A Technical Guide to Developing

Urban Forestry Strategic Plans

and
Urban Forestry Management Plans

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry

2006
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Plan?..........................................................................................................................................................................1

What Are Urban Forestry Plans?......................................................................................................................................1

Pre-Planning.......................................................................................................................................................................1

The Planning Process.........................................................................................................................................................2

How to Use These Guidelines...........................................................................................................................................2

Urban Forestry Strategic Plans..........................................................................................................................................3

Urban Forestry Management Plans...................................................................................................................................7

Management Plan Budget Table.....................................................................................................................................10

Budget Table Instructions................................................................................................................................................12

Sample Outlines for Strategic and Management Plans...................................................................................................13

Planning Tips and Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................14

Minimum Requirements for Grant Funded Strategic Plans............................................................................................15

Minimum Requirements for Grant Funded Management Plans.....................................................................................17

i
Why Plan?
Planning is key to effective management of any program. Good plans make the difference between
cost-effective, pro-active management and costly crisis management. Plans establish focus and
direction. They provide the framework for program implementation and a basis for consistent decision
making. They are tools for determining budgets and other support needs.

What are Urban Forestry Plans?

Urban forestry planning occurs on several levels. At the broadest level, strategic plans establish the
overall goals and objectives of the organization's urban forestry efforts. Ideally, strategic planning is
one of the first tasks undertaken in the establishment of a community forestry program. Also called
long-range, comprehensive or master plans, strategic plans create a blueprint for administration and
management of a community tree program. Strategic plans include input from local citizens,
organizations, businesses, municipal staff and elected officials. They are integrated with other
comprehensive community plans.

Urban forest management plans are specific to the field operations of the community tree program.
Typically based on a detailed tree inventory, management plans identify and prioritize site-specific
tree planting, maintenance and removal activities within a multi-year time frame.

Urban forestry planning also takes on a variety of other forms. Land use plans, greenway plans, site
development plans, public landscape design and maintenance plans and similar planning efforts
require input from those involved with public tree care.

Pre-Planning
Pre-planning is done to establish basic parameters for plan development. Pre-planning should identify
such things as:
what kind of plan is needed
who will be involved in its development and at what stage
how the plan will be used
how awareness and support for the plan will be generated

Available interest, expertise, time and financial resources of the organization should be considered
when determining how to develop the plan. Organizations lacking the necessary human resources
might choose to hire an urban forestry consultant to prepare the plan.

Urban Forestry Assistance grants, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, are
available for projects that develop or expand management capacity for sustained urban forestry
programs at the local level. This cost-share program favors development of strategic and management
plans, however other types of urban forestry plans may also be eligible for funding. Grant funded
plans must meet Department standards (see pp.15-17).

Pre-planning should take place prior to applying for an Urban Forestry Assistance grant. Pre-
planning makes the application process easier and invariably results in a better project proposal.

1
The Planning Process
Planning is a continuous process that follows a logical sequence of steps. Four principal questions
drive the process, regardless of the type of plan or its complexity:

1. What do you have?

 
4. Are you getting what you want? 2. What do you want?
(feedback)
 
3. How do you get what you want?

How to Use This Guide

The wide spectrum of community tree issues and planning considerations can make the task of
developing an urban forestry strategic or management plan appear formidable, particularly to
organizations lacking trained staff. This guide offers a "how to" approach to urban forestry planning,
utilizing the four step process shown above. By following step-by-step through the guide, any
organization can develop a thorough, functional urban forestry plan, regardless of community size or
technical resources.

The examples contained in this guide are given merely to stimulate ideas and illustrate concepts.
Because each community is unique, plans will differ from one community to another. Not all plans
will need to address every point discussed. Some communities may wish to include information
beyond that presented in the guide. There is no prescribed order, length, format or style for a plan.
Organizations are encouraged to develop clear, action oriented plans that best suit their unique needs
and circumstances. Above all, a plan must be useful or it won't get used! For further planning
assistance, contact the DNR urban forestry coordinator serving your region.

2
 Urban Forestry Strategic Plans
Before beginning the four step planning process, establish the purpose and scope of your plan. Think
back to your pre-planning assessment. Why are you developing this plan? What is it supposed to do?
How will it be used? Document your intentions with written statements.

