Urban Forestry Management Program

We’re excited to announce that on July 22, 2025, the Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners officially adopted the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP)! This milestone represents years of collaborative work, community input, and environmental vision coming together to guide the future of Tarpon’s trees and green spaces.

Our urban forest is more than just beautiful — it improves air and water quality, provides wildlife habitats, cools our neighborhoods, and boosts property values. But our canopy has declined in recent years due to storms, policy changes, and redevelopment. This plan, developed with your input, outlines clear, actionable steps to reverse those trends and ensure a healthy, thriving urban forest for generations to come 🌱.

The UFMP lays out a 10-year strategy to grow and protect our urban canopy, improve storm resilience, enhance public health, and increase access to nature for all residents. Rooted in the community's priorities and aligned with the City’s Strategic and Sustainability Plans, the UFMP includes actionable goals like adopting the 3-35-300 framework, updating tree ordinances, and launching annual progress reporting.

Highlights of the UFMP:
✅ Adopt the 3-35-300 benchmark: aim for everyone to see at least 3 trees from home, 35% canopy cover in neighborhoods, and a park within 300 yards of every residence.
✅ Expand and protect our tree canopy through proactive planting, preservation, and smart policies.
✅ Engage the community with fun workshops, Arbor Day events, and opportunities for everyone to get involved.
✅ Aligns with our City’s Strategic and Sustainability Plans to build a greener, healthier, and more resilient Tarpon Springs 🌿.

Community support is strong: over 80% of residents rated our urban forest as “very important”, and we’re listening! Together, we can make sure our trees keep telling the story of Tarpon Springs — from our historic sponge docks to our vibrant neighborhoods.

🌿 Thank you to the Sustainability Committee for your thoughtful guidance and letter of support. Your dedication helped turn this plan into a reality.

🎯 The work doesn’t stop here — now begins the exciting phase of implementation. Let’s continue working together to make Tarpon Springs greener, healthier, and more resilient!

📝 You can read the full plan and provide feedback at https://connecttarponsprings.com/urban-forestry

The City of Tarpon Springs is proud to recognize the Green Dolphin Community for their exceptional leadership in tree care and long-term sustainability! Their recently completed Urban Forestry Management Plan is a model for how neighborhoods can protect and grow a healthy, resilient tree canopy. 🌿

📋 What’s in the Plan?
✅ Tree preservation strategies
✅ Long-term maintenance goals
✅ Species diversity planning
✅ Safety and risk management
✅ Community education and involvement

By investing in this plan, Green Dolphin is helping ensure that trees continue to provide shade, beauty, stormwater benefits, and habitat for generations to come. Their proactive approach supports the city’s broader goals for a greener and healthier Tarpon Springs. 🌱

👏 Thank you, Green Dolphin, for being a shining example of responsible urban forest management!

#UrbanForestLeaders #GreenDolphin #CommunityCanopy #TarponSpringsTrees #HealthyNeighborhoods

Are you passionate about sustainability and resiliency? The City of Tarpon Springs is looking for dedicated volunteers to join the Sustainability Advisory Committee!

✅ Requirements:

• At least 18 years old

• Resident of the City of Tarpon Springs

• Interested in environmental science, energy management, engineering, land use planning, sustainability law, or related fields

🗓️ Meetings:

• Every third Thursday, 6-8 PM

📲 Get Involved:

• Scan the QR code on the flyer to access the Advisory Board Application

• Submit your completed application to the City Clerk’s office

📞 Questions? Contact Holly Langston, Sustainability Coordinator, at 727-942-3555 or hlangston@ctsfl.us

Let’s build a sustainable future together! 🌱 #Sustainability #Volunteer #TarponSprings #CommunityInvolvement

Hurricane season is here, and we’re asking all residents to do their part in keeping Tarpon Springs safe and accessible. Please inspect and trim any trees, shrubs, or vegetation that extend over sidewalks, streets, or other public rights-of-way from your property.

Per city code:

• Trees must be trimmed to maintain a minimum 13 ft. 6 in. vertical clearance over roads (per the Florida Fire Prevention Code).

• At least 10 ft. of clearance must be maintained over sidewalks or improved rights-of-way.

• Overgrown vegetation and debris should be removed promptly and properly disposed of.

🌳 Why it matters:
✅ Helps emergency response vehicles navigate safely.
✅ Prevents power outages and road blockages.
✅ Keeps your neighborhood clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

Let’s work together to keep our streets safe and ready. Your cooperation helps protect lives and property!

For more details, visit:
🔗 City Ordinance: Tree Maintenance

Thank you for being a responsible member of our community. Stay safe this hurricane season! 💪🌪️

Description

Attend this 2-Part Webinar Series on Tree And The Law on May 30th from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm.

This webinar is eligible for 2 CEU's from the following organizations: ISA, SAF, FNGLA, LIAF, LACES, CAM (law) with verified attendance.

