Council adopts 25-year urban forestry plan; will sign copies with state forestry

The City Council unanimously adopted the Las Vegas Urban Forestry Management Plan on June 17 after a presentation by consultant Athena Basher of Seeds of Wisdom and assistance from the state urban forestry program. The plan documents an updated tree inventory (about 2,300 trees), estimates a 14.4% urban canopy and lays out a 25-year, year-by-year guide of goals, plant lists, rain-garden and stormwater guidelines, park-by-park analysis and best-management practices for tree care.

Basher told the council the plan "is not meant to live on a shelf" and emphasized its community-sourced approach, integration with stormwater management and practical tools such as recommended tree lists and pruning and mulching guidance. The plan includes conceptual landscape designs for parks and streets and identifies opportunities to use stormwater capture to irrigate new plantings.

Councilor Barbara Casey praised the plan's practical materials and said residents will be able to use the guides at home. The council voted to accept and adopt the plan (motion by Casey; second by Martinez). City and state staff arranged for five signed copies to be filed with the state forestry division for coordination and potential funding help.

Adoption includes updated tree ordinances that incorporate green stormwater infrastructure; the plan aims to increase species diversity, protect mature canopy and encourage job-training opportunities and park improvements tied to rain gardens and tree-lined corridors.