For example... Purpose: The purpose of the Pleasantville Urban Forestry Strategic Plan is to lay the
groundwork for the development of a comprehensive urban forestry program.

Scope: This plan provides a 20-year outline for achieving urban forestry
administrative, policy, educational and management goals. It gives citizens of
Pleasantville, community decision makers and staff a clear set of prioritized
recommendations to accomplish these goals. The plan proposes a timetable of
implementation and, where possible, provides estimated costs. This plan is
intended to become a part of Pleasantville’s Community Master Plan.

Step 1: What Do You Have?

a. historical background
A brief review of the history of your community's tree resource and its management adds useful
perspective. Tracing the community back to its development, what has been the role of trees?
What values were placed on them? What cultural influences shaped these values? Are there trees
of historical significance in the community? Has tree planting been a part of the community’s
history? How have trees been taken care of in the past? Have there been events that have changed
the public’s attitude toward trees (e.g., Dutch elm disease, tree removal for road projects, etc.)?

b. current situation
Assess your current situation in terms of:
• awareness and interest among community residents and officials
• administration and management of public tree planting and care
• general status of the urban forest resource

This assessment may require some investigation. You might conduct a survey to determine
residents' attitudes, preferences and level of knowledge about trees, tree care and public tree
management. Are there organizations or individuals interested in community tree planting and
care? How do local elected officials and staff feel about public trees? Are public trees adequately
cared for in your community? Is there an adequate budget for trees? How is it determined? Are
there written policies or ordinances concerning trees? Are they adequate? Are they enforced? Is
tree well-being considered in development and construction projects? ...in comprehensive
community planning? ...in subdivision planning? Are the persons in charge of public trees trained
in proper tree care practices? Is there an adequate budget for overall management of the tree
program, including staff training, public education and administrative support? What equipment is
available within the municipal fleet for forestry operations? Is tree care equipment available
locally for lease? What is the availability and quality of commercial tree care service in the area?
etc.

3
 Step 2: What do you Want?

a. needs
Various program needs will be evident from your assessment in Step 1. You might want to group
needs into categories.

For example... Awareness Needs

• increased public awareness of the values and benefits of community trees
• better local support for an urban forest management program
• better understanding among residents about proper tree selection, planting
and care

Administration & Management Needs

• more training and education for tree program staff
• updated municipal tree ordinance
• alternative sources of program funding
• creation of a tree board

Tree Needs
• more species and age diversity
• better maintenance for existing public trees
• fewer hazardous trees

b. goals
Develop broad goals that address the needs you have identified. Steer away from vague statements
such as, "improve the quality of life." Goals should be quantifiable so that progress can be
measured.

For example... 1. The urban forestry program has community and political support.
2. Residents are knowledgeable about proper tree planting and care.
3. Trees are integral in all community planning decisions.
4. Community trees are maintained at optimum levels of stocking, health, age
and species diversity, and are appropriate for the site, etc.

Step 3: How do you Get What you Want?

a. strategies
Once goals are determined, start figuring out ways to achieve them. Recommendations should be
in the form of specific strategies or objectives. If desired, strategies can be further broken down
into actions and tasks. Look at sample goal #1, "community trees are maintained at optimum
levels of stocking, health, age and species diversity, and are appropriate for the site."
Recommendations might look something like this:

Strategy 1: Complete a community tree inventory.

Action:Determine how inventory will be conducted.
Action:Apply for Urban Forestry Assistance grant.
Action:Hire intern or consultant, as necessary.
Action:Conduct inventory.
Task: Conduct training, as necessary.
Task: Purchase equipment and materials, as necessary.
Action:Analyze inventory findings.

