Fyi: Hala Alshahwany's input For Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan

[Bruce England]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Hala Alshahwany <alsha...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Subject: Re: Input For Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan

I don’t mind. Please share with others.

Hala

On Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 12:02 PM Bruce England <bken...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks, Hala! Would you mind if I shared this with other MVCSP and GreenSpacesMV members? It's fine if you'd prefer I didn't. Looking forward to tonight's Council meeting!

Cheers,
Bruce 

On Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 9:51 AM Hala Alshahwany <alsha...@gmail.com> wrote:

FYI, this is my input for tonight.

I look forward to hearing yours.

Regards,

Hala

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Hala Alshahwany <alsha...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Subject: Input For Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan
To: City.Council <City.C...@mountainview.gov>
CC: , City Manager <city...@mountainview.gov>, Parks and Recreation Commission <p...@mountainview.gov>

Dear City Council Members,

The much anticipated Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan will be discussed tonight at the council’s study session, and I would like to share the following input and suggestions.

The title and the plan highlights the importance of having an urban forest because it is “integral to the urban ecosystem, especially in supporting wildlife, providing shade, filtering air and storm water, and many benefits “ (pg.1). Moreover “Biodiversity and trees have been linked with improved physical and mental health, students performances, city walkability, quality of life, and civic pride and sense of place” (pg.2).

You’ve heard the above probably a thousand times, but tonight let’s focus on how we can make this a reality for our city so we and the next generations can live healthier and more sustainable lives.

First, we do not have an urban forest in Mountain View.

The plan clearly states that patches of green spaces are clustered around Shoreline and Steven’s Creek areas which are on the peripheral of our city (pg.26). MV lacks core areas in green clusters, considered essential for biodiversity and sensitive species, which are in turn essential for our wellbeing.

Solution: Designate Cuesta Annex (the only contiguous 12 acres of open space with native trees) as our city urban forest. Preserving and enhancing this area will truly lead to having a mini urban forest that can deliver all the benefits mentioned above.

Second, this plan mentions that some housing development projects are scheduled in important natural areas (such as Steven’s and Permanente Creeks), and that it could be an opportunity for developers to apply strategic landscape improvements (pg.28); but that’s far from reality. Good example is the 555 Middlefield project where the developer will be removing a green barrier of nearly 50 heritage trees, in close proximity to Steven’s Creek and Hwy 85.

Solution: put in place guidelines and incentives for developers to retain heritage green canopy in the sensitive natural corridors and areas.

Third, the plan only addresses 2/5 of the entire city’s green canopy. That’s only 40% of MV existing tree shades (pg.45). Canopy cover has increased only 1.8% between 2013-2022 (period of 9 years!). Additionally the plan neglects to state the impact of private developers and their ability to remove hundreds of trees annually, as it’s been happening for the past 10-15 years (according to city’s approved projects list). New sapling replacements will take 20-30 years to mature and provide the benefits that the big trees currently do. Our city lacks in trees that are 16” or larger in diameter, and we need more of them (see pg.59). 

Solution: set a goal to increase green canopy 30% (not 22.7%) by 2030 to mitigate the loss of large heritage trees, essential for climate resilience.

The community’s top priorities (clearly stated in pg.78) continue to be having more green native trees, that provide cleaner air and beautiful vibrant sustainable environment. It’s time to make it happen.

Thank you.

Hala Alshahwany