City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/128847
Moving forward we intend to use the annual report to inform any updates to the Master Plan. We are looking to update the State of the Urban Forest every few years with updated UTC, i-Tree and/or future urban forest assessment tools. Currently the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission is engaged in revising the City's tree ordinance and intends to codify the UFMP as part of the process. To raise awareness, a campaign called "Trees Change Everything" is being launched in 2013 to educate the public on the importance and value of trees. The City Forester's Perspective—Lisa Ceoffe Tree Pittsburgh's convening of the Urban Forest Master Planning Symposium in 2010 could not have come at a better time. The City of Pittsburgh and the Department of City Planning had just begun to create Pittsburgh's first-ever comprehensive city plan, PlanPGH, which includes both traditional and non-traditional components. The concept of PlanPGH is "common threads" among people and the places they care about. The Open Space Component of PlanPGH is a guide to optimizing green space throughout the City. Adding the UFMP to the Open Space Component demonstrates Pittsburgh's commitment to ensure that the plan is carried out effectively. The key stakeholders in attendance at the 2010 symposium all share a "common thread" of wanting to protect and manage Pittsburgh's trees. The result of this initiative is the City's first ever UFMP which defines a , clear vision for protecting, growing, and maintaining the City's forest. As city forester, I believe this plan provides the framework needed to address managing the future of Pittsburgh's trees. The goals of the UFMP are straightforward which is very important when it comes to funding; having the ability to articulate departmental needs is crucial. Day-to-day forestry operations can become driven by an emphasis on risk management. The UMFP allows decision makers to better understand the big picture, to grasp the quantifiable benefits of urban trees, and to have data in hand to help them be advocates for the urban forest. It not only demonstrates a pathway to proactive management of the City's tree canopy, it includes prescriptions for an increase in environmental, economic, and social benefits, factors that otherwise might not be considered when dis- 16 cussing a forestry budget. Like many cities, Pittsburgh does not have adequate staffing or resources to completely manage every aspect needed to implement such a plan. Having a nonprofit partner such as Tree Pittsburgh is imperative to a successful program. Tree Pittsburgh is truly dedicated to the health and welfare of the City's forest. This advocacy is good for sound tree-related policy and educating the public on the benefits of trees. Whether the issue is storm water management practices or proactively addressing pests and diseases, a non-profit partner provides an open forum for sometimes difficult discussions. Maintaining open communication and working towards a common goal is the story of our success. Research and Access—Consultant's Perspective from Andy Hillman The Pittsburgh Urban Forest Master Planning process involved many stakeholders whose input will be continuously integrated as the Plan is implemented. The inclusiveness that has been built into the plan augments its depth. Of the five keystones—Connect, Engage, Manage, Plan, and Protect—the breadth of this comprehensive Plan is perhaps best illustrated under the keystone of Connect. Among the goals under the keystone of Connect are two that have not traditionally been incorporated into UFMPs: London plane trees (Platanus x acerifolia) in Pittsburgh's Allegheny Riverfront Park near the iconic South Tenth Street Bridge. Photo Courtesy of Trees Pittsburgh City Trees