Urban Forest Plan

UFP logo.pngThe City of Alameda is developing its Urban Forest Plan, which will update the City’s existing street tree plan and expand the scope to include all trees within Alameda. An updated and expanded Urban Forest Plan was identified as a high priority action in the City's 2019 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. The newly updated Plan will guide the City’s operations and activities to expand and maintain the tree canopy for the next 10 years.

Trees provide numerous benefits in an urban environment and create a sense of community.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Providing shade
  • Saving energy in buildings
  • Improving air quality and public health
  • Mitigating climate change by carbon sequestration
  • Reducing stormwater runoff
  • Increased property values
  • Creating wildlife habitats and supporting biodiversity.

The City’s Urban Forest Plan is intended to be strategic in advancing social equity and contributing to an improved quality of life by providing the benefits of the urban tree canopy to all community members, which includes improvement of overall emotional, psychological and physical health.

 

1. Update the previous Master Street Tree Plan to include park trees and promote an increase in the overall canopy, including trees not managed by the city.

Thus, Alameda’s Street tree plan will become the Urban Forest Plan. (The 2010 Master Street Tree Plan can be downloaded here.) The City desires to have an equal distribution of canopy cover, and will prioritize tree planting and establishment care resources to communities that have a higher social vulnerability and pollution burdens and low canopy cover.

2. Develop a forward-focused plan and policies based on the needs of the City.

The newly updated Urban Forest Plan will guide the City’s operations and activities, including expanding and maintaining the tree canopy, for the next 10 years.

3. Develop the financial and human resources necessary to effectively manage the urban forest and implement the UFP.

The City currently employs one full-time arborist within the Public Works Department for tree planting, removal, and maintenance. The Plan will propose future staffing and contracts, effective organizational structures, and recommend funding tools for a proactive Urban Forest Program.

    4. Partner with an engaged and informed community to effectively steward the urban forest.
     
    The City will continue to value and support all the people who make a lasting impact on the growth and preservation of the urban forest, and explore opportunities to increase canopy cover.

     

    October 2022

    January 2023

    • January 21 | Pop Up Event: Bohol Circle Immigrant Park Opening
    • Online Survey Opens

    February 2023

    • February 4 | Pop Up Event: Storytelling and Drumming Festival

    March 2023

    • Online Survey Closes

    April 2023

    • April 15 | Pop Up Event: Spring Shindig and Tree Sapling Giveaway

    May 2023

    • May 20 | Urban Listening Session: Upper Washington Park Recreation Center 9:30-11am

    Fall 2024

    • Public Review Draft comment period
    • Public Outreach Events

    Winter 2024

    • Final Draft Urban Forest Master Plan

    The City of Alameda appreciates our connections with community organizations that help us advance the urban forest plan and increase citywide tree canopy. 

    Some of the organizations currently involved in tree planting, giveaways, and community outreach are:

    We are always looking for more community partnerships and ways to increase canopy cover. Individuals who would like to make a difference in Alameda should consider joining one of these organizations as they are a great way to get involved with others passionate about climate action.

    Expanding Alameda's urban forest will take all of us! Please find the following resrouces to help get you started planting a tree on your own property.

    Climate suitable tree species for Alameda

    Tree maintenance best practices:

     

    The City of Alameda's Public Works Department plants and maintains trees in sidewalk wells and in the public right of way.

    To request a street tree or report tree damage, please submit a service request under the category Trees (Street Trees).

     

    Contact Us

    Danielle Mieler, Sustainability and Resilience Manager

    510-747-4713

    dmieler@alamedaca.gov

    Join Our Mailing List

    To stay up to date on plan progress, please subscribe to the Urban Forest Mailing list here.

    Fast Facts

    • 25,962 total trees in the City managed inventory.
    • The City’s tree inventory is comprised of 301 unique species.
    • The London plane sycamore is the most common City tree comprising 15.8% of the inventory.
    • City-wide canopy cover is 11.2%.
    • Canopy cover by census tract ranges from a low of 5.1% to a high of 20.9%.
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