Policies and practices advance sustainable practices in natural resource management

2035-image-w-text

Policies and practices advance sustainable practices in natural resource management.

The City of Germantown’s continued vibrant quality of life depends on the ability to protect natural resources and implement a strong stewardship ethic, safeguarding the interests of future generations. There is a call for an integrated management system that ensures the health and integrity of the City’s natural resources and their underlying ecosystems. The intent of this strategic objective is to create a broad understanding and commitment for the advancement of sustainable practices through the adoption and full implementation of the Germantown Natural Resources Management Plan. Key performance indicators for plant and wildlife inventory provide data for the natural resources report assessment.

No Information Percentage of Natural Resources Plan recommendations implemented or completed

Description:

An integrated management system ensures the health and integrity of the City's natural resources and their underlying ecosystems. Developing a funding strategy and measuring it annually will help to implement and progress the plan.

Analysis:

Impact:
The City has moderate impact on this measure.

Below Plan Percentage Increase in Environmental Program Participation

Description:

The City of Germantown strives to create a more sustainable and healthy community through increased programming and environmental awareness.

Analysis:

In FY25, the City of Germantown conducted 7 outreach programs reaching 344 school aged children and adults..

The educational program led by the Public Works department focuses on recycling practices and promoting sustainability efforts in Germantown.

Outreach:

Impact:
The City has moderate impact on this measure.

Caution Percentage decrease in energy usage in public facilities

Description:

Decrease kilowatt usage in public facilities, collect kilowatt usage each quarter for comparative data.

Analysis:

In Q4-FY25, the percentage decrease in energy usage in public facilities remains in "Caution" status, with an actual value of 1,399,883 against a target of 1,400,000. This slight underperformance has been consistent since Q1-FY24, indicating challenges in achieving energy reduction goals. Potential root causes could include insufficient energy-saving measures or external factors affecting energy consumption.

Impact:
Positive financial impact

On Target City-wide tree canopy coverage ratio

Description:

The preservation and protection of Germantown’s city-wide urban forest is a commitment to managing trees as important green infrastructure assets. Measuring the tree canopy ratio annually is a management practice to determine gains and losses in the overall tree inventory city-wide.

Analysis:

FY25 Q4: The tree canopy remains at 56%, and is projected to continue growing in the coming years. The Natural Resources division, in partnership with the city's grounds crew planted 310 trees throughout FY25. This trend is expected to continue, in order to increase our canopy size over the coming years.

Impact:
The City has moderate impact on this measure.