AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-38R, approving a Professional Services Agreement with Davey Resource Group to conduct a citywide tree inventory and canopy study, for the development of an Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Management Plan, in an amount not to exceed $635,085.00 paid from federal grant and developer funded tree fee in lieu mitigation funds; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: March 3, 2026
Department: Parks and Recreation Department - Jamie Lee Case, Director
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $635,085
Account Number: 12058369.53157
Funds Available: $635,085
Account Name: Tree Mitigation
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Click or tap here to enter text.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Quality of Life & Sense of Place
Environmental Protection
Public Safety, Core Services & Fiscal Excellence
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Arts and Culture - Choose an item.
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☒ Environment & Resource Protection - ENV-1: Protect, restore, and conserve open spaces and natural systems (particularly waterways, floodplains, watersheds, karst, and recharge features) as growth and development occur
☐ Housing + Neighborhoods - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use + Community Design and Character - Choose an item.
☒ Parks & Public Spaces + Health, Safety & Wellness - PPS-2: Ensure stewardship of the rivers aquifers, and other sensitive lands and natural resources while providing outdoor recreation opportunities
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
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Background Information:
The City of San Marcos was awarded a USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act reimbursable grant. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service received a historic $1.5 billion to its Urban and Community Forestry program to support tree-planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities.
On June 26, 2025, the City received five (5) proposals in response to RFP #2025-067 for Urban Forestry Strategic Management Plan and Tree Inventory. A City-staffed evaluation team reviewed all submissions and determined Davey Resource Group, Inc., with a headquarters office located in Kent, Ohio, to be the most qualified and best value to the City. After considerable negotiation, the City reached agreement on scope of services, deliverables, and terms and conditions with Davey Resource Group. The resulting contract, once approved, will commence upon the date of the last fully executed signature and will continue up to, and no later than, April 30, 2028.
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks approval to enter into a contract with Davey Resource Group to conduct a citywide tree inventory and canopy study. This work will support the development of a comprehensive Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Management Plan. The total contract amount is $635,085, partially offset by a $299,722 the grant. Currently, the City does not have a Urban Forest Strategic Plan, public tree ordinance, and has limited staff resources (one Urban Forester). As tree mortality increases due to impacts by environmental and extreme weather stressors, pests or disease we risk losing tree canopy, which can lead to hotter temperatures, increased flooding, and reduced quality of life. This plan will help us preserve existing trees and plant new ones where they’re needed most.
• This initiative aligns with Texas State Forest Action Plan, the National 10-Year Forest Management Plan, and and VisionSMTX goals and actions:
o Goal PPS-2: Ensure stewardship of the rivers, aquifers, and other sensitive lands and natural resources while providing outdoor recreation opportunities.
o Action PPS-2.2 Create an Urban Forest Management Plan to protect and enhance the city’s tree canopy.
o Goal ENV-1: Protect, restore, and conserve open spaces and natural systems (particularly waterways, floodplains, watersheds, karst, and recharge features) as growth and development occur.
o Action: ENV-1.6 Enforce the preservation of trees and native habitats
Purpose & Goals
San Marcos is experiencing rapid growth as part of one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. This expansion places significant pressure on our urban forest to keep pace with ideal targets for our population. Our current tree canopy coverage is estimated at 22%, which is below the ideal target of 30%. Having a Strategic Management Plan will assist the Urban Forester best align planting and mitigation efforts across the community.
The Strategic Management Plan will:
• Develop an Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Management Plan to guide long-term policy and operations.
• Complete a citywide tree inventory and assess canopy at risk.
• Identify potential planting locations to increase canopy coverage.
• Engage stakeholders and conduct community outreach to ensure equitable participation.
• Inform policy decisions, including adoption of a Public Tree Ordinance to achieve Tree City USA designation.
• Align with state and national forestry plans
• Increase readiness for storms, climate impacts, and invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer.
Benefits of Developing the Plan
• Protect and expand tree canopy to improve public health, climate resilience, and quality of life.
• Provide a data-driven plan to guide future development and environmental stewardship.
• Foster community engagement and education.
• Position the City to leverage additional funding opportunities for urban forestry.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the contract with Davey Resource Group for $635,085 to conduct the tree inventory and canopy study and develop the Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Management Plan.