efforts on our CAL FIRE projects in disadvantaged communities.

December Update: I have attached the Sustainable Urban Forests Council “Listening Session” presentation.  It has a good overview of where things are in DC right now. Have a look!

Forest Service Regional Update – Miranda Hutten will be returning to her post soon.

Forest Service Funding – I submitted a revised approach to Miranda Hutten and Walter Passmore, CAL FIRE Urban Forester, to increase our annual Forest Service grant budget to include for visible outreach and education about “no net canopy loss” and “trees, the simple solution”.  I collaborated with California ReLeaf on how we would work together to create the campaign and what partners we would include.  Both organizations increased our annual ask by $500,000!  Feel free to ask me what’s included!

December Update: After this effort, we were informed that the funding is up in the air now.  We should know soon what the situation is.  I have built-out multiple versions in the event that the funding is less than originally thought.

Forest Service Research – December update: Attended the quarterly meeting of the Oversight Committee for the LA Center for Urban Natural Resources Sustainability.  Discussion surrounded the next round of research Fellowships, plans for 2022, new Committee members, etc.

Cal Fire – All three of our grant submittals have been invited back for final proposals.  I am working with A Plus Tree Care, Davey Resources, and West Coast Arborists on these three submittals, along with WCISA and the Britton Fund.

December Update: All final proposals have been submitted. Fingers crossed!

State Policy & Advocacy  –

We are working out our approach for the new legislative session.  We will be working with Senator Caballeros’ office again on new legislation essentially called Trees as Infrastructure.  Big lift.  I have a call with Pacific Policy Group on Monday to discuss 2022 strategy.