HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 28 Jan 2026 - Agenda - Pdf
City of Atlantic Beach
Agenda
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Page(s)
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
2.A.
City Arborist Introduction - Chris Delk
3. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM ESC MEMBERS AND STAFF
Chair Report
Arbor Day debrief (C. Kelcourse & D. Giovannucci)
CDB meeting debrief (D. Giovannucci)
Community Input Gathering debrief (T. Miner)
Member survey results
4. ONGOING - OLD BUSINESS
4.A.
Priorities - 2026 and 2027
ESC 2026 Priorities - ap draft 1.2026 (Rev)
Proposed Workplan Memo 2025-2026 08.24.2025
3 - 11
4.B.
Chapter 23
Meetings with commissioners
Preparation for joint workshop
4.C.
Next Events/Communications - preparation
Film - The Lorax 2.21.2026
Handouts to schools – free trees
4.D.
MOTION: Youth Council
MOTION Environmental Stewardship and Youth Council Combined 01.14.2026
13 - 22
4.E.
MOTION: Revised tree list on free tree yard planting application
https://coab.us/DocumentCenter/View/13480/Atlantic-Beach-Free-Tree-
Planting-Program-Application?bidId=
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.A.
Heritage Tree Application
375 Atlantic Boulevard (Heritage Tree) Application with Pictures
23 - 24
Page 1 of 24
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 28 Jan 2026
6. RECAP OF DECISIONS, ACTION ITEMS AND NEXT STEPS
Motion Tracker
Carryovers and requests for items for 2.11 or 2.25 agenda
Any person wishing to speak to the Environmental Stewardship Committee on any matter at this meeting should
submit a Comment Card located at the entrance to Commission Chamber prior to the start of the meeting.
This meeting will be live-streamed and videotaped. The video recording will be posted within four business days
on the City's website. To access live or recorded videos, visit www.coab.us/live.
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26 of the Florida Statutes, persons with
disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact Deputy City Ladayija
Nichols at 247-5821 or at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida not less than three (3) days prior
to the date of this meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Page 2 of 24
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE (ESC)
PRIORITIES 2026
1. To study and make recommendations to and respond to requests from city commission
and city staff with respect to the city’s maritime forest, parks and open spaces,
beautification of public and private spaces, and environmental stewardship, including:
a. Support passage and implementation of revisions to Chapter 23 and other tree-
related recommendations from 2025 – especially those focused on preservation:
i. Historic Corridors
ii. Heritage Tree maintenance grant program
iii. Developer input on incentives to preserve trees
iv. “Elder Tree” mapping
b. Study and recommend nature-based solutions for pilot program to combat
marsh erosion
c. Seek Bee City USA designation to focus attention and efforts on native
landscaping and related reduction in biocide, fertilizer, and water usage
d. Research models and cost for pilot residential composting program
2. Act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private
participation in promoting these purposes by leading environmental communications
initiatives and outreach activities, including:
a. Biennial comprehensive report on the canopy
b. Welcome kit
c. CoAB Centennial participation
d. Minecraft sponsorship
e. Arbor Day/Tree City USA/promotion of Free Front Yard Trees
i. 100 sign-ups for Centennial
f. Earth Day/Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
g. Trick or Trees Tree Give-away
h. Quarterly hands-on environmental speakers/workshops
i. Biannual environmental film screenings in partnership with CARAC
j. Community Service Days
k. Environmental nominations for city-wide awards program
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 3 of 24
Page 4 of 24
MEMO
To: City Manager, City Commission, and Amanda Askew
From: Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Date: August 24, 2025
Re: Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan
On 7/1/25 the City Manager suggested ESC create a 2025-2026 workplan for Commission approval via
resolution. During the ESC meeting on August 13, 2025, members unanimously passed (9-0) the
enclosed 2025-2026 workplan.
ESC respectively requests that a resolution to approve this workplan be placed on a Commission agenda
before October 1, 2025.