4
 Strategy 2: Prepare a management plan based on inventory findings

b. time, responsibilities and budgets

Plans are unlikely to be implemented without a clear indication of who will do what, when, and at
what cost. Develop an implementation schedule that identifies who is responsible for each strategy
(action, task), when each will be completed and what each will cost. Be sure to prioritize the
implementation schedule. Here's an example of how a portion of an implementation schedule
might look:

GOAL #1: COMMUNITY TREES ARE MAINTAINED AT OPTIMUM LEVELS OF STOCKING,

HEALTH, AGE AND SPECIES DIVERSITY, AND ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SITE

Strategy 1: Complete a community tree inventory Priority - 1

Recommended Actions & Tasks Cost/Funding Performed By Status/Completion Date

Source

Determine how inventory will be conducted N/A tree board September, 2006
Apply for Urban Forestry Assistance grant N/A tree board October, 2006
Hire intern or consultant $2,000 - $6,000 tree board & February, 2007
urban forestry grant staff
Perform inventory N/A intern or June - July, 2007
consultant
Conduct training, as necessary N/A technical June, 2007
advisor
Purchase equipment and materials, as $250-$1,000 tree board June, 2007
necessary urban forestry grant
Analyze inventory findings N/A intern or August, 2007
consultant &
tree board

Strategy 2: Prepare an inventory based management plan Priority - 1

c. justification of recommendations
Plans whose recommendations would require a substantial budget increase should include specific
justification, either in the plan itself or in an attachment. You might address how implementation
will improve public safety, customer satisfaction or cost-effectiveness. What problems will be
solved or reduced? What alternative recommendations were considered and why were they
rejected? It might be helpful to make a side-by-side comparison between existing and proposed
program costs and benefits. Administrators and budget decision makers are unlikely to endorse
your plan or supply budget requests without a clear, convincing argument for doing so.

Step 4: Are you Getting What you Want?

a. monitor & evaluate

5
 How will you assess whether the strategies, once implemented, are moving you toward your
goals? For example, to determine whether strategies for reaching sample goal #2 are working, you
might look around the community at trees on private property. Are they being planted and cared
for properly? Are you getting feedback on municipal tree planting and care practices? Has the
quality of commercial tree care services changed? Are local commercial arborists certified? Are
there other ways to measure tree knowledge among residents? Include specific monitoring
recommendations in your plan.

b. take corrective action

Include a schedule for reviewing and updating the plan. Goals, strategies and priorities may
change over time. New program staff or volunteers may bring different ideas or priorities.
Periodic review and updating are important to avoid wasted effort and to keep the plan a working
document.

Appendix and Summary

Your strategic plan should also include an appendix of reference information useful for plan
implementation. Appropriate material might include: community map(s), relevant ordinances or tree
policies, technical resources, potential sources of funding, summaries of surveys, etc.

Finally, for a plan that is quite lengthy or detailed, it is helpful to include a one or two page "executive
summary." For those who haven't the time or interest to read the entire plan, a short summary of its
highlights should provide a fair idea of the plan's general direction and major recommendations.

6
 Urban Forest Management Plans
The steps for developing a management plan are the same as for a strategic plan. Begin by defining the
purpose and scope of the plan.

For example... Purpose: The purpose of the Pleasantville urban forest management plan is to
recommend specific tree planting, maintenance and removal activities to cost-
effectively improve the public tree resource.

Scope: This plan will make site specific, prioritized, inventory based
recommendations for managing Pleasantville's public tree resource for a five-
year time period. It will identify staffing and other support needs and will
include projected annual budgets for the five-year planning period.

Step 1: What do you Have?

a. inventory summary and analysis

A recent inventory of tree and site information forms the basis for the management plan. A
thorough summary and analysis of the inventory data will enable you to identify existing resource
needs and anticipate future ones. Does any one species comprise a high percentage of the total
public tree resource? ...a high percentage of trees of a certain age or size class? At what age or size
are trees regularly developing structural problems? Does this vary by species? ...by location? Is
width of tree lawn correlated with tree condition? Does this vary by species? Does tree condition
vary by land use or location? Are there areas where trees are needed? Such questions are just a few
examples of those you might consider in an inventory analysis.

b. assessment of other circumstances

What other local circumstances are likely to influence your short-term resource management
activities? Consider these examples:
o new subdivision under development
o tall-growing trees to be removed from beneath power lines by the local utility company
o stump grinding, previously contracted, now to be done by staff
o volunteer tree board forming

Step 2: What do you Want?

a. management needs
Identify needs based on your inventory analysis and assessment of other circumstances.

For example... Remove _____(#) hazardous trees

Conduct safety pruning* on _____(#) trees
Conduct training pruning* on _____(#) existing and _____(#) future trees
Conduct maintenance pruning* on _____(#) mature trees
Fill _____(#) existing and _____(#) anticipated planting vacancies
Improve diversity of street trees
Improve planting survival
Minimize new oak wilt infection centers

*Note: Various types of pruning are defined on p.12

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b. management goals
Determine quantifiable goals based on needs.

