Alabama’sUrban & Community

Forestry Program

Alabama’sUrban & Community

Forestry Program

“Framework for a Better Urban Forest”

“Framework for a Better Urban Forest”

State Urban Forestry Coordinator

Neil Letson

June 10, 2008

What is U&CF Program?

What is U&CF Program?

U&CF Program Elements

U&CF Program Elements

U&CF Program Accomplishments

U&CF Program Accomplishments

• 46 urban foresters

• 16 urban forest management plans

• 94 tree boards

• 97 tree ordinances

• 15,907 “urban forestry” volunteer hours

• 1.8 M citizens live in towns and cities

that received program assistance

• 46 urban foresters

• 16 urban forest management plans

• 94 tree boards

• 97 tree ordinances

• 15,907 “urban forestry” volunteer hours

• 1.8 M citizens live in towns and cities

that received program assistance-Community Accomplishments Reporting System (2007); USDA Forest Service

So, Why Change Now?So, Why Change Now?

• New State Forester

• S&PF “Redesign”

• Pressures on Alabama’s

forest

• Status quo not working

• New State Forester

• S&PF “Redesign”

• Pressures on Alabama’s

forest

• Status quo not working

Initial ConceptsInitial Concepts

• U&CF Program transfers back to AFC• U&CF Program transfers back to AFC

Target DateTarget Date

“When will U&CF program change go into effect?”

October 1, 2008

Questions?

U&CF Role in WUI Grant

U&CF Role in WUI Grant

• Tree removal

• Pruning limbs

• New tree planting

• Plant heath care

• Tree removal

• Pruning limbs

• New tree planting

• Plant heath care

Tree RemovalTree Removal

• “Maintain trees for fire resistance in the first 30 feet surrounding your house.”

• “Maintain trees for fire resistance in the first 30 feet surrounding your house.”

Source: Homeowner’s Wildland Fire Risk Assessment and Recommendations (2008); Alabama Forestry Commission

Pruning LimbsPruning Limbs

• “Properly and safely remove overhanging branches within 15-feet of…structures.”

• “Properly and safely prune tall shrubs and mature trees so that lowest limbs are at least 15-feet above ground level.”

• “Properly and safely remove overhanging branches within 15-feet of…structures.”

• “Properly and safely prune tall shrubs and mature trees so that lowest limbs are at least 15-feet above ground level.”

Source: Homeowner’s Wildland Fire Risk Assessment and Recommendations (2008); Alabama Forestry Commission

New Tree PlantingNew Tree Planting

• “Choose fire-smart species”

• “Choose safe places to plant”

• “Choose fire-smart species”

• “Choose safe places to plant”

Source: Living With Fires: A Guide for Protecting Homes from Wildfire (2006); Alabama Forestry Commission

Plant Health CarePlant Health Care

• “Keep plants and trees well pruned, thinned, and maintained.”

• “Keep plants and trees well pruned, thinned, and maintained.”

Source: Living With Fires: A Guide for Protecting Homes from Wildfire (2006); Alabama Forestry Commission

Questions?