Urban Forestry Management Program

BACKGROUND

The City of Tarpon Springs has been awarded several grants to create, monitor, and fully implement a Tarpon Springs Urban Forestry Program and street tree inventory.

An Urban Forestry Master Plan is an action plan that provides the City detailed information, recommendations and resources needed to effectively and proactively manage public trees.

The City of Tarpon Springs Municipal Arborist will oversee the successful completion and implementation of the program!

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN PROJECT

Trees are an important part of life in Tarpon Springs. They help tell the story of our city’s history, make our neighborhoods more beautiful, and improve the health and happiness of everyone who lives here. Our city already has strong rules to protect trees and landscaping, and now we’re excited to work with the community to create a new urban forestry program that everyone can be part of.

VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to create a thriving, inclusive urban forest that protects heritage, enhances the environment, improves stormwater management, and delivers measurable, sustainable outcomes for the community of Tarpon Springs.

THANK YOU TO OUR URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN PARTNERS

The work upon which this project is based was funded, in whole or in part through a subrecipient grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture nor does mention of trade names, commercial productions, services or organization imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Tarpon Springs Urban Forestry Program will be created within three years with each year having a specific scope of work.

• YEAR 1: Hazardous and Street Tree Inventory - The inventory will document and collect data on trees on public lands for the purpose of city tree asset management.
  • Phase I complete - Read the final report located in the documents tab of this page.
  • Phase II complete- Read the draft Maintenance Action Plan in the documents tab of this page.
• YEAR 2: Creation of an Urban Forestry Management Plan - The plan will contain a description of the community, a vision for the urban forest, a strategic plan, an implementation and a monitoring plan, and a prioritization criteria work plan for 5, 10, and 20 year cycles.
  • Currently drafting plan with consultant
• YEAR 3: Replanting the Urban Forest - This phase will consist of planting street trees in areas with little to no canopy coverage to provide future shade, wildlife, and returning a sense of community back to neighborhoods.