ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Kirkwood Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is a strategic long-term investment in the health of the trees throughout the City and the City’s diverse residents. In Kirkwood, nearly 30,000 people depend on the many benefits and services provided by the trees in our urban forest and implementing the Plan will have great influence beyond the bounds of the City.
The development of the Urban Forest Master Plan will help the City deliver a thriving and sustained urban forest that is guided by a shared commitment from the City and its residents.
Urban Forest Master Plan
An Urban Forest Master Plan is a roadmap that creates a shared vision for the future of Kirkwood’s tree canopy.
Tree Inventory Assessment
The tree inventory was conducted by Certified Arborists accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture to gather vital information pertaining to the extent, characteristics, structure, condition, and maintenance needs of public trees. This information was analyzed in Microsoft Excel and Kirkwood’s own TreePlotter software application to determine the characteristics and trends of the City’s urban forest to inform maintenance, planting, management, and the Urban Forest Master Plan.
Urban Tree canopy Assessment
Across the City, trees along streets, in parks, yards, and natural areas constitute a valuable urban and community forest. This resource is a critical element of the region’s green infrastructure, contributing to environmental quality, public health, water supply, local economies and aesthetics. The primary goal of this assessment was to provide a baseline and benchmark of the City’s tree canopy and interpret the results across a range of geographic boundaries.
Project TIMELINE
DECEMBER 2021
INVENTORY KICK-OFF
JAN-Mar 2022
INVENTORY COLLECTION
FEBRUARY 2022
URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN KICK-OFF
mar-apr 2022
staff interviews & community survey (available here!)
FEBRUARY 2022
urban canopy assessment
april 2022
public meeting-remote
april 2022
draft plan
may 2022
final plan & council adoption