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'Trees for People' program expands: city to plant 376 street trees this year using ARPA funds; USDA grant suspended
Summary
Lancaster City’s public works and sustainability staff updated council on the Trees for People urban forestry program, announcing a 2025 Urban Forest Reset that will plant 376 street trees using ARPA funds. A separate planned USDA Forest Service grant of about $1 million is currently suspended.
Lancaster City officials updated the Public Works Committee and full council on the Trees for People urban-forestry program on March 3, describing near-term plantings, new data tools and community outreach intended to expand and diversify the city’s tree canopy.
Deputy Director for Sustainability Molly Daegher and the city’s urban forester, Mike (Dr. Michael) Meyer, briefed councilors on program components, funding and community partnerships. Meyer said the city intends to use ARPA funds described as “Urban Forest Reset” to plant 376 street trees this summer and that the city is “moving forward and onward” despite a suspension of a larger USDA Forest Service grant that would have provided roughly $1,000,000 for plantings and maintenance through 2028.
Meyer and Daegher outlined work to improve tree-well design, pruning and maintenance, and to use the Cityworks asset-management system to track tree assets and improve response times for residents who report hazards. The staff said the city recently relaunched its trees web page and has expanded community partnerships, including neighborhood groups and nonprofit partners that help plant and care for new street trees.
The presenters described an emphasis on “right tree, right place” siting to reduce sidewalk damage and on increasing species diversity so that a pest or disease affecting one species does not imperil whole blocks of trees. Meyer said some techniques—such as lining pipes rather than full replacement—can extend asset life and reduce long-term costs for water and sewer projects tied to right-of-way work.
Public comment included neighborhood concerns about maintenance and tree removal at small parks; one resident asked which city office is responsible for trimming trees in neighborhood parks and urged faster maintenance responses in specific locations.
There was no committee vote on the presentation itself. Staff said plantings will begin in spring and continue into the fall planting season and invited residents to participate through volunteer events and partner groups.
