Planning commission hears update on Fairfax City Urban Forest Master Plan

Fairfax City Planning Commission members received an update July 28 on the draft Urban Forest Master Plan, a two‑phase effort that consultants said will guide tree management, policy and community stewardship across the city for the next 20 years.

The presentation summarized Phase 1 outreach and analyses — more than 100 stakeholder interviews, an 83‑response public survey, multiple public meetings and canopy mapping — and introduced six draft objectives that include stronger tree protections, a long‑term planting and maintenance plan, and creation of a centralized urban forestry division. Staff and the consultant said a final plan is slated for city adoption before the end of 2025, with the Planning Commission expected to consider an endorsement in November or December.

The master plan process is intended to translate public input and technical data into implementable policies. Dr. Garrett Wolf, engagement lead for the Davie Resource Group, said the project’s outreach and data work “forms the basis for the master plan’s goals and objectives.” City staff described Phase 1 as primarily information gathering; Phase 2 will refine objectives, identify implementation actions and produce the final plan.

Consultants and staff reviewed key findings from Phase 1. Canopy mapping based on 2023 imagery showed 37.86%…