On Thursday, August 12, 2010, the U Street Neighborhood Association held its regular meeting at Source, 1835 14th Street, NW. 

 

Topics included discussion on the Arts District branding effort, and the U Street Neighborhood Association Holiday party.

The blog Greater Greater Washington posted an article recently entitled “Street tree care: How can it improve?”  In it, Geoff Hatchard covered the struggles associated with working to both expand the urban tree canopy with new trees and ensure existing trees are maintained through their maturity.  His proposed solutions included planting fewer trees so more money can be put into watering, as well as better engaging residents in maintaining the trees near their homes.

 

In response to this posting, DDOT has posted an informative response on their blog, d.dish, which outlines the responsibilities of DDOT for street trees and steps they are taking to improve street tree care and the relationship between the public and DDOT.

 

DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA), responsible for managing the city’s street trees, agrees with Mr. Hatchard’s overall assessment and would like to take this opportunity to explain how street tree maintenance works and explore ways that it could be improved.

 

As part of a new effort to break down bureaucratic walls and establish a stronger relationship with the public that better reflects the passion, energy and expertise of our staff, the Urban Forestry Administration will soon operate publicly under the name d.Trees (DDOT Trees).

New technology platforms, a revamped Canopy Keepers tree adoption program, innovative community grant funding and targeted outreach to engage underserved communities are all part of this new d.Trees effort to build a stronger community of residents, businesses and local non-profits that water, plant, and keep an eye on trees.  In a tree box, there is only room for one tree, whether it is fifty inches in circumference or two.  Our goal is to keep those 50 inch trees around as long as possible.  To achieve that goal, we need all hands on deck.