What should an urban forest master plan include?

An urban forest master plan is a strategic document designed to guide the sustainable management, enhancement, and maintenance of trees within an urban environment. It is essential that such a plan includes a comprehensive assessment of the existing tree resource as well as setting long-term goals for the urban forest.

Including an assessment of the tree resource ensures that the plan is grounded in reality—understanding what species are present, their health, distribution, and ecological function within the city. This assessment provides a baseline for monitoring progress and effectiveness over time. Additionally, identifying long-term goals, such as increasing tree canopy cover, enhancing biodiversity, and improving urban air quality, allows for strategic planning that can address future urban challenges, promote resilience, and engage the community.

While immediate planting plans, financial overviews, and specific planting techniques may be components of the broader planning process, they don't encompass the full scope of what a master plan should achieve. A focus on immediate actions alone or a narrow set of financial data would limit the long-term vision and sustainability that an effective urban forest master plan is meant to support. Therefore, a holistic approach that incorporates current conditions and future aspirations is central to effective urban forest management.