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<br />18 <br /> <br />A. Community Forestry Objectives <br />Education is an integral and primary element of a city’s urban forest. Education tempers the use of <br />regulations by empowering citizens. The City believes citizens will act responsibly if given the <br />information they need to make sound decisions. <br /> <br />Distinct educational strategies can be developed to reach a wide range of affected people, <br />including the general public, the development community (property owners, architects, realtors, <br />investors, builders, and contractors), public agencies, and educational institutions. The common <br />factor in educating these groups is to provide them with information about how proper tree <br />planting, maintenance, and protection can contribute to and enrich the quality of life. <br /> <br />Additionally, awareness will be raised surrounding benefits of trees and the urban forest as a <br />whole. Information circulation places trees and their care in front of the public and allows them to <br />learn, understand, and relate to the City’s forest management program. Additionally, public tree <br />and community forest knowledge is raised, either through the Tree City USA celebrations, city <br />social media, presentations, press releases, handouts, or conversations, raising the tree <br />awareness of citizens will have a significant positive affect on the community forest at large. <br /> <br />B. Public Relations <br />There are several effective methods available for raising the awareness of citizens in <br />terms of tree care. Many citizens are unaware that there are resources for information regarding <br />proper tree selection, planting, and maintenance. As funding is available, the City will make efforts <br />to employ the following methods to educate its citizens and its staff. <br /> <br />1. Direct Public Relations are practiced when any city employee discusses tree care or <br />tree issues with members of the public. Employees who have primary contact with the <br />public concerning urban forest management issues will be trained to answer questions <br />properly. Staff will carry International Society of Arboriculture handouts describing <br />common tree issues and proper practices that can be easily distributed. Staff will also <br />participate in regional tree related activities. <br /> <br />2. Indirect Public Relations are no less important than direct public relations and can often <br />reach a larger audience. The City will provide news releases when appropriate, hold <br />Arbor Day events, provide exhibits in local fairs, and provide educational programs and <br />material to schools. City social media will be the primary platform to disseminate <br />information on urban forestry. <br /> <br />C. Distribution of Education Material <br />The City will make efforts to develop and provide education material to be used as handouts, <br />displays, and web-based resources. The City will develop an approach to educating its citizens <br />and provide some of the following education material: flyers, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, <br />maps, and informational signs. Materials will be developed into infographics, diagrams, and visual <br />representations where applicable to best convey messaging. In addition, the City will develop a <br />section dedicated to the Urban Forest Management program on its website which will include links <br />to educational materials, contact information and general tree care information. <br /> <br /> <br />Section 8: Education and <br />Community Outreach