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D4a. Optional file <br />upload to show the <br />steps of any <br />calculations. <br />D5. Please describe <br />any ways in which <br />low-income or <br />marginalized <br />communities/households <br />were engaged in the <br />creation of this <br />project proposal. <br />(150 word limit) <br />Through initial site assessments and tree requests in our current heat <br />island planting project, we heard directly from residents that one free tree <br />was not enough to achieve meaningful cooling and stormwater benefits. <br />Many expressed the need for multiple trees to shade homes, lower energy <br />bills, and improve neighborhood comfort. <br />W e also engaged key stakeholders with deep community ties, including <br />Amy Eckberg (Orange County Sustainability Manager), Melony Gilles <br />(Sustainability Projects Analyst), and Kimya Swann (Executive Director, <br />United Voices of Efland Cheeks). Their insights helped us understand the <br />environmental and social challenges these neighborhoods face, including <br />high summer heat, low canopy, and flooding risks. <br />This feedback shaped our Pay-W hat-You-Can planting model and site <br />selection criteria. Moving forward, we will collaborate with residents on tree <br />species selection, planting locations, and maintenance planning to ensure <br />community voices directly guide project implementation. <br />D6. Please describe <br />any potential <br />negative side effects <br />of the project and <br />describe the steps <br />you are taking/will <br />take to eliminate or <br />minimize these <br />impacts to any low- <br />income or <br />marginalized <br />communities/households. <br />(200 word limit) <br />W hile tree planting projects have overwhelmingly positive outcomes, we <br />recognize potential unintended impacts on low-income or marginalized <br />households and have taken steps to address them. <br />Potential impacts include: <br />-Maintenance burden: Residents may worry about costs or labor for <br />watering and care. <br />-Root or infrastructure conflicts: Poorly sited trees could interfere with <br />driveways, sidewalks, or utilities. <br />-Allergies or safety concerns: Certain species may trigger allergies or be <br />perceived as unsafe near homes. <br />Mitigation measures: <br />-W e use a collaborative planning process with residents to determine <br />species and placement, prioritizing low-maintenance native trees with non- <br />invasive roots. <br />-W e provide clear, simple care instructions and offer follow-up support <br />during the establishment period. <br />-W e select species that are safe for residential planting, avoiding high- <br />allergen and brittle-wood varieties. <br />-W e coordinate with utility companies and follow siting best practices to <br />prevent infrastructure conflicts. <br />-Our Pay-W hat-You-Can model ensures cost is never a barrier, and <br />planting is voluntary with informed consent. <br />By actively engaging residents and applying best-practice forestry <br />guidelines, we ensure the project’s benefits are realized while avoiding or <br />minimizing potential burdens. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: CB1A7685-96B7-4FBD-80E0-8CF756D5E579