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Council adopts urban forest management plan setting 40% canopy target by 2040
Summary
Council unanimously adopted the Urban Forest Management Plan, giving the Urban Tree Advisory Committee a formal roadmap to increase canopy cover and diversify species; staff said the city is at about 23% canopy coverage per 2021 data.
Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Urban Forest Management Plan as a guiding document for the Urban Tree Advisory Committee (UTAC), which the city said will guide tree-planting strategy, species diversity and annual reporting.
Josh Hopkins, park superintendent, presented the plan and told council: the UTAC voted unanimously to recommend the plan after work through 2024. "The urban forest management plan…details the vision, mission, values, goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation for managing urban forest within the Grants Pass urban growth boundary," he said. The plan sets a goal to increase tree canopy coverage to 40% by 2040 and to diversify species to reduce pest and disease risk. Josh reported the city’s most recent canopy estimate (2021) is about 23%.
During council discussion, members raised questions about species selection, root damage and the cost burden for private property owners. Councilmember Rob and others asked who selects street-tree species and who bears responsibility for damage to sidewalks or awnings caused by city-owned street trees. Josh responded that the city maintains an approved street-tree list and that planting guidance is driven by right-tree-right-place standards; he said adjacent property owners are generally responsible for maintenance under current municipal code, and the city has a hazardous-sidewalk program to help address uplift repairs.
Council asked about staffing and funding. Josh said UTAC volunteers produced the plan and staff time required for adoption and web posting is minimal; tree planting costs typically come from parks, public-works street funds or existing tree-deposit funds. Councilmember Joel and others supported the plan’s goals but urged attention to implementation details for downtown and large parking lots.
Councilmember Kathleen moved to adopt the plan; Joel seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The UTAC will report progress annually to council.
