Urban Forest Management Plan
The City of Lethbridge has recently initiated a project to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). The UFMP will outline a strategic approach to monitoring, maintaining, protecting and enhancing the City's urban forest. The UFMP will include:
- A long-term vision for the City's urban forest
- Guiding principles for all aspects of urban forest management
- Goals, objectives and targets to be achieved
- Action items to be implemented over the next 20 years
- A monitoring framework to track progress and success
What is the urban forest?
The urban forest includes all trees, and their growing environments in Lethbridge. The UFMP will focus on City-owned and managed portions of the urban forest, such as trees along streets and in parks and natural areas.
Why does Lethbridge need an Urban Forest Management Plan?
The urban forest is a vital community asset - it is part of the City's "green infrastructure" and provides a wide range of important environmental, social and economic services. However, there are many threats and challenges to the health and sustainability of the urban forest, such as pests and diseases, challenging growing conditions and conflicts with other infrastructure.
