The Fort Worth City Council adopted the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) on June 25, 2024, making it the official guide for future decisions related to urban forest management.
The urban forest plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment in the midst of ongoing development. As the 12th largest, and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Fort Worth is feeling the impacts of rising temperatures and poor air quality common in urban areas. Loss of existing tree canopy magnifies these impacts.
The Urban Forest Master Plan creates a shared vision and provides tools for urban forest managers to preserve, care for, and grow the city’s forest resources more effectively and equitably. When properly managed, trees provide a myriad of benefits, including stormwater mitigation, heat reduction, air quality improvement, and improved health, wellness, and quality of life. A comprehensive master plan is essential to ensure this resource is available to meet current and future needs of Fort Worth residents and visitors.
This plan was developed with the guidance of an 18-member steering committee and input from over 2300 community members, 80 city staff, and 55 local organizations. Engagement methods included virtual and in-person meetings, focus groups, interviews, participation in local events, and a bilingual survey.
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What they're saying... Mayor Mattie Parker and members of the Fort Worth City Council weigh in on Fort Worth UFMP
What is an Urban Forest and How Does It Benefit the Community?
The urban forest is comprised of all the trees in a community, on both public and private land. Some of these trees are found along streets and waterways, and in parks and natural areas. However, the urban forest also includes trees on commercial and industrial properties, school campuses, residential property, and in parking lots.
Urban forests provide essential economic, social, health, and environmental benefits that make cities more sustainable and resilient. Some of these benefits include:
- Helping to clean the air, reducing respiratory illnesses
- Helping to cool the air and shade walking surfaces
- Reducing stormwater runoff and flooding
- Improving water quality in creeks and lakes
- Holding soil in place, reducing erosion
- Providing food and shelter for wildlife
- Reducing energy usage by shading buildings
- Improving human health and wellbeing
- Absorb sounds of traffic and other urban noise
Why is an Urban Forest Master Plan Needed?
The urban forest plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment in the midst of ongoing development. As the 12th largest, and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Fort Worth is feeling the impacts of rising temperatures and poor air quality common in urban areas. Loss of existing tree canopy magnifies these impacts.
The Urban Forest Master Plan creates a shared vision and provides tools for urban forest managers to preserve, care for, and grow the city’s forest resources more effectively and equitably. When properly managed, trees provide a myriad of benefits, including stormwater mitigation, heat reduction, air quality improvement, and improved health, wellness, and quality of life. A comprehensive master plan is essential to ensure this resource is available to meet current and future needs of Fort Worth residents and visitors.
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Resources
Browse our many reports and studies about urban forestry in North Texas. In addition to information on Pioneer Plaza and our Tree Tracker platform.