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Asheville staff outline urban forest master plan, public‑engagement schedule and implementation ideas
Summary
Planning & Urban Design Director Steph Dahl told the committee the Urban Forest Master Plan is entering a broad public‑engagement phase (online meeting Jan. 28 and stakeholder sessions in late winter/early spring) and listed potential implementation projects including school tree campuses, pocket forests and workforce development; staff said the Recovery Board will help amplify engagement.
City planning staff on Dec. 16 updated the Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee on the Urban Forest Master Plan and a coordinated public‑engagement schedule. Steph Dahl, serving for absent Urban Forester Keith Achin, said the effort will produce a combined strategic and management plan with policy recommendations and implementation opportunities to increase Asheville’s canopy.
Dahl said staff have activated the People and Environment Recovery Board to support outreach, and that an online public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28 at 6 p.m., followed by stakeholder group meetings in late winter and early spring. The committee was told staff expect to return with recommended policies and actions for council review next winter, after a summer/fall plan drafting period.
The presentation noted the city’s tree canopy fee‑in‑lieu fund has a significant balance available to support implementation; staff described potential actions that include certifying city schools as tree campuses, establishing a Richmond Hill educational urban forest, exploring pocket‑forest acquisitions, and creating a workforce development pathway through partnerships with AB Tech and UNC Asheville.
Council members raised concerns about advisory‑board participation, with the Urban Forestry Commission asking to be more directly involved in milestone reviews and survey materials before roadshows begin. Dahl said staff and some commission members have already reviewed materials and that staff will coordinate further to identify the appropriate roles and touchpoints for advisory input.
Next steps: continue community roadshows and stakeholder meetings, coordinate with advisory bodies, and present draft policy recommendations to the committee and council next winter.