Attachments
ESC Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 5 of 24
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan
Enclosed is a proposed 12-month workplan for the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) organized to
focus first on Commission’s main priority for ESC, other prioritized ESC work, and then time and capacity allowing,
additional proposed efforts by focus area and ongoing work. Dates and action items are subject to change. ESC
will update Commission and staff on its workplan progress during its scheduled Commission committee report.
• Timeline: October 2025 – September 2026
• Focus: Main focus is to incentivize protection of mature trees.
• Goals: 1) Improve communications with Commission, staff, and community; 2) Improve community
engagement and education
Commission Priority for ESC
Priority Timeline Activities / Action Items Anticipated Outcomes
1. Incentivize
Protection of
Mature Trees
Oct
2025–Dec
2025
- Explore and research incentive ideas and
education and outreach mechanisms that
protect mature trees;
- Recommend 2-3 incentive programs to
Commission for approval
- Recommend 1-2 education and outreach
efforts to Commission for approval
- Pro/Con list of researched ideas
and tactics
- At least one incentive program
is approved by Commission
- At least one education and
outreach effort is approved by
Commission
Jan 2026
– Sep
2026
- Implement and educate the public about
approved incentive program(s)
- Implement approved education and
outreach effort(s)
Depending on which programs are
approved, ESC expects:
- more heritage trees
designated,
- a better understanding of
number and species of mature
trees, and
- a deepening pride for AB’s tree
canopy
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 6 of 24
Other Prioritized ESC Work
Priority Timeline Activities / Action Items Anticipated Outcomes
2. Approve &
Implement 2025-2026
Tree Fund Action &
Spending Plan
Oct–Dec
2025
- Recommend a Tree Fund action and
spending plan to the Commission for
approval
- Begin/continue implementation of
approved plan
- Fund operationalized
- Monthly internal ESC
updates and semi-
annual committee
reports to Commission
on progress
Jan-Sep
2026
- Continue to implement approved plan
- Adjust plan as needed if funds grow or
contract
- Monthly and semi-
annual progress updates
within ESC and to
Commission respectively
- Measurement of success
metrics
3. Decide on Chapter 23
Revision
Recommendations
Oct-Dec
2025
- Recommend revisions to the Commission
for approval
- Educate the public about approved
revisions
- Revisions better protect
urban canopy and clarify
processes
Jan-Mar
2026
- Work on simplifying Ch23 and making it
easier to understand without weakening
protection of trees and present
recommendations to Commission for
approval
- Ch23 simplified and
easier to understand
Apr-Sep
2026
- Create multi-format public facing
educational materials that reduce
ignorance of tree ordinance and makes it
easy to understand
- Reduction in number of
tree ordinance questions
and violations
4. Create Tree Reports
& Improve Data
Collection (Monthly,
Semi-Annually & Bi-
Annually)
Oct–Dec
2025
- Determine data needed for each report
- Develop data collection system with staff
- Release first semi-annual report on
permitting process at 12/8/25 ESC Report
to Commission.
- Create simplified community version of
both monthly tree report and semi-annual
permitting process report
- Transparent tree tracking
- Informed community and
Commission on status of
tree permits, arborist
letters, tree fund, and
overall tree ordinance
process
Jan-Mar
2026
- Research other cities “State of the
Canopy” reports include and how they
collect data
- Create outline of the bi-annual “State of
the Canopy” report and identify data gaps
- Examples of excellent
tree reports from other
municipalities
- Initial outline of bi-
annual report with
identified data gaps
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 7 of 24
Priority Timeline Activities / Action Items Anticipated Outcomes
- Decide on date of first edition of “State of
the Canopy” report
- Expected publish date of
first “State of the
Canopy” report
Apr-Sep
2026
- Continue to refine monthly tree report
and semi-annual permitting process
report with best data obtainable and for
easy public consumption
- Work on sections of “State of the Canopy”
report
- Improved tree data and
permit process
transparency and
communication
- Initial draft of “State of
the Canopy” report
5. Work Toward 2050
Goals & Better
Performance and
Measurement
Oct-Dec
2025
- Meet with staff regarding 2050 goals
- Meet with Commissioners to discern what
they want measured and see progress on.
