Ann Arbor officials want public input on developing city's first Urban Forest Management Plan

By Ryan J. Stanton Political Reporter

Posted on Wed, May 26, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.

Ann Arbor officials are beginning the process of developing the city’s first Urban Forest Management Plan.

The plan is expected to provide a framework for the city to effectively manage the urban forest as a community asset, consistent with the values and needs of Ann Arbor residents.

City officials say Ann Arbor’s city-managed urban forest provides $4.6 million in benefits each year to the city and its residents. The plan is intended to help maintain a sustainable urban forest that maximizes those benefits.

To kick off the planning process, the city is hosting public workshops to engage residents in shaping the direction and scope of the Urban Forest Management Plan.

The next workshop will be held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at the Forsythe Middle School cafeteria, 1655 Newport Road.

The city's forestry department has created a website dedicated to the benefits of urban forests. Click here to visit the site.