For example... 1. Optimum tree cover is established and maintained.

2. Optimum level of age and species diversity is established and maintained.
3. Conservation of tree resources is promoted.
4. Street trees are appropriately selected, situated and maintained to minimize hazard,
nuisance, hardscape damage and maintenance costs.
5. Management of the urban forest is cost-effective and efficient.
6. Management strategies are acknowledged, understood and cooperatively
implemented by appropriate municipal departments.

Step 3: How do you Get What you Want?

a. strategies and action steps

This is the meat-and-potatoes of the management plan. Management Plan strategies should consist of
site-specific, inventory based recommendations for accomplishing stated goals, to include:

Tree and stump removal

• priority (hazard) removals ... how many, rate of removal, where (list or description)
• replacement needs
• wood residue utilization
• stump grinding, reseeding ... how many existing and anticipated, how many per year, where
(list or description)
Maintenance
• priority pruning (safety, health) ... how many, rate of removal, where (list or description)
• other maintenance - watering, insect & disease control, mulching, cabling & bracing,
fertilizing, stake removal, etc... what, where (list or description), what species, when/how
often
• mature tree pruning (maintenance, routine)... how many, where (list or description),
when/how often
• new tree maintenance program ... what, where (list or description), what species, when/how
often
• ongoing tree protection measures
Planting
• planting site assessment ... how many existing and anticipated planting sites, where (list or
description), constraints & opportunities, new tree protection
• prioritized planting plan ... optimum stocking level, planting rate, citizen requests
• site specific evaluation of diversity, design & function
• site specific species recommendations
Administrative Support
• analysis of adequacy of current staffing levels and recommendations on any or all work to be
done by staff, outside contractors, volunteers, or if additional staff is or will be needed
• equipment needs ... what type, how many, purchase or lease
• staff training/education
• storm damage & hazard tree plans; inspections
• policies re:citizen requests for tree work, permits for tree work
• public notification of scheduled operations

Note: Recommendations should make reference to any existing policies and industry standards, as
appropriate. Referenced policies and technical standards should be incorporated into the
plan appendix.

8
b. prioritizing operations
When developing your plan, consider the following priorities of management activities:

1. Public Safety! Remove hazardous trees and limbs.

2. Maintain what you have.
3. Plant after maintenance needs have been met.

Remember also to build in funding for maintenance when you plant, just as you would for any other
component of infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities, etc.).

According to the USDA Forest Service, new programs or those in which routine maintenance and
removals have been neglected should spend approximately 80% of their operations budget on
maintenance and removals. The remaining 20% is for planting and administration. Once the initial
heavy maintenance and hazard tree removals have been performed, the following IDEAL* budget is
suggested:

Ideal * Typical
Pruning and other maintenance 45-50% 38%
Removals 20% 35%
Planting 10-25% 14%
Administration & supervision 10% 13%

Note that maintenance expenditures should be about twice those for planting. Also, TYPICAL
expenditures for removals are much higher than IDEAL. With greater emphasis on maintenance, the
tree population should become healthier and longer lived, decreasing removal costs.

*The "ideal" budget figures are offered as a guideline only. In all cases, urban forestry expenditures
should be based on actual needs as determined from a tree inventory and other local circumstances.

c. time, responsibilities and budget

Develop an implementation schedule as described for strategic plans. Budgets should be based on real
information (e.g., what does it cost to conduct "maintenance pruning" on a 14" tree?) The budget work
sheet and instructions on pp.10-12 will help you estimate the cost of planting, maintenance and
removal activities specified in your plan.

d. justification of recommendations
As for strategic plans, management plans whose recommendations call for a substantial budget
increase should include specific justification, either as part of the plan or as an attachment to the plan.

Step 4: Are you Getting What you Want?

Monitor and evaluate progress, take corrective action and reset goals as described for strategic plans.

As for strategic plans, include an appendix with information useful for plan implementation. Appropriate
material might include: community map, map of utilities, technical & safety standards, list of vendors,
recommended species lists, equipment & vehicle rates, etc. Also include an executive summary if needed.

