Council Communication

Tree of the Year - 2004
Meeting Date:	November 16, 2004		Primary Staff Contact:	Maria Harris, Senior Planner, 552-2045 harrism@ashland.or.us
Department:	Community Development		Secondary Staff Contact:	John McLaughlin, Director of Community Development, 552-2043 mac@ashland.or.us
Contributing Departments:
Approval:	Gino Grimaldi

Statement: The Tree Commission is pleased to announce the 2004 Tree of the Year - the Monterey Cypress - Cupressus macrocarpa - located at the corner of Scenic and Wimer at the Pedigrift Inn, 407 Scenic Drive. This giant Cypress is a native to the Monterey peninsula in California and grows into one of the largest of all cypresses. The common form of these evergreen trees is often flat topped and horizontally branched producing a rather spiky outline when planted in the open. The presence of this tree on the corner of Wimer and Scenic creates an incredible backdrop for the neighborhood.

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Background: This year marks Ashland's seventeenth Tree of the Year contest. In early October, residents identified 25 trees for consideration, and the Ashland Tree Commission narrowed the field down to five nominees. Residents voted late in October choosing from the finalists. The attached ballot was published in the Ashland Daily Tidings, posted on the City's web site, and available at City Hall and the Community Development and Public Works Building. Beginning in 2003, the Tree Commission shifted the Tree of the Year contest to the fall rather than in the spring. The purpose was twofold. First, the Tree Commission wanted to recognize trees in fall splendor. The second objective was to space publicity efforts throughout the year so that Tree of the Year is the focus of the fall and Arbor Week is the focus of the spring. The Tree Commission will dedicate a plaque at the site honoring the tree next spring during annual Arbor week events. Previous Tree of the Year Winners 2003 Pecan Tree 762 & 774 B Street 2002 Deodar Cedars Safeway 2001 Blue Atlas Cedar 391 Liberty 2000 Ginkgo Ashland Public Library 1999 Osage Orange Helman and Orange 1998 Coast Redwood 801 Ashland 1997 American Elm 6th & B S 1996 Colorado Spruce N. Main at Maple 1995 Black Oak 128 South Laurel 1994 Sequoia SOU Library 1993 Walnut Glenwood Park 1992 California Black Oak 133 Nutley 1991 Interior Oak Beach and Ashland 1990 Monkey Puzzle Tree 1 Hillcrest 1989 Tree of Heaven at the entrance to Lithia Park on the Plaza

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Council Options: Staff recommends the announcement of the 2004 Tree of the Year winner at the November 16, 2004 City Council meeting.

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Attachments: •   Tree of the Year 2004 ballot

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