Urban Forestry Strategies

These three presentation investigate urban forestry practices and approaches. 

1.  Trees and Sidewalk Operations: Can’t They Just Get Along? 

Street trees and sidewalks transform city streets into lush and inviting places to linger, chat with a neighbor or enjoy the outdoors on a summer evening. Yet, these essential elements of our public streetscapes can be at odds with each other. Tree roots might be causing damage to sidewalks, sidewalks or other pavements that may be inhibiting tree health by limiting root development and/or water and nutrient availability. This presentation will discuss strategies for creating a clear and progressive plan for managing these assets. 

2.  Monitoring Tree Canopy Changes to Address Citizen Desires and Improve Habitat.

The City of Redmond, Washington, is in the process of adopting a strategic plan to add over 200 acres of tree canopy in the next 30 years. The plan is a collaboration between the parks, public works, and planning departments. GIS and LiDAR analysis, plus aerial photography are being used to develop and implement the plan.

3.  City of Encinitas: Urban Forest Wellness: A Sustainability Program Approach for Our Greatest Natural Resource.

The City of Encinitas, California, is located along six miles of Pacific coastline in northern San Diego County. It has an approximate population of 60,000 and is characterized by coastal beaches, cliffs, flat-topped mesa bluffs, and a thriving urban forest. The City’s Urban Forest Wellness Program provides a multi-faceted approach of maintenance, canopy replenishment, monitoring, and treatment that addresses tree health and sustainability. 

Learning Objectives:

_Evaluate tree value compared to the cost of sidewalk retrofit and develop strategies, standards, and tools for sidewalk and tree management.

_Use technologies such as GIS and LiDAR as tools for developing and implementing a plan to add more tree canopy to your city’s assets.

_Review the City of Encinitas’ Urban Forest Wellness Program and establish a similar approach for addressing tree health and sustainability.