9
Estimated Costs for a Five Year Urban Forest Management Program
Estimated costs for each activity 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Five year
Diameter Cost/tree # of # of # of # of # of
Activity
Class (in dollars) trees
Total Cost
trees
Total Cost
trees
Total Cost
trees
Total Cost
trees
Total Cost cost
1-6"
7-12"
13-18"
Tree 19-24"
Removals
25-30"
31-36"
Over 36"
Activity Totals
1-6"
7-12"
13-18"
Stump 19-24"
Removal
25-30"
31-36"
Over 36"
Activity Totals
1-6"
7-12"
Immediate 13-18"
Priority 19-24"
Pruning 25-30"
31-36"
Over 36"
Activity Totals
1-6"
7-12"
13-18"
High Priority 19-24"
Pruning
25-30"
31-36"
Over 36"
Activity Totals

Sub-Total
This Page
 Estimated costs for each activity 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Diameter Five
Cost/tree # of # of # of # of # of Year
Activity Class / Sub- Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost
(in dollars) trees trees trees trees trees
activity Cost
1-6"
7-12"
13-18"
Routine 19-24"
Pruning
25-30"
31-36"
Over 36"
Activity Totals
Site prep
Tree
Tree purchase
Planting
Planting
Activity Totals
Training
pruning
New Tree
Mulching
Maintenance
Watering

Activity Totals

Other
Maintenance

Activity Totals

Sub-Total
This Page

Sub-Total
Previous Page

Totals per
Year
 Completing the Budget Table

Diameter class is a measure of the size of the trees. Diameter is measured at 4.5 feet above the ground.
The diameter classes shown may differ depending on the inventory program used.

For each activity, determine the $/tree for accomplishing that activity in each diameter class. This
amount will encompass the average time multiplied by the personnel and equipment costs required to
complete that activity for that size class.

Immediate priority and High priority pruning is for public safety - removal of hazardous and/or
potentially hazardous limbs (those which are dead, dying, diseased, decayed or structurally unsound).
Routine pruning indicates trees that are pruned on a regular cycle. If trees have not been routinely pruned
in the past, the first cycle of Routine pruning may involve more work and be more expensive due to the
trees having many large branches, deadwood or poor form that must be corrected via pruning. The
subsequent cycles of Routine pruning usually takes far less time than other pruning, since only minor
corrections or deadwooding are needed. Some "routine prune" trees may not need any work even though
according to the pruning cycle, they are due for pruning. Note that once the immediate priority and high
priority pruning have been completed, all mature trees will fall within the routine pruning category. From
that point on, each year should include one-sixth of the total mature tree population (for a 6 year pruning
cycle) for routine pruning.

New tree maintenance includes several activities. It involves training pruning - the systematic corrective
and directional pruning of newly planted trees, usually done twice in the first ten years (at 2-3 years and
5-7 years after planting). After this time they are incorporated into the routine pruning cycle. It also
involves mulching, watering and other necessary activities.

Other maintenance can include a wide variety of activities, such as watering, mulching, insect & disease
monitoring and treatment, fertilizing, cabling & bracing, etc. for all trees. You should modify this
column to accommodate your anticipated maintenance needs. Although weather, pest outbreaks and
similar circumstances can make it difficult to accurately project other maintenance costs, an estimate
should be included in the budget.

Enter the number of trees you expect to handle each year by activity and size class, then calculate the
total cost for each year as follows: $/tree x # of trees = Total cost for each year.

The number of trees to be planted each year is determined as follows.

Number of planting sites + number of

Number of trees that are Number of trees to be
removals + =
expected to die each year planted each year
Number of years to full stocking

Ideally, tree planting does not begin until the high priority and maintenance pruning is complete. Newly planted
trees should be pruned at least twice within the first ten years of planting. For example, trees planted in 2004
could be pruned (training pruning) in 2007 and 2010. After this they should be placed on the five to six year
pruning rotation with the other trees. Training pruning will eliminate 90% of all structural problems throughout
the life of the tree. Pruning small trees with small limbs is far less costly to do and will save a lot of money over
the long term, while greatly increasing the health and value of the community trees.

Note: Any tree service involved in municipal pruning should be able to supply average cost and time estimates.

