Fort Worth Urban Forest Master Plan

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Fall 2022 Texas Trees Foundation and the City of Fort Worth are developing an Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) for managing the City’s trees to enhance quality of life in Fort Worth.

The urban forest plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment in the midst of ongoing development. As the 13th largest, and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Fort Worth is feeling the impacts of rising temperatures and poor air quality common in urban areas. Loss of existing tree canopy magnifies these impacts.

The Urban Forest Master Plan will create a shared vision and provide tools for urban forest managers to preserve, care for, and grow the city’s forest resources more effectively and equitably. When properly managed, trees provide a myriad of benefits, including stormwater mitigation, heat reduction, air quality improvement, and improved health, wellness, and quality of life. A comprehensive master plan is essential to ensure this resource is available to meet current and future needs of Fort Worth residents and visitors.

Coming Soon Community input is vital to the success of this project – further developments on the Master Plan are underway!

A tree planting is expected in October 2023 – more details will be provided.

Together, we can proactively address the challenges and opportunities facing our trees and develop a plan to preserve, manage, and grow Fort Worth’s urban forest. Earlier this year, a survey was designed to gather an understanding of community values and preferences related to urban trees. The results will help guide the development of the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Note: We exhibit at community events and host online workshops every so often regarding the Urban Forest Management plan. If no upcoming events are listed, check back for updates.

UPCOMING EVENT
Thursday, November 2, 2023

Tree Planting and Celebration of UFMP at Bunche Park
Bunche Park Picnic Shelter
5600 Ramey Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76112
9:00 a.m. Tree Planting
11:00 a.m. Formal Remarks

What they're saying... Mayor Mattie Parker and members of the Fort Worth City Council weigh in on Fort Worth UFMP

What is an Urban Forest and How Does It Benefit the Community?

The urban forest is comprised of all the trees in a community, on both public and private land. Some of these trees are found along streets and waterways, and in parks and natural areas. However, the urban forest also includes trees on commercial and industrial properties, school campuses, residential property, and in parking lots.

Urban forests provide essential economic, social, health, and environmental benefits that make cities more sustainable and resilient.  Some of these benefits include:

  • Helping to clean the air, reducing respiratory illnesses
  • Helping to cool the air and shade walking surfaces
  • Reducing stormwater runoff and flooding
  • Improving water quality in creeks and lakes
  • Holding soil in place, reducing erosion
  • Providing food and shelter for wildlife
  • Reducing energy usage by shading buildings
  • Improving human health and wellbeing
  • Absorb sounds of traffic and other urban noise
Fort Worth UFMP
Fort Worth Urban Forest Master Plan

Why is an Urban Forest Master Plan Needed?

The urban forest plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment in the midst of ongoing development. As the 12th largest, and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Fort Worth is feeling the impacts of rising temperatures and poor air quality common in urban areas. Loss of existing tree canopy magnifies these impacts.

The Urban Forest Master Plan will create a shared vision and provide tools for urban forest managers to preserve, care for, and grow the city’s forest resources more effectively and equitably. When properly managed, trees provide a myriad of benefits, including stormwater mitigation, heat reduction, air quality improvement, and improved health, wellness, and quality of life. A comprehensive master plan is essential to ensure this resource is available to meet current and future needs of Fort Worth residents and visitors.

Supporters

Donate

Please consider donating to support the Texas Trees Foundation’s urban forestry mission. Your contributions will go toward funding our programs and projects.

Volunteer

Interested in getting directly involved with the Texas Trees Foundation? Learn more about upcoming opportunities and Tree Tender volunteer events.

Resources

Browse our many reports and studies about urban forestry in North Texas. In addition to information on Pioneer Plaza and our Tree Tracker platform.

Let’s curate a partnership together.

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