In 2019, the City of Fredericksburg implemented a dedicated Stormwater / Vegetation Management program within the Public Works Department to provide relief to the Street, Sanitation, Water, and Electric Divisions which previously provided vegetation management related duties. Prior to this new program implementation, over 8,000 man-hours were spent annually by other divisions on vegetation related services such as street sweeping, gutter and inlet cleaning, tree trimming, removal of invasive species, and other drainage and water quality-oriented services. The new program helps to reduce redundant operations / equipment purchases and frees up crews in other divisions to focus on their department's main duties. The program also helps to protect our community and the environment from flooding, creek erosion, damage to aquatic habitat, and pollution of our streams and rivers.