PART 1:
Senate Bill 518; Florida statute 163.045: a Critical Education on the Do's and Don'ts
Co-Presenter: Tim Snedaker Esq. Snedaker Law
Co-Presenter: Joe Samnik, Testifying Expert Witness

Join veteran testifying expert Joe Samnik and attorney Tim Snedaker for an eye-opening webinar examining the full impact of Florida’s Senate Bill 518—known as the Property Owners Bill of Rights. We’ll explore the law’s origins, intent, and fallout from both legal and arboricultural perspectives. What started as an effort to limit local government overreach has shifted the balance of power in urban forest management, giving property owners new freedoms while sidelining municipalities and arborists. This session will unpack the statute’s reliance on the Best Management Practices (BMP) 2nd Edition (2017), the broad definition of “documentation,” and the loopholes around verbal or informal assessments. Using real-world case studies like Vickery v. Pensacola, the Gandy mobile home park, and the Schiller property, we’ll explore how the statute has been interpreted in court, how “residential” is now strictly defined, and the critical role ISA-certified arborists play in tree risk assessment If you manage urban canopy policies, perform risk assessments, or advocate for sustainable tree protections, this webinar is a must.. Learn what’s really required, what’s missing, and what’s at stake for Florida’s urban forests

PART 2 - The Fallen Tree Act: Dead Bill, Live Consequences
How Self-Help and Case Law Still Shape Tree Disputes in Florida
Co-Presenter: Tim Snedaker Esq. Snedaker Law
Co-Presenter: Joe Samnik, Testifying Expert Witness

Although HB 599 and SB 724 have been withdrawn, the legal questions they raised remain very much alive—and misunderstood. This timely webinar demystifies property owner liability, the limits of “self-help,” and how the Massachusetts Rule and Gallo v. Heller continue to govern tree disputes in Florida. Learn what happens when a tree fails across a property line, who bears responsibility, and why relying on hearsay can cost your clients—or your company—dearly.

Packed with case law insights and practical risk guidance, this is a must-attend for urban forestry professionals working at the intersection of policy, practice, and tree risk management navigating the gray zones of tree law.

Time

Event time is 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM ET.

Location

Virtual

🌳 Tree Care Help for Tarpon Springs from the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) 🌳

Tarpon Springs residents can take advantage of free resources from the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) to keep their trees healthy and their neighborhoods green.

Here’s how FUFC can help:

✅ Educational Tools – Guides like “Right Tree, Right Place” and free workshops help homeowners plant and care for trees properly.
✅ Arborist Resources – Learn about certifications and CEUs for professionals and enthusiasts.
✅ Community Programs – Get involved with Tree City USA and other efforts that promote urban forestry and sustainability.

🌿 These resources align with Tarpon Springs' Urban Forestry Management Program, which focuses on preserving and expanding the city’s tree canopy.

🔗 Learn more: fufc.org
🌳 Get involved locally: connecttarponsprings.com

Healthy trees = a healthier Tarpon Springs! 🌱

City of Tarpon Springs is proud to showcase North Lake HOA for celebrating Arbor Day 2025 by transforming common area landscaping. After removing invasive and exotic plant - including Brazilian Pepper - room was made for vibrant sustainable Florida-friendly plantings to include bald cypress, foxtail palms, plumbago, pink muhly grass and clusia.

GREAT JOB to the volunteers who made this project come to life!

#ArborDayAcrossTampaBay #ArborDay #FloridaFriendly #NorthLakeHOA

Tarpon Springs recently met with the Sustainability Action Committee to present the 3-35-300 Methodology, a comprehensive approach to equitable urban tree canopy distribution. This strategy, aligned with the City's Urban Forest Management Plan, moves beyond traditional “no net canopy loss” goals to focus on how and where canopy is distributed—ensuring all residents benefit from access to green spaces.

The 3-35-300 rule aims to:

• Ensure every resident can see at least 3 trees from their home,

• Achieve a 35% canopy cover in all residential neighborhoods,

• Provide public parks or green spaces within 300 yards of every residence.

This structured, data-driven approach supports public health, environmental resilience, and urban livability, while incorporating performance indicators to measure progress over time. The City looks forward to continued collaboration on sustainable urban forestry and upcoming discussions, including tree species lists, right-of-way responsibilities, and maintenance standards.

For more information, read the PDF located in the documents tab of this page.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Tarpon Springs Urban Forestry StoryMap — an interactive guide that highlights the vital role of trees in our community!

📍 Dive into the history, current urban canopy, and future plans for tree management in Tarpon Springs.
🌱 Learn how urban forestry supports environmental health, enhances our neighborhoods, and contributes to the city's resilience.
🌐 Explore the map now: https://arcg.is/1bi8P40

Whether you're a resident, nature lover, or city planner, this tool offers a fresh perspective on how we care for and grow our urban forest. Take a look and discover how you can get involved!

#UrbanForestry #TarponSprings #Sustainability #StoryMap

Florida Arbor Day is January 17th! Join communities across the Tampa Bay region to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees.

🌱 How to Celebrate:
📸 Snap a photo of your favorite tree 🌳
💬 Tell us what you love about it
📲 Share it on social media with the hashtag: #ArborDayAcrossTampaBay

Even from your couch, you can make a difference! Let's fill our feeds with the trees that inspire us. 🌎💚

#WhatsYourFavoriteTree
#PlantATree
#CelebrateArborDay

Let's grow a greener tomorrow, together! 🌿