- Better understanding of
what is important to this
Commission and align
with 2050 goals
Jan-Mar
2026
- ESC researches how to collect data and
measure performance and progress on
Commission’s preferred metrics.
- Feasibility summary on
desired metrics
Apr-Jun
2026
- Collect necessary data for metrics and
report out on process at June ESC report
to Commission
- Streamlined process for
data collection of
important metrics
Jul-Sep
2026
- Continue to work on metrics and align
with 2050 goals
- Summary of lessons
learned from this effort
6. Propose a Marsh
Pilot program for 2026-
2027 support
Oct-Dec
2025
- Host at least one presentation/workshop
at a location west of Mayport Road
delineating impacts and the causes of the
impacts to the marsh and possible
realistic and viable approaches and
solutions that address marsh erosion, loss
of vegetation, and storm damage.
- Put together a working group of residents
and subject matter experts that assess
possible solutions, fill in data or
knowledge gaps and vet and propose
possible marsh pilot projects to the full
ESC.
- AB citizens engaged
regarding possible marsh
pilot project and
solutions
- List that compares viable
marsh solutions
Jan-Feb
2026
- ESC discusses projects and makes a
recommendation in time to be considered
for the 2026-2027 budget cycle (e.g.,
February 2026)
- Marsh Pilot project
recommendation to
Commission
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 8 of 24
Additional Proposed Activities by Focus Area (Time & Capacity Permitting)
MARITIME CANOPY
Action Timeline Outcome
Long-Term Tree
Replacement Draft Plan
Apr–Sep
2026
Research best practices a long term plan for replacing aging/dying trees,
trees lost due to storms, etc. and a list of locations ready for tree planting
Dutton Island Tree Loss
Investigation
Apr–Sep
2026
Identification of cause(es) of death of so many trees and
recommendations for improving tree health
Tree Inventory of Parks Apr–Sep
2026 Tree inventory of AB parks
Partner with COJ
TreePlotter Program
Apr–Sep
2026
Improved software tree plotting system so COAB has more data on each
tree planted, mitigated, lost, etc.
PARKS & OPEN SPACES
Action Timeline Outcome
Rain Gardens in flooded areas of Jack Russell Park Apr – Sep 2026 Increased beauty and reduced flooding
Stewards of the Park Volunteer Program Apr – Sep 2026 Volunteer stewardship and education in parks
BEAUTIFICATION
Action Timeline Outcome
FDOT Mayport Road Beautification Jan-Mar
2026
Collaborative plan for native landscaping and reducing amount
of concrete and heat island effect
Improve Public Spaces with Florida
Friendly Design
Apr – Sep
2026 More vibrant and eco-friendly city landscapes
Bee City Designation Apr – Sep
2026 National recognition, pollinator focus
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Action Timeline Outcome
Support 15% Residential Water
Reduction
Apr – Sep
2026 Community outreach, data tracking
Voluntary Resilient & Green
Building Ordinance Proposal
Apr – Sep
2026
Incentives for resilient development and updated building stock
in next 25 years for anticipated climate changes
Flooding & Stormwater
Management Plan Input TBD Recommendations integrated into consultant work
Floating Solar Research Apr – Sep
2026 Feasibility report and potential site identified
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 9 of 24
Ongoing Work (throughout the year)
ONGOING EFFORTS
Ongoing Efforts Ongoing Support
Education/outreach on ESC’s four focus areas Newsletter, articles, website, social posts, event
tabling, etc.