Note that this table will only provide costs for the operations part of the program, typically what is
covered within a management plan. Additional costs for public education, staff training, administering the
program, equipment purchase and maintenance costs, etc. should also be calculated into the overall
community forestry budget.
 Sample Outlines for Strategic and Management Plans
Strategic Plan Management Plan

1. Executive Summary 1. Executive Summary

2. Statement of Purpose and Scope** 2. Statement of Purpose and Scope **
3. Historical Background 3. Inventory Summary & Analysis **
4. Current Situation** 4. Assessment of Administrative & Public Awareness
Needs **
5. Needs Statement ** 5. Goals **
6. Goals ** 6. Objectives/Strategies (& Actions, Tasks) **
7. Objectives/Strategies (& Actions, Tasks) ** 7. Implementation Schedule with Budgets **
8. Implementation Schedule with Budgets ** 8. Budget Justification (can be attachment to plan)
9. Budget Justification (can be attachment to plan) 9. Evaluation Mechanism **
10. Evaluation Mechanism ** 10. Appendices
11. Appendices A. Inventory Documentation (e.g. data summary)**
A. Community Map B. Community Map with Management Districts
B. Shade Tree Ordinance C. Relevant Ordinances
C. Survey Summaries D. Map of Utilities
D. Potential Funding Source E. Technical & Safety Standards
E. Technical Resources F. Species Lists
F. Tree City USA Program Information G. Equipment & Vehicle Rates
H. List of Vendors
I. Storm Management Plan

** required elements for plans developed with funding from an Urban Forestry Assistance grant (see pp.15 & 17)
 Planning Tips & Troubleshooting

A plan is not an end unto itself; rather it is the chosen route to a destination. Many impressive looking
plans end up on a shelf gathering dust because there is no vehicle for reaching the destination, or
because the vehicle becomes stalled along the way. A plan will be more useful and more likely to be
implemented if:

• It is ambitious but realistic, achievable within the abilities and constraints of the organization. A
plan that might work well for one community or organization could be a "pie in the sky" for
another.

• It contains a full complement of clear and specific recommendations for action based on stated
goals. Anyone who reviews the plan should be able to answer such questions as: What is the
first step toward implementing this plan? Who is responsible for initiating that step? Who else
will be involved? What equipment, training &/or technical resources are needed to take that
step? What will it cost? What happens after that step is completed? A good plan provides
enough information to give a clear idea of the next step(s) and the resources (time, dollars,
people) needed to take that step.

• It is used to develop annual work plans. Ideally, annual work plans are developed from both
strategic and management plans. Prior to the start of a new year, establish a calendar of tasks
based on recommendations in the strategic and management plans.

• It has a broad support base. Avoid the temptation to include only tree enthusiasts or insiders in
the planning process. Identify and include all affected parties and adversaries.

• Plan development is a team effort. Regardless who prepares the plan, everyone who will be
involved in its implementation should thoroughly review all drafts and provide objective input.
The DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator serving your region is available to review and comment
on drafts.

• Plenty of time is allowed for plan development and review. Urban forestry planning is a complex
process. Anticipate numerous revisions, setting interim deadlines as needed. Regardless who
prepares the plan, it is unlikely that a first draft, or even a second, will fully address your
planning needs.

• Your community's elected officials are made aware of your planning effort. Their interest and
support will help ensure integration with the plans and activities of other municipal departments
and will increase the likelihood of plan implementation.

• Someone is given responsibility for overall plan development, implementation and evaluation.
To help ensure thoroughness and continuity, responsibility is best given to someone with the
time and interest to give the plan the attention it deserves.

If a consultant will be preparing your plan, be sure to request a copy of "Guidelines for Working
With Consultants on Urban Forestry Grant Projects" from the Urban Forestry Coordinator serving
your region.
 Minimum Requirements for Grant Funded Urban Forestry Strategic Plans

Sponsor of Plan: _________________________________________ Project Number: ______________

___ 1. statement of purpose and scope of plan

___ 2. urban forestry background, current situation & key issues; overview of needs

___ 3. long-term goals for shaping program direction, priorities & policies; must address, at a minimum: tree
resource, program administration, & tree awareness & program support needs

___ 4. proposed strategies (actions, tasks) to accomplish tree resource goals (i.e., a broad range of
recommendations detailing how to establish, provide &/or develop such things as: urban forest
management plans; hazard tree management plans; tree health care plans; greenway &/or land use plans;
ecosystem management guidelines; tree inventories; technical standards & specifications; design
standards; stocking & phasing objectives; species/site criteria; maintenance cycles & priorities; tree
protection policy; tree removal criteria; etc.)

