New USFS Resources
Reducing Recidivism through
Arboriculture Workforce Development
This report highlights some urban forestry focused
programs and efforts across the U.S. that provide
education, vocational training, experiential learning
opportunities, and career pathways to individuals
currently or previously incarcerated. The millions
of people composing the "correctional population"
are an underserved and overlooked asset who,
with education, training, and support, can build
workforce capacity in urban forestry—a sector that
continues to maintain a high demand for skilled
laborers—and successfully reintegrate into society.
"We have ample evidence demonstrating how
social inequity and economic oppression cor-
relate with inadequate tree canopy cover in
underserved communities. Why not create pro-
grams that disrupt these patterns, employing
residents facing barriers to employment to
plant and care for trees where they are most
needed?" —Beattra Wilson, U.S. Forest Assistant
Director, Urban and Community Forestry
From the Philly Tree Plan
Executive Summary
" … between 2008 and 2018, Philadelphia's urban
forest shrunk by 6%. That's equal to 1,000 foot-
ball fields worth of tree canopy. And the tree
canopy we do have is not fairly distributed across
the city. Some neighborhoods have under 5%
tree canopy, and others have 45% or more.
The Philly Tree Plan is a response to these chal-
lenges. It is a 10-year strategic plan for the
growth and care of our urban forest. Three key
values guide the Plan: environmental justice,
community engagement, and sustainability.
The Philly Tree Plan aims to bring the bene-
fits of trees to communities that need them the
most, in the ways that support them the best.
Over 9,000 residents helped to guide the
goals of the Philly Tree Plan. They generously
shared their concerns, ideas, and stories."
Read more in the Executive Summary, including the
Plan goals, highlights, and a survey of the research
findings contributed by the U.S. Forest Service.
urban-forestry.com 21