Maintain “Tree City USA” status Coordinate annual application and Arbor Day event
Various events Speaker series, film series, Earth Day, Tree Giveaways,
Awards
Community Service Days Howell Park Littoral Planting, Invasives Removal, Tree
Maintenance
Multi City Plans/Assessments & CIP Implementation Work with City Engineer/Planning/Public Works
Beautification Input from Commission & Community Public feedback loops
Parks health & connectivity Passive/multi-use planning advice
Develop partnerships & learn best practices from other
municipalities Leverage other expertise and experience
EDUCATION, EVENTS, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR
Event Date
Hopkins Creek Clean Up & Invasives Removal Community
Service Day 10/11/25
Fall Tree Giveaway 10/26/25
Annual ESC Community Input Meeting & Survey Nov 2025
Monthly Educational Speaker Series First Thursday / Monthly
Tree City USA Arbor Day Event Jan 16, 2026
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Event Jan 18, 2026
Howell Park & Beaches Weed Wrangle Community Service
Day Feb 2026
Earth Day @ Farmers Market April 27, 2026
ESC Environmental Awards TBD
Howell Littoral Planting Community Service Day TBD
ARCC & ESC Quarterly Educational Film Series TBD
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 10 of 24
ESC 2025-2026 VISUAL WORKPLAN
Agenda Item #4.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 11 of 24
Page 12 of 24
Motion for Consideration
COAB Youth Council to Consider Environmental Stewardship in its Purpose, Priorities & Workplan
submitted by Sarah Boren, ESC Member
Motion:
The Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) recommends that the City of Atlantic Beach Youth Council
consider adding environmental stewardship research-based recommendations, programming, targeted
community action, training, and advocacy to its purpose, priorities and workplan. This recommendation is
based on the need to ensure that youth voices are meaningfully represented in conversations about the
environmental future of Atlantic Beach and the Youth Council’s purpose to develop leadership skills and civic
commitment in Atlantic Beach teens. The ESC would welcome the opportunity to partner with the Youth
Council as much as possible.
Details/Background of the Motion:
On 12/17/25 Amanda Askew forwarded the enclosed email and proposal from Avigale Johnson, a current
resident of Atlantic Beach who attends Westtown School (a boarding high school in West Chester,
Pennsylvania), to form a Youth Environmental Advocacy Group. At the 12/17/26 ESC meeting, there was
consensus for the ESC Chair to draft a motion for ESC to consider in January. After hearing from staff, the
consensus was that ESC thought this was a good idea, hopes the city is willing to make this happen since
“getting the youth involved is the foundation for long term success,” and that it is willing to partner and guide
the Youth Council in what it wants to do regarding environmental stewardship.
The COAB Youth Council is organized to provide a forum for teens to express their opinion and help the city
connect with its youth while developing leadership skills and encouraging civic commitment through the
participation in the Youth Council and community service activities and events. Membership is limited to
students ages 13-19. According to its webpage (https://coab.us/2033/Youth-Council), the Youth Council meets
at Adele Grage Cultural Center, Gulliford Hall on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm (starts 30
minutes before ESC’s meeting).
• Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 11, at 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m.
Implementation Plan & Timeline if Approved
If this motion is approved, the anticipated next steps and expectations include:
• ESC Chair to send memo to Youth Council Chair with appropriate staff on copy (e.g., City Manager,
Amanda Askew, and Veronica Richard)
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 13 of 24
• ESC lead to attend next Youth Council meeting and discuss proposal and possible next steps if Youth
Council agrees
• ESC lead reports back to ESC about next steps
• ESC and Youth Council partnership evolves and grows to continually strengthen and uplift the youth
voice
Voting Results
□ Motion Passed / Vote
□ Motion Passed with Amendment(s) / Vote:
□ Motion Declined / Vote:
Attachments
• Email exchange with Avigale Johnson
• Proposal from Avigale Johnson
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 14 of 24
From:Sarah Boren on behalf of saboren@outlook.com
To:"Avigale Johnson"; Askew, Amanda
Subject:RE: Interest in a Youth Environmental Advocacy Group
Date:Wednesday, December 17, 2025 9:21:00 AM
Hi Ms. Johnson –
Can you send me the draft proposal you sent Amanda Askew please so I can review before tonight’s
meeting?
