Understanding And Valuing Benicia’s Urban Forest
Jeanne Steinmann
Before the gold rush in 1850, Benicia’s hills and flats made for a rather barren landscape. In 1855, humorist George H. Derby, an army Lieutenant, is reported to have liked the people of Benicia, but not the place, as it was “not yet paradise” due to the lack of trees. The dearth of trees is also well documented through old photographs and written records. Our landscape has changed dramatically with the planting of many trees over the past 160 years. In 2004, the City began taking a serious look at the care and maintenance of our trees. An ad-hoc Tree Committee was formed and tasked with updating the existing tree ordinance. The ordinance attempted to strike a balance between private property rights and promoting a healthy urban forest, and regulate the cutting and pruning of trees on private property as well as public land.
Why do we need a healthy urban forest? Most of us plant trees to beautify our homes, for privacy and/or shade, but trees are important in other ways. To learn more about Benicia Trees Foundation and how you can help.