Plan aims to restore tree canopy in a growing city
The City of Greeley is launching its first-ever Urban Forest Strategic Plan. This plan will guide the management, protection and improvement of the city’s trees. The project team will host its first community meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Residents can learn more about the plan’s goals and give feedback on trees in the city.
Community Meeting Details
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6
Where: LINC Library, 501 8th Ave., Greeley
Light refreshments and Spanish translation and interpretation will be provided.
A health urban forest is not just about the number of trees. It is also about a safe, sustainable tree canopy—the branches and leaves that cover the ground. Focusing on strategically placed trees can help reap the benefits trees offer, including:
- Providing shade and cooling
- Increasing property values
- Improving air quality and mitigating wind effects
- Providing wildlife habitat
- Reducing stormwater runoff and erosion
Planting trees is still the best practice for growing an urban forest. Greeley’s Share the Shade program allows residents to apply for up to two trees to be planted on their property at no cost.
For the last several months, Greeley’s Forestry Program and consultant Davey Resource Group have been conducting a canopy study of all trees in Greeley. This study revealed that Greeley has lost canopy in various areas of the city due to mature age, lack of care and environmental factors. The study also found that private property trees are not being maintained or replaced, contributing to canopy loss. The strategic plan will focus on opportunities to address this decline with the community.
Additional community meetings, digital surveys and other engagement opportunities are a part of this plan and will be available in the coming weeks. For more information on Greeley’s Urban Forest Strategic Plan, visit greeleygov.com/forestry.