Conversation with Eric Oldar

Current Position? CDF – State Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator (10 years) – Retired

What is/was your relationship to ReLeaf?

Provided yearly State funding support to underwrite CA ReLeaf; funding of personnel, defining scope of work to be accomplished under the contract and providing funding for pass through grants administered by CA ReLeaf to the ReLeaf network on behalf of CDF.

What did/does California ReLeaf mean to you?

CA ReLeaf lifted a great burden off my shoulders as State Coordinator providing for the needs of a growing network of local NGO’s focused on community tree issues; planting programs, educational outreach and networking.

Best memory or event of California ReLeaf?

No single event stands out, but rather the hard work and dedication of ReLeaf’s early organizational staff for meeting the needs and for growing a statewide network that made ReLeaf the envy of many other states engaged in urban forestry work nationally. They worked hard with the bare bones budgeting provided by our contract.

Why is it important that California ReLeaf continue its Mission?

The current operational relationship that ReLeaf has with CaUFC and CALFIRE makes for a unique collaborative partnership unlike most other urban forestry programs nationwide. This            partnership allows California to grow its Urban Forestry program by engaging and allowing citizens to make a difference in their local communities and at the same time bringing the political strength of the statewide network to foster greater funding and benefits to California’s community forestry issues.