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.

What is the Urban Forest?

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.

 

How does the Urban Forest Benefit the Community?

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

 

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.

 

How Can I Get Involved?

Community input is vital to the success of this project.  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.  The following survey was designed to gather an understanding of community values and preferences related to urban trees.  The results of this brief questionnaire will help guide the development of the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan.

Upcoming Events

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.

 

Event Archive

Pop-Up Event
Saturday, March 11, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
La Gran Biblioteca, 4200 South Fwy Suite 1338, Fort Worth, TX 76110

December 11, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lola’s Farmer’s Market, 2000 W. Berry St., Fort Worth, TX 76110

Virtual Community Workshops
Community Workshop #1: January 12, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/UFMPWorkshop1

Community Workshop #2: February 15, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/UFMPWorkshop2

November 4, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm:   City of Fort Worth Arbor Day Celebration
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/events/arbor-day-swtr

November 5, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm:  Handley Craft Fair
www.facebook.com/groups/handleyevents/