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Port Huron approves $113,000 tree inventory and forestry management plan
Summary
Council voted to hire EnviroTrack LLC to inventory the city’s trees and produce a 2026 Forestry Management Plan, funding the roughly $113,000 cost from this year’s budget (likely split over two years); the work group highlighted a 24.9% tree canopy and long-term planting needs.
The Port Huron City Council approved a professional services agreement with EnviroTrack LLC to perform a complete inventory of city-owned trees and to develop a 2026 Forestry Management Plan. Council discussion identified the project cost at about $113,000 to be funded from this year’s budget and possibly split over two years.
The work-group chair, introduced as Mr. Sotto, presented the group’s findings. He cited SEMCOG data showing Port Huron’s current tree canopy at 24.9% and noted the city’s goal of roughly 40 percent canopy coverage. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now," Mr. Sotto said. He recommended a full GPS-tagged field inventory (species, size, health, structural integrity) so the city can prioritize plantings, estimate long-term needs and pursue larger grants.
The presentation noted local trends: some census tracts are far below the 40% target (south end about 19.1%), and the city faces aging stock and losses from pests (e.g., Emerald Ash Borer) and past utility work. Mr. Sotto said there are 54 trees remaining to allocate from a prior purchase of 200 and that the inventory will likely show larger near-term replanting needs.
Council members emphasized the inventory as an investment to unlock future grant pools and discussed staffing and outreach needs. The city manager noted the inventory increases likelihood of securing significant grants that require such data. Council moved and approved the contract (Resolution 12) unanimously.
Next steps: EnviroTrack will begin the field inventory and return recommendations and a draft forestry management plan; council and staff will pursue outreach and potential grant opportunities to support larger planting efforts.