Amanda can let you know about possibility of participating virtually. At a minimum you can watch live
or anytime on demand our meeting at coab.us/live (click on live now at 6pm or click on boards
12/17/25 ESC meeting video for anytime on demand).
Thanks,
Sarah
From: Avigale Johnson <avigaleerinj@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 11:01 AM
To: Askew, Amanda <aaskew@coab.us>
Cc: Sarah Boren <saboren@outlook.com>
Subject: Re: Interest in a Youth Environmental Advocacy Group
Good morning Ms. Askew and Ms. Boren,
Thank you so much for getting back to me! I appreciate all of your feedback. I will definitely
reach out to the youth council to see if they would be interested in partnering with me.
Unfortunately, I will be out of town until Friday the 19th. Is there any way I would be able to
zoom in? If not, that's fine.
Best regards,
Avigale Johnson
On Mon, Dec 15, 2025 at 4:36 PM Askew, Amanda <aaskew@coab.us> wrote:
Good afternoon Ms. Johnson,
I know ESC will love this idea. Getting the youth involved is the foundation for long term
success. If you are available, you can come and speak under public comments to ESC this
Wed. (12/17) at 6pm in Commission Chambers. I've add the ESC chair to this email.
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 15 of 24
Given our limited staff capacity, this program would be student-led.
COAB also has a youth council. It could be something that is expanded to include
environmental purposes....
https://coab.us/2033/Youth-Council
Just a side note......We are looking to transition the youth council to a club. Councils are
subject to the FL sunshine regulations which is difficult for youth to work around. The club
route makes managing meetings easier.
________________________________
From: Vee <avigaleerinj@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 2:47 PM
To: Askew, Amanda <aaskew@coab.us>
Subject: Interest in a Youth Environmental Advocacy Group
Dear Ms. Askew,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Avigale Johnson, and I am a current resident of
Atlantic Beach, though I attend Westtown School, a boarding high school in West Chester,
Pennsylvania. At Westtown, I have focused extensively on environmental science and
advocacy.
As my family has lived in the beach communities for four generations, I feel deeply
connected to Atlantic Beach and invested in the protection of the beautiful and essential
natural systems that define our city. Through my environmental research and advocacy work
at school, I have become increasingly motivated to bring this knowledge and experience
back to my home community.
With this in mind, I am interested in bringing together Atlantic Beach youth to form a Youth
Environmental Advocacy Group. I have attached a draft proposal outlining this idea and
would be grateful to know whether this is something the Environmental Stewardship
Committee might be willing to explore or collaborate on.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Avigale Johnson
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 16 of 24
Westtown School ’27
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 17 of 24
Atlantic Beach Environmental Advocacy Group
Proposal & Mission
Executive Summary
This proposal outlines the creation of the Atlantic Beach Youth Environmental Advocacy
Group, a youth-led civic and environmental organization dedicated to protecting and
strengthening the coastal and marsh ecosystems of Atlantic Beach, Florida through structured
advocacy, research-informed recommendation, and targeted community action.
This group will empower local youth to engage directly with environmental
decision-making by raising sustainability concerns to city leadership, contributing youth
perspectives to existing environmental initiatives, and advocating for policies that support long
term resilience. While limited on-the-ground projects will be used to inform and support
advocacy efforts, the primary focus of this initiative is to ensure that youth voices are
meaningfully represented in conversations about the environmental future of Atlantic Beach.
By centering youth leadership and civic engagement, this initiative will support the
long-term ecological health of the city while cultivating informed, responsible, and engaged
future leaders. We are seeking partnership and guidance from the City of Atlantic Beach and the
Environmental Stewardship Committee to launch a pilot year of programming.
Community Context and Need
Atlantic Beach is a coastal community shaped by its tidal marshes, waterways, tree
canopy, and shoreline ecosystems. These natural systems provide essential services, including
flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, temperature regulation, and recreational opportunities.
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 18 of 24
Together, they define the character of the city and contribute to the physical, cultural, and
emotional well-being of residents.
