To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
SUBJECT:
title
9:05 a.m. - Tree Risk Assessment for Humboldt Bay Trail South Project
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors receives a report regarding a tree risk assessment performed for the Humboldt Bay Trail South Project; and provides direction whether to obtain a second assessment.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Bicycles & Trailways Program (1710715)
DISCUSSION:
On July 31, 2018, the Board of Supervisors approved and authorized Resolution No. 18-79 adopting the Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Humboldt Bay Trail South Project (“Project”) for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The Project includes the proposed removal of the northern group of mature eucalyptus trees along Highway 101 situated north of the California Redwood Company former mill site due to the safety hazard for future trail users. In addition to approving Resolution No. 18-79, the Board directed Public Works to retain two (2) certified arborists to perform tree risk assessments of the project area. At the meeting, Public Works estimated that each assessment would cost approximately $10,000.
Public Works developed a scope of work and contacted several consulting arborists from around the State. Due to the specialized training and certification required for performing tree risk assessments, the number of qualified consultants is limited and substantial travel costs are unavoidable. Public Works received a cost proposal from the consulting arborist Dryad, LLC for $12,000 to perform the work. Public Works was able to confirm available funding in the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget to initiate this work and executed a contract with Dryad on August 24, 2018. A copy of the final report is attached. Mr. Torrey Young, Registered Consulting Arborist with Dryad, will attend the meeting to discuss the results of his assessment.
Public Works recommends that the Board receive Dryad’s tree risk assessment report and provide direction to staff as appropriate. Because the estimated cost for the assessments is higher than the amount discussed at the July 31, 2018 Board meeting, Public Works seeks direction from the Board whether to proceed with a second assessment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost for the tree risk assessment performed by Dryad was $12,000. The cost for Dryad’s assessment will be funded from discretionary funds within the Bicycles & Trailways Program budget unit. This cost is not reimbursable because the State funding for the preliminary engineering and environmental study phase of the Project ended on August 31, 2018. The cost for a second assessment is likely to be $12,000 to $15,000. The cost for a second assessment, if desired by the Board, is likely reimbursable with State funds because the California Transportation Commission is expected to approve funding for the detailed engineering phase of the Project and authorize expenditures starting in November 2018. The budget for the detailed engineering phase would need to be modified because the cost of a tree risk assessment was not anticipated.
Taking action on this recommendation will support the Board’s Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure and creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Transportation
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion
ATTACHMENTS:
Tree Risk Assessment Report (October 8, 2018)
Tree Risk Assessment Attachments (October 8, 2018)
Scope of Work for Tree Risk Assessment
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: F-1
Meeting of: July 31, 2018