Three City Councilmembers win Urban Forestry Award

Councilwoman Elena Guajardo and Mayor Phil Hardberger (right) receive their awards from Richard Alles at the entrance to Voelcker Park

Three members of the San Antonio City Council have won "Outstanding Elected Official" awards from the cTc for their votes on urban forestry issues. Councilwoman Elena Guajardo, Councilwoman Patti Radle, and Mayor Phil Hardberger garnered top honors in the cTc's analysis of Council voting records.

Overall, scores ranged from a low of 24 to a high of 89. See City Council voting scores for additional information.

Each of the councilmembers has used their unique talents to promote tree preservation in San Antonio. Guajardo contributed valuable expertise and leadership toward limiting grandfathered exemptions from the tree ordinance when Council adopted a new "vested rights" ordinance. She was also instrumental in defending the tree ordinance from developer-sponsored proposals that would have legalized clear-cutting.

Radle has been a courageous voice for aquifer protection and tree preservation with a sterling voting record on the environment. Her consistent, science-based approach of advocating numerical targets for tree canopy cover and impervious cover has resulted in a major shift in the way the City evaluates zoning cases and environmental rules.

Hardberger's legacy of strong leadership on environmental issues is best exemplified by a 311-acre "tree sanctuary" known as Voelcker Farm. The pristine natural area, home to hundreds of heritage trees, is set to become the City's newest park. Not as well known is the crackerjack legal team Hardberger assembled in the City Attorney's office. In the past year, the City's "legal firm" won a $15.5 million judgment against a home builder who destroyed thousands of trees, and fended off another developer's grandfathering claim.

The San Antonio Urban Forestry Awards are presented annually by the cTc, beginning in 2007. People and organizations that significantly enhance urban forestry, contribute to the expansion or preservation of tree canopy cover, and advance urban forestry education are eligible to receive the award.