However, these ecosystems face growing pressures from:
● Coastal flooding and erosion
● Pollution and marine debris
● Climate-driven sea level rise and storm intensity
● Habitat degradation and biodiversity loss
While these challenges affect the entire community, youth perspectives are largely absent
from local environmental decision-making processes, despite young people being greatly
affected by long-term environmental outcomes. Currently, there is no formal, youth-led structure
in Atlantic Beach that connects environmental learning and observation with civic participation
and policy engagement. This proposal addresses that gap by creating a consistent, informed, and
constructive youth advocacy presence within the city.
Mission & Vision
Mission
To empower Atlantic Beach youth to engage in environmental advocacy by developing informed
perspectives, communicating effectively with local leaders, and advancing policies that protect
and strengthen the city’s coastal and marsh ecosystems.
Vision
A resilient coastal community where healthy marshes and waterways are protected, and young
people are active participators in environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 19 of 24
Program Model
The Atlantic Beach Youth Environmental Advocacy Group will operate through three integrated
program areas:
1. Youth Leadership & Training
Youth participants will be recruited and trained to serve as informed advocates.
Activities include:
● Meeting listening to and addressing concerns regarding local environmental matters
● Training in public speaking, civic processes, and respectful engagement with government
bodies
● Skill-building in research, writing, and collaborative problem solving
This program prepares youth to participate confidently and responsibly in public forums
and advisory processes.
2. Research-Informed Environmental Action
Limited, targeted environmental action projects will be conducted to support advocacy
efforts rather than serve as the primary focus.
Examples include:
● Marsh and shoreline clean-ups paired with debris categorization and trend analysis
● Observational monitoring of marsh health, flooding, or erosion patterns
● Community-based data collection to identify recurring environmental concerns
The data and observations gathered through these activities will be used to inform
reports, recommendations, and presentations to city leadership.
3. Youth Climate & Conservation Advocacy
Advocacy will be the core function of the group.
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 20 of 24
Key components include:
● Establishing an advocacy group to engage with the Environmental Stewardship
Committee and other relevant city bodies
● Preparing youth to deliver public comment, presentations, and testimony at city
meetings
● Producing a quarterly Youth Environmental Action Report summarizing
findings, community concerns, and policy-oriented recommendations.
Advocacy efforts will be collaborative, constructive, and aligned with the city’s
existing environmental goals and plans.
Youth-Led Structure and Governance
The organization will be youth-led with adult mentorship and institutional support.
● Youth Executive Board: President, Program Leads, Communications Lead
● Adult Advisors: Provide guidance, ensure safety and continuity, and support
communication with city partners.
● Decision-Making: Youth leaders propose and vote on advocacy priorities, research focus
areas, and public positions.
● Succession Planning: Younger members are intentionally mentored into leadership roles
to ensure long term continuity.
Why Youth Voices Matter
Youth perspectives are a critical yet underutilized asset in local environmental
decision-making. Early involvement in respectful, informed civic processes builds lifelong habits
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 21 of 24
of participation, responsibility, and collaboration. When given opportunities to participate in
decisions that will greatly impact their future, young people are more conscious of their actions
and increasingly motivated to demonstrate leadership in their future. Furthermore, youth-led
initiatives often increase broader community awareness and participation by engaging families,
schools, and peer networks. A greater audience is reached by creating a method for youth to have
a role in environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Beach Youth Environmental Advocacy Group offers the city of Atlantic
Beach a constructive and forward-looking partnership that elevates youth voices while
supporting the city’s environmental goals. By formalizing youth engagement in environmental
advocacy, this initiative strengthens civic participation, promotes informed decision-making, and
invests in the long term resilience of the community.
We respectfully request partnership and guidance from the Environmental Stewardship
Committee and the opportunity to collaborate in launching this pilot program.
Thank you for your consideration.
Prepared by: Avigale Johnson
Agenda Item #4.D.
28 Jan 2026
Page 22 of 24
Agenda Item #5.A.
28 Jan 2026
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Agenda Item #5.A.
28 Jan 2026
Page 24 of 24