2020 City of Shakopee Budget

111

Budget Impact: Natural Resources can be destroyed in a matter of seconds by nature and developers but can take years and decades to restore. A key initiative to avoid this destruction was to create the Natural Resources Division. This division is tasked with implementing initiatives to preserve and protect the city’s urban forest, wetlands, plantings in open spaces, buffers around water bodies, invasive plant management and public education on natural resources and the environment with conservation in mind. The city’s tree stock is such a significant and valuable resource. Trees give us oxygen, absorb storm water and carbon dioxide, store carbon, stabilize the soil, absorb pollutants, prevent flooding and soil erosion, provide shade from solar radiation, reduce noise and wind speed, lower stress and blood pressure, increase property values and so much more. Maintaining safe, healthy trees takes significant efforts, and the city is dedicated to these efforts. Shakopee has received the “Tree City USA” designation for the past ten years for the city’s efforts and commitment to its urban forest management. Contact the Public Works Department for information about purchasing a tree at our annual spring tree sale.

EMPLOYEES

PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES

Natural Resources 0.5%

1

0.2

0.2

0.2

Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Budget 2019 Budget 2020

Number of Employees (FTEs)