Urban forestry is having a moment. The Inflation Reduction Act invested $1.5 billion in grant dollars for urban and community forestry targeted to help achieve tree equity in our most under-resourced communities. Alongside this historic investment, communities across the country are experiencing rapid urbanization and the effects of a changing climate with extreme weather events. Too much rain, too dry, too hot, too . . . something! As we work to address climate change, its impacts on community residents, and work to achieve tree equity, green infrastructure, and increased tree capy in particular, can be a powerful tool when combined with other public works efforts. This session will challenge public works departments to think about how they can increase their urban forestry programs, create a pathway for employment, and overall see trees as a critical piece of infrastructure. Attendees will hear a three-part perspective on achieving better urban forestry for communities. The City of Des Moines’ city forester will share his perspective as a frontline urban forester and how to support urban forestry work within public works. The Urban and Community Forestry Society will discuss how this professional association supports urban foresters, how to ensure high professional standards are met, and future trends in urban forestry. Finally, the International Society of Arboriculture will speak to how public works departments should think about credentialing and career pathways.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be better able to:
• Integrate urban forestry programs into public works procedures, including valuing trees as a key city asset.
• Develop a better sense of how urban forestry crews can achieve professional recognition and certification and how this can elevate your forestry programs.
• Identify and act on key current and future urban forestry trends, including tree equity, trees for cooling, and urban forestry workforce development.

Publish Year

2024

Runtime

25 Minutes

Resource Type

Video

Audience Type

Member

Categories

Stormwater,Water Resources

Proficiency Level

Applied

Program Types

PWX

Contributor/Source

Leslie Berckes

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