Introduction
Environmental issues are a high priority in all
communities. Mitchell is no different. Being a Tree City, this
community has already taken a step toward creating a healthier, more
beautiful environment. Currently, Mitchell follows a tree care
ordinance and has a community forestry program with a budget of at least $2
per capita. This section will provide information and strategy
suggestions for continuing improvement of environmental issues.
Tree City
The Tree City approach to environmental issues includes a
number of special projects that will help the community earn Tree City USA
Growth Awards. These projects are individualized and will build upon
programs and policies that are already in place. These programs may
find funding from the Tree City program, but will also need to find funding
from the city.
Goal:
Maintain and expand the idea of a Tree City to improve the
overall quality of the environment.
Recommendations
- Maintain and follow the Tree Care Ordinance
- Maintain the community forestry program
- Develop Long-Range Planting and Maintenance Plan and
budget
- Implement a hazard tree assessment and action program
- Implement a biomass recycling program
- Educational program to eliminate tree damage
- Take a tree inventory and analysis
- Public utility tree care
- Improve street-tree planting program
- Advance Tree City focus by implementing an Urban
Forestry Plan that will include:
- Tree inventory and analysis
- Long-range Planting and Maintenance plan and budget
Urban Forestry Plan
The Urban Forestry Program approach would require the
community to develop a long-range plan of action. This plan, instead
of a number of specialized projects, will help the community set forth and
achieve goals that pertain specifically to the environment. A list of
contacts that can help develop this program can be found in the appendices.
Goal:
Develop an Urban Forestry Plan to improve and regulate
the quality of the environment.
Recommendations
- Contact someone who would be able to develop an Urban
Forestry Plan for your community (a list is provided with a couple
options).
- Determine the amount of funding necessary for this
plan
- Fundraise for the development of the plan
- Continue to follow and update the plan regularly
Drainage
Goal
Improve
drainage quality Recommendations
- Develop a program that rewards local businesses for
taking actions that deal with storm water runoff in parking lots
- Reward local business owners for utilizing retention
or detention ponds that reduce the amount of storm water runoff in
parking lots
- Implement a policy that limits the amount of runoff
new structures are allowed to produce
- Develop the open drainage on SR 37 as a biofilter
- Develop a system of natural features along SR 37 to
allow retention, infiltration, and filtration of storm water runoff
Energy Conservation
Goal
Provide energy conservation methods to improve the overall quality of the
environment. Recommendations
- Educate the public on the cost-effectiveness of
energy conservation methods such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) light
bulbs and better insulation
- Policy making to encourage energy efficient housing
in new homes or for rehabilitating homes
- Use LED light bulbs throughout the city to cut down
on energy usage
Youth
Involvement
Goal
Incorporate
youth activities into environmental improvements to produce more mature
young-adults and a cleaner environment. Recommendations
- Adopt a tree-planting program, incorporating the
"Tree City" ideals. The program can involve all grade levels in
the Mitchell School system. Schools can utilize this idea to
increase the number of extra-curricular activities and encourage
environmentally-conscious young adults
- Adopt a youth clean-up and recycling program.
Schools or a local children's organization, like a YMCA, should utilize
this program to diversify extra-curricular activities.
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