City Trees

Zooming Out and In on Urban Forestry in the U.S. Compiled by Michelle Sutton, Editor, City Trees In December of last year, NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh spoke with the New York State Urban Forestry Council Board at their quarterly meeting. Commissioner Kavanagh discussed three national, big-picture urban forestry projects with the Board: the NUCFAC Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan, a report on the Impact of Urban and Community Forestry Federal Grants, and the Vibrant Cities Lab Urban Forestry Toolkit. Urban foresters across the nation will want to be familiar with each of these; here's a summary. 1) The Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026) was developed by and for the urban forestry community. It was funded by the US Forest Service and developed by the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) with extensive input from a wide array Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026) The Na onal Ten-Year Urban and Community Forestry Ac on Plan is developed by and for the urban forestry community. The plan's purpose is to expand awareness of the benefits that our urban forests, including green infrastructure, provide to communi es throughout the na on, and increase investments in these urban forest resources for the benefit of current and future genera ons. The plan provides specific goals, ac ons, and recommenda ons for improving the status of urban and community forestry for the United States and its territories. The plan also iden fies research needs, messaging and communica ons needs, and innova ve funding and collabora ve opportuni es for urban forestry ini a ves. Notably, this plan also serves as a framework for funding and recommenda on priori es developed by the Na onal Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) for the U.S. Forest Service's Na onal Urban and Community Forestry program and Na onal Challenge Cost Share Grants. The urban forestry community, including the Forest Service and other applicable Federal agencies, are to use the Ac on Plan as a guide to implement and expand urban and community forestry for the next ten years. Urban And Community Forests Increase Sustainability, Wellness, and Resilience in All Communities. Plan Vision Plan Mission Help All Communities Create Urban and Community Forests that are Diverse, Healthy, and Accessible for All Citizens. Overarching Principles 1. Advance health and wellness of forests, ecosystems and people. 2. Maximize community and ecosystem sustainability. 3. Build community and natural ecosystem resilience Goals and Strategies 1. Integrate Urban and Community Forestry Into all Scales of Planning A: Support inclusion of trees and forests as elements of all community comprehensive and master planning efforts. B: Support the integration of urban forestry into all scales of city, regional, and state-scale master plans. C: Launch a public awareness and education campaign to elevate recognition of the value of urban trees and urban forests ecosystems as essential contributors to community sustainability and resilience. D: Increase community capacity to use urban trees and forestry in public space planning, infrastructure, and private development. 2. Promote the Role of Urban and Community Forestry in Human Health and Wellness A: Expand opportunities for collaboration with the health community. B: Champion a nationwide marketing campaign that links trees to human health and wellness. C: Plan, design and manage urban forests to improve human health and wellness. D: Develop tools to improve and highlight the relationship between improved public health, wellness, and urban and community forestry and green infrastructure. 3. Cultivate Diversity, Equity, and Leadership Within the Urban Forestry Community A: Increase diversity, equity, and accessibility in urban and community forestry. B: Engage under served communities in urban and community forestry. C: Develop effective leadership at all levels to build a national voice for urban forestry. D: Increase workforce development opportunities and green jobs in urban and community forestry, with particular attention to under served communities. E: Promote expanded collaboration, training and communication within the field of urban and community forestry to build workforce professional development. 4. Strengthen Urban and Community Forest Health and Biodiversity for Long-Term Resilience A: Increase the biodiversity, health, and resilience of trees in urban and community forests. B: Foster resilience, restoration, and sustainability of urban and community forests facing climate change challenges. C: Support use of urban forests for increasing community food resilience and access to local foods. 5. Improve Urban and Community Forest Management, Maintenance, and Stewardship A: Improve urban and community forest management, maintenance, and arboricultural practices. B: Develop comprehensive programs, policies, and resources for enhancing urban forestry stewardship. C: Promote for better use of technology and tools in urban forestry. D: Facilitate expanded research and delivery of scientific findings to all stakeholders. (See Research Agenda) 6. Diversify, Leverage, and Increase Funding for Urban and Community Forestry A: Increase funding and grants for urban and community forestry. B: To leverage and diversify funding, expand collaboration between urban forestry and related fields, agencies, and sectors. 7. Increase Public Awareness and Environmental Education to Promote Stewardship A: Create environmental education programs that focus on urban and community forestry issues. B: Create a nationwide urban forestry public awareness and education campaign. C: Increase engagement of undeserved and minority communities in urban forestry establishment and stewardship. Goal 1. Planning Goal 2. Human Health Goal 3. Diversity, Equity and Leadership Goal 4. Environmental Health Goal 5. Management Goal 6. Funding Goal 7. Educa on and Awareness Visit the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Website for more Information The USDA Forest Service has funded the development of the Ten-Year Action Plan for the National Urban and Community Forestry Council. This infographic was produced by the University of Virginia Institute for Environmental Negotiation, 2015. These organizations are equal opportunity providers. of stakeholders. You can read an interesting interview with Liam Kavanagh about the Plan here. The Plan's purpose is to expand awareness of the benefits that our urban forests, including green infrastructure, provide to communities throughout the nation, and increase investments in these urban forest resources for the benefit of current and future generations. The Plan provides specific goals, actions, and recommenda- tions for improving the status of urban and community forestry for the United States and its territories. The plan also identifies research needs, messaging and communications needs, and innovative funding and collaborative opportunities for urban forestry initiatives. Notably, the Plan also serves as a framework for funding and recommendation priorities developed by NUCFAC for the U.S. Forest Service's National Urban and Community Forestry pro- gram and National Challenge Cost Share Grants. The urban forestry community, including the Forest Service and other applicable Federal agencies, are to use the Action Plan as a guide to implement and expand urban and community forestry for the next ten years. Therefore, all of us in the UCF field—pro- fessionals, allied professionals, and volunteers—will want to become familiar with this Plan! 2) Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) completed an impact assessment of the USDA Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. SREF found that pro- grams funded through the grants reached millions of people and developed critical research. Moreover, in excess of $13 million in additional funds were awarded to grant recipients. In all, for every federal dollar invested in these grants, there is a $4.92 return on investment! Grants supported research that benefits the public, arbori- culture and urban forestry industry, scientists, municipalities, environmental engineers, policy makers, youth, and other NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh. Photo by Michelle Sutton

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