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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Derek Wing, Communications Manager
dwing@redmond.gov, 425-556-5844
City of Redmond Demonstrates Leadership and Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan Unveiled
REDMOND, WA - The City of Redmond is proud to announce the launch of its Climate Resiliency and Sustainable Vegetation Management Plan. This comprehensive initiative, developed in response to community input and guided by the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan and the Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture, and Conservation (PARCC) Plan, affirms Redmond's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The vegetation management plan aims to position Redmond as a leader in implementing best practices for managing vegetation across public property, including right-of-way, parks and trails, city facilities, street trees, waterways, and the overall tree canopy. By prioritizing healthy, natural spaces, the City seeks to enhance climate resiliency and adapt to climate impacts in the region.
"Healthy vegetation is vital to the well-being of our community and the environment," said Mayor Angela Birney. "With the Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Vegetation Management Plan, we are taking proactive steps to protect our natural resources, mitigate climate change impacts, and create a more sustainable future for Redmond."
The plan outlines several key strategies to increase climate resiliency through vegetation management:
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Development of understory plantings: These initiatives aim to enrich soil, reduce erosion, regulate temperature and humidity, and foster a sustainable environment for native tree saplings.
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Increase tree canopy: By expanding tree coverage, the City will mitigate ground temperature, disperse rainfall, combat the urban heat island effect, support wildlife diversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Creation and maintenance of roadside meadows: Redmond will establish roadside meadows to support pollinators and wildlife, promote biodiversity, and minimize reliance on chemicals and mowing.
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Growth of pollinator gardens: These gardens will reduce pesticide use, decrease stormwater runoff, and provide essential habitat for native insects and pollinators crucial to ecosystem health and food production.
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Development of naturalized meadows: Redmond will prioritize the establishment of naturalized meadows to store carbon in the soil, reduce irrigation needs through native plant use, and minimize emissions from maintenance activities.
The Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan, developed through extensive community engagement, has been in progress since August 2023 and was finalized in March 2024. Implementation began this spring with the identification of areas for naturalization testing. Signage will designate testing areas, and subsequent steps will advance the plan's goals each season.
For more information about the Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan, visit redmond.gov/VegetationManagement.
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