Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan Progress in 2024
Thank you for all of your support for the Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) in 2024! The UFMP is the first Citywide, strategic plan to invest long-term in Columbus’ trees. Over the next decades, the UFMP will guide the entire Columbus community to prioritize, preserve and grow our tree canopy.
A lot of progress was made last year to continue reaching the goals outlined in the UFMP. Some highlights from 2024 include:
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Public Tree Code Went Into Effect – A huge win for 2024 was having the public tree code go into effect on Aug. 1! This was the first time in 30 years that Columbus’ public tree code was updated. Resources online include a Public Tree Plan template, updated standard notes and details, and the Forestry permit. You can also check out the new public tree inventory map to see what trees are in your neighborhood!
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Department Published the First County-Wide Assessment of Our Tree Canopy – Columbus’ tree canopy grew by 2.4 percent over a 10-year period, from 19.6 percent in 2011 to 22 percent in 2021. Check out the report.
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Department Launches Private Native Tree Planting Program – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department collaborated with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to fund a pilot program to plant native trees on private property in Columbus. With this funding, four organizations planted 101 larger-sized native trees, adding to Columbus’ tree canopy!
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New City Forester Named – Rosalie Hendon was promoted to City Forester, becoming the first woman to hold this position for the City! A familiar face to individuals invested in our tree canopy, Rosalie led the creation of Columbus’ first UFMP and the first improvements to Columbus’ public tree protections in 30 years.
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Forestry Section Receives Significant Grant for Tree Plantings – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) awarded $500,000 to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for tree plantings in disadvantaged Census tracts. The City is using grant funds to plant approximately 1,200 large-class street trees. The plantings directly support the UFMP goal of investing in equitable canopy across all neighborhoods by 2030.
Read the progress report sharing what was accomplished for the UFMP in 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates about the UFMP during the year. Thank you for your support and commitment to preserving and increasing the tree canopy in Columbus!
Learn more about the UFMP at ColumbusUFMP.org.
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