Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 12 04

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PPLAB Messaging for Median Landscape Renovations Spring 2024 Update The below information still applies to the median renovations, with exception that renovation areas are no longer directly impacted by fire damage. The 2024 'phase two' renovations primary objectives remain the conversion of non-functional turf, proactive removal of ash trees in poor condition and renovation of outdated/inefficient irrigation systems. Secondary objectives are for aesthetic improvements in highly traveled corridors, commercial business districts and fire adjacent areas. The exact median segments are still under determination based on available funding, staff input and public input but currently point towards finishing Via Appia near the Police Station, working on southern portions of McCaslin near Cherry and Dillon Rd east of McCaslin. Designs and pricing are still pending, but the goal is have construction by late summer and into fall. Information below initially provided August 2023. Links for more information: The most comprehensive project information is available on the City of Louisville website: httas://www.louisvilleco.eov/Home/Components/News/News/6650/ A summary of the City's approach to managing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) can be found here: httos://www.louisvilleco.gov/local-government/government/departments/parks-recreation-and-open-space/forestry-progra m/emerald-ash- borer-information The biggest question/concern we've received is: Why are mature, healthy looking trees being removed? The short answer: The removed trees were Ash species that were previously damaged and/or susceptible to future impacts by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). In addition to EAB mitigation, the Ash tree removal helped enable other project objectives including irrigation infrastructure upgrades and conversion of bluegrass turf to water wise landscaping. The loneer answer: The removed trees were Ash species which were assessed with one (or more) of the following conditions: fire damage, poor branching structure (loss of a primary leader, significant dead limbs, etc), indication of past infection by an Ash borer and/or susceptibility to future infection by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Aside from these conditions, some otherwise healthy Ash trees were proactively removed to enable other project objectives outlined below: 1) Irrigation System Upgrades for Water and Maintenance Efficiencies The existing underground irrigation infrastructure is at the end of its lifecycle and can be upgraded to improve water application efficiency and reduce on -going maintenance needs. These upgrades require significant retrenching for lateral lines which would be extremely difficult (if not impossible) to perform with mature tree roots remaining intact. In addition to construction difficulty, trenching through the Critical Root Zone of established trees would likely cause detrimental health impacts to trees remaining in place. 2) Conversion of bluegrass turf to water wise landscaping The existing median surfaces were primarily comprised of bluegrass turf which requires significant amounts of water and frequent mowing. By removing the bluegrass and replanting with a designed blend of native grasses, significant water savings are anticipated and mowing will be less frequent. For this phase of construction (88t", Via Appia, McCaslin) up to 1 million gallons of annual water savings are projected. In addition to native grasses, the medians are being planted with drought -tolerant, native and pollinator friendly shrubs and flowers. 3) Phased Diversification of the urban tree canopy 9