LTC 321 - 2024 G.O. Bond Beachwalk Reforestation OverviewMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC#LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter,City Manager ~~
July 26,2024
G.0.Bond Beachwalk Reforestation Overview
I am pleased to share that the Environment &Sustainability Department will be implementing the
next G.O.Bond reforestation project this summer along the Beachwalk.This Letter to Commission
{LTC)provides an overview of project details and next steps.
The Beachwalk Reforestation effort aims to enhance one of the
City's most recognized assets by creating shade to help reduce
the effects of extreme heat for this pedestrian and cyclist
mobility corridor that is part of the Atlantic Greenway Network.
The project is funded by both a United States Forest Service
Urban and Community Forest Grant and the 2018 G.O.Bond to
plant approximately 600 trees along the entire seven (7) mile
stretch.Additionally,the project will contribute to the City's goal
of increasing the tree canopy from 17%to 22%.
The new trees will create canopy where it is needed most in
areas of the Beachwalk with low canopy.The palette includes
native and Florida-friendly species which are resilient to
saltwater spray,inundation,and well-adapted to the harsh
environment in which they will be planted.The diverse plant
palette has been selected with consideration for coastal
fortification and restoration.
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The planting palette includes the following species:
•Bahama Strong Bark
•Bayrum
•Buccaneer Palm
•False Mastic
•Green Buttonwood
•Green Thatch
•Gumbo Limbo
•Jamaican Caper
•Jamaican Dogwood
•Keys Thatch
•Lignum Vitae
•Paradise Tree
•Pigeon Plum
•Pitch-Apple
•Red Bay
•Sabal Palm
•Sea Grape
•Sea Plum
•Silver Buttonwood
•Simpson Stopper
•Verawood
•White Tabebuia
•Wild Tamarind
321-2024
These new trees will be a resilient addition to Miami Beach's renowned Beachwalk,enhancing
aesthetics while also incorporating environmental,health,and economic benefits such as:
Improved shade from the urban canopy
Reduced surface and ambient temperatures
Increased biodiversity and conservation of species
Enhanced property values
Improved Tree Equity score
An additional consideration for the project includes preserving the historic viewshed of the
Beachwalk and using these needed trees to fill spaces that have been identified as gaps and are
under the threat of extreme heat.Minimizing conflict and impact to the ocean view from private
properties through the Beachwalk was a strategic priority during the surveying process of potential
tree installation locations.
The project has been organized to occur in five phases.Pedestrians can utilize the Beachwalk,
however there will be areas of limited and temporary access at times.A Maintenance of Traffic
(MOT)plan is required to ensure safety.From the Notice to Proceed,the planting is estimated to
take 10 weeks (two weeks per phase),with a year of watering and a warranty to ensure
survivability.The phases are planned as follows:
Phase 1:81°St-60"st
Phase 2:60st -41°St
Phase 3:41°St-25st
Phase 4:23°St--Lummus (14"Place)
Phase 5:Lummus (5 St)--South Pointe
The project is anticipated to begin this summer,and advisements will be shared throughout the
project by communication channels.During the community outreach effort,questions will be
addressed,and staff will share the benefits of implementing green infrastructure strategies to
enhance the Beachwalk.City staff will utilize signage to identify the tree locations and tree species
along the Beachwalk.The signage will include a QR Code to the project website for the tree map,
species,and full information.Additionally,a postcard will be mailed to properties along the
Beachwalk.The timeframe for comments will be open through August 26"and planting will begin
soon after.
The project website is accessible at:https://bit.ly/beachwalkreforestation.The map of the tree
locations is available to the public through the following link:
https://gis.miamibeachfl.gov/greenspaceproposed.
Please contact Amy Knowles,Chief Resilience Officer,at AmyKnowles@miamibeachfl.gov for any
additional informational needs regarding this memorandum.
AK/LP