Addresses forestry and natural resources in this densely-populated suburb of Washington DC – home to the Pentagon and Amazon HQ2, national corporate headquarters, two military bases and Arlington National Cemetery.
Unusual in its breadth. Includes strong commitments to biodiversity, equity, wildlife and insects, native species, nexus between forestry and stormwater management, public-private partnerships, biophilic design. Arlington embeds a six-step engagement process into all planning projects.
Addresses contemporary issues including equity. Deep dives on forest health, importance of cyclical maintenance, resilience. Little coverage of issues related to private property, except for commitment to grass-roots ambassadors leading neighborhood educcation and action initiatives. No mention of development-related issues, competing city goals. Strong on tree protection and planting practices.
Wrestles with practice of street tree maintenance by private citizens. Argues for “more education.” Mostly aspirational, suggests general approaches, not specific actions.
Note that many communities in California require adjacent property owners (including homeowners) to maintain street trees. Often the results don’t meet expectations.
Freemont Urban Forest Management Plan
“Prolonged lack of regular tree care by adjacent property owners will likely reduce the overall health of the urban forest, reduce the associated benefits and services provided by trees, and increase public safety risks.”
Led by Mayor Frank Cownie, an urban forest enthusiast and former member of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, Des Moines has a long history of leadership in the sector. Informed by close partnerships with locally-based nonprofits Trees Forever and Trees Des Moines, the plan covers most of the fundamental elements found in contemporary plans.
Sets goals, anticipating further action to develop precise strategies for achieving them.
Fort Collins CO manages a robust — and reasonably well-funded — urban forestry program. Urban tree canopy continues to grow. But challenges remain — in particular with respect to tree equity and policy gaps that threaten private trees. This plan promises to meet them.