URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN

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.

This strategic plan will be based on science, data, and public input. Goals and strategies will be informed by the recent public tree inventory and Citywide Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) assessment. Integrating the needs and desires of the community will ensure the urban forest will benefit current and future residents with improved levels of service, expansion of tree canopy, and maximized benefits.

The urban forest is comprised of all the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation within parks, along streets, in private yards, on empty lots and in urban natural areas. An Urban Forest Master Plan will create a roadmap with a shared vision for the future of Kirkwood’s tree canopy. The first step in developing the roadmap was completed in 2022 with an inventory of all public trees along streets and in parks. Next, a top down look at the urban tree canopy cover across the City was assessed along with an evaluation of possible areas for more canopy cover— tree plantings.

The quality, health, and connectivity of this urban ecosystem is a major contributor to the quality of life for residents of Kirkwood. Caring for Kirkwood’s urban forest is an important part of growing a sustainable, healthy, and vibrant city. Your participation is crucial to the success of this project.