The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is currently being developed by the Urban Forester, the Arborist, and Planning Department staff in conjunction with the Public Works Urban Forestry Section staff. The City has recently completed a public street tree inventory and is working on updating the Street Tree Management Plan, which will be used in the UFMP. The purpose of the plan is to establish long-term management goals and strategies to foster a sustainable urban forest in Palo Alto. Preparation of the Urban Forest Master Plan began in December 2010 when the City contracted with Hort Science, Inc. to work with staff and Canopy Organization on the plan.
Palo Alto's urban forest consists of all trees in the City on public and private property. This forest includes street trees, park trees, forested parklands and trees in many private ownership settings. Trees affect our lives and the local economy in many ways. They provide community, environmental, and economic benefits that range from reducing the effects of urban density to increasing property values and providing ecological services such as storm water mitigation, air pollutant removal, and greenhouse gas sequestration.
The sustainability of our urban forest and of the benefits it provides depends on how it is managed. The Urban Forest Master Plan will address topics such as the state of Palo Alto's tree canopy, best management practices, interdepartmental coordination, and tree-related City regulations.
Events and Milestones The public will have several opportunities to participate in the Plan's development and provide input on the value placed on trees in Palo Alto and the most important issues the City should focus in the Palo Alto urban forest.
January 13-February 1: Public Survey: This survey was designed to learn how people feel about the trees in Palo Alto. More than 650 people took the survey. Below under "Resources" is a link to the results of the survey.
Monday, February 7: Palo Alto City Council Study Session: The Study Session is an opportunity to hear and overview of the key plan elements as well as a summary of the survey results. The study session will be held in the Council Chambers at Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. The Urban Forest Master Plan is the 3rd item on the Study Session agenda, we anticipate the presentation will begin at 9:00 pm..
The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is currently being developed by the Urban Forester, the Arborist, and Planning Department staff in conjunction with the Public Works Urban Forestry Section staff. The City has recently completed a public street tree inventory and is working on updating the Street Tree Management Plan, which will be used in the UFMP. The purpose of the plan is to establish long-term management goals and strategies to foster a sustainable urban forest in Palo Alto. Preparation of the Urban Forest Master Plan began in December 2010 when the City contracted with Hort Science, Inc. to work with staff and Canopy Organization on the plan.
