Thousands of San Francisco property owners will find themselves in the tree maintenance business now that the city has begun transferring the responsibility for more than 23,000 street trees – and their upkeep costs – to local residents.

Starting last week, homeowners across the city found notices taped to the trees outside their front doors announcing that the city’s Department of Public Works won’t be caring for the urban greenery anymore.

Read more at the SF Gate website.

 

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is seeking its first Urban Waters Federal Partnership Pilot Ambassador to be placed in Los Angeles in early 2012. This is an exceptional professional opportunity for an individual to work in a highly challenging and rewarding position.

“Ambassadors” to the pilot programs will serve as coordinators, facilitators, and reporters, providing support in both strategic planning and project/program execution. Specifically, the Urban Waters Pilot Ambassadors will:

• serve as coordinators and ensure continuity of the pilot activities;
• connect federal resources and local needs/opportunities in collaboration with the local Urban Waters Partnership
• convene meetings and conference calls;
• report on the progress, value and outcomes of the Partnership, including local success stories, barriers and best practices. Reports may take various forms including annual reporting, web updates, participation on conference calls, weekly reports to the National Coordinator, etc.

The Ambassador will work closely with the pilot location leads to

• support the success of the pilots;
• maintain momentum for efforts at pilot locations; and
• demonstrate federal commitment to the success of pilot locations.

EPA will be the lead federal agency to place the Los Angeles Ambassador, who will fill a federal temporary full time position via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Program (IPA). This position is available as a lateral assignment at the GS-12 or the GS-13 level. This temporary assignment will be for one year with the possibility of extending for a second year. The Council for Watershed Health will host the Ambassador. The reporting structure for the selected Ambassador will include the Council for Watershed Health, EPA, and the Ambassador’s permanent home organization.

The Los Angeles Ambassador will work with over 30 Partner organizations towards watershed revitalization. Responsibilities will include:

• implement, refine and update the first annual Partnership work plan,
• address project shortfalls by identifying technical expertise, opportunities for funding, and connections across partner organizations,
• coordinate meetings,
• identify opportunities to improve the Partnership by engaging with participating organizations and recruiting new partners,
• develop a Partnership communications plan.

Candidates from the Urban Waters Federal Partnership member agencies and departments will be considered. Local knowledge of the Los Angeles River Watershed is a plus. EPA will pay salary for this position. EPA cannot pay for relocation expenses. During the selection process, other options for covering these expenses will be explored in discussion with the Ambassador’s home agency.

To Learn More and To Apply:

John Kemmerer, Associate Director, Water Division, U.S. EPA, in Los Angeles is available to answer questions and provide more detail on the scope of responsibilities for this position. Federal Partnership members with candidate recommendations and/or candidates should notify Mr. Kemmerer by January 23, 2012 by phone at 213-244-1832 or Kemmerer.John@epa.gov.

 

Keep your trees healthy with proper pruning techniques taught by experienced professionals at a free public workshop.  Goleta Valley Beautiful, California ReLeaf, Santa Barbara Unified School District and the Central Coast Urban Forest Council are among the co-sponsors of a Young Tree Care Workshop on Saturday January 21st from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the San Marcos High School Cafeteria, 4750 Hollister Avenue.

 

The workshop is open to anyone who is interested in the planting and maintenance of trees in urban landscapes.  The workshop will be taught in an easy to follow format by local and state experts in tree care.   Members of the public, whether novices or those who have some experience at tree care will benefit, as well as more experienced tree care professionals looking for a refresher.  Six community service credits are available for participating students and five continuing education units are available for professionals.  Pruning public shade trees will be emphasized, with additional fruit tree pruning discussion.

 

Workshop leaders Dan Condon, Bill Spiewak, Norm Beard, George Jimenez and Ken Knight will demonstrate techniques that professionals use to care for young public trees.  Participants will get actual experience in pruning young trees on the San Marcos High School campus, with all work being done from the ground and no tree climbing involved.  A short open book exam and field practice at the end will demonstrate proficiency and ability to assist in future public young tree pruning projects in your area. There will be ample opportunities to discuss your specific questions with the speakers.

 

For more information and to download the registration form, please visit Goleta Valley Beautiful at www.goletavalleybeautiful.org