___ 5. proposed strategies to accomplish program administration goals & objectives (i.e., a broad range of
recommendations detailing how to establish, provide &/or develop such things as: funding sources;
program budgets; staffing & staff training; tree board &/or other program volunteers; ordinances; policy
& procedures for equipment procurement & disposal, contractual services, permits &/or licenses, public
& worker safety, tree work documentation, accomplishment reporting & program evaluation, assessing
& collecting tree damages, handling citizen requests, emergency response, abatement of public & private
tree hazards, hardscape conflict resolution, wood waste utilization, etc.)

___ 6. proposed strategies to accomplish tree awareness & program support goals & objectives (i.e., a broad
range of recommendations detailing how to establish, provide &/or develop such things as: I&E
programs for homeowners, schools, organizations, targeted populations or neighborhoods; Arbor Day &
other awareness opportunities; TCUSA participation; recognition &/or awards programs; news media
relationships; inter- and intra-departmental cooperation; communications &/or partnerships with utilities,
real estate developers & builders, business community, green industry, DOT, etc; program promotion &
publicity; political support; sources of technical assistance; etc.)

___ 7. implementation schedule of all activities; must include:

a. priorities
b. who is responsible for each activity
c. target dates for completing each activity
d. projected costs
e. funding sources, as appropriate

___ 8. mechanism for evaluating & updating plan (i.e., who, when & how?)

___ 9. plan fluent, functional, technically sound & appropriate to needs of community

___ 10. funding credit statement

 FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY

___ REVISION REQUIRED; letter to sponsor _________________________

(date)

___ PLAN APPROVED _________________________ by: _____________________________________

(date) (signature)

comments ________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
 Minimum Requirements for Grant Funded Urban Forest Management Plans

Sponsor of Plan: ______________________________________________ Project Number: _________

___ 1. statement of purpose and scope of plan

___ 2. assessment of tree resource, program administration and public awareness needs; assessment must
be sufficiently detailed to provide a basis for management goals & activities for the duration of the
planning period; inventory documentation (or comparable data) must be included in the appendix

___ 3. management goals based on needs assessment

___ 4. proposed activities (strategies, actions, tasks) to accomplish management goals; must address
planting, pruning, other maintenance & removal needs identified through inventory summary and
analysis, to include:
a. prioritized planting locations (by location, land use or other parameter)
b. site assessment for planting locations (e.g., physical characteristics & limitations; proposed site
modifications; tree placement/siting considerations; species & size considerations; site-specific
tree protection measures
c. prioritized pruning by location & type of pruning (e.g., safety, training, maintenance, routine)
d. prioritized inspections & miscellaneous maintenance by type & location, as appropriate (e.g., re-
inventory; hazard tree inspections; transplant survival checks; insect & disease monitoring &
treatment; fertilizing; soil treatment; root treatment; grass/weed control; cabling/bracing;
supplemental watering; removing stakes, ties & wrap; mulching)
e. prioritized tree & stump removal (by degree of hazard, species, size, location, land use or similar
parameter); tree replacement or site restoration

___ 5. recommendations for administrative activities to support planting, pruning, other maintenance &
removals, to include:
a. staffing needs (e.g., how many, type of position, contract vs. staff, training needs)
b. equipment needs (e.g., what kind, how many, where/how to obtain)
c. wood residue utilization (if no policy already exists)

___ 6. implementation schedule of all activities for at least 5 years; must include:
a. who is responsible for each activity
b. target dates for each activity
c. projected costs
d. funding sources, as appropriate

___ 7. mechanism for evaluating & updating plan (i.e., who, when & how?)

___ 8. plan fluent, functional, technically sound & appropriate to needs of community

___ 9. funding credit statement

 FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY

___ REVISION REQUIRED; letter to sponsor _________________________

(date)

___ PLAN APPROVED __________________ by: __________________________________________

(date) (signature)

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