HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/20/2024 - AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD - AGENDA - Regular Meeting
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, May 20, 2024
5:30 – 8:00 PM (dinner for Board members and presenters served at 5:15 pm)
222 Laporte Ave | Colorado River Room (first floor)
AGENDA Page 1
Meeting link for hybrid access (requires internet access): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82080203160
Phone in option: +1 719-359-4580 (Meeting ID: 820 8020 3160)
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6. PREVIOUS BUSINESS
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Urban Forestry Strategic Plan (UFSP); 6:00-6:45
Kendra Boot, City Forester, will provide an overview of a draft Urban Forestry Strategic Plan
(UFSP) – called Rooted in Community – to seek Board feedback and support for its adoption.
The Forestry Division has been working with Davey Resource Group on the first UFSP for Fort
Collins, and City Council will consider its adoption on August 20. (Action)
b. Board Member AQ Interests; 6:45-7:15
AQAB Board members will discuss their air quality interests to facilitate future AQAB agenda
setting and help staff prepare their June presentation about Fort Collins' Air Quality Plan and
programs. (Discussion)
c. Agenda Planning; 7:15-7:45
AQAB members will develop an outline for future meeting agendas based upon the 2024 AQAB
work plan, Board member interests, and the City Council 6-month planning calendar.
(Discussion)
8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
9. ADJOURNMENT
City of Fort Collins
Air Quality Advisory Board
2024 Agenda Plan
Date Major Agenda Topics City Council/Other Calendar
1/22/24 Healthy Homes
Council Recommendation Memo re:2025-2026
AQ Priorities
2/12/24 CSU GHG Inventory and CAP
Preparing Homes for Wildfire Smoke
3/18/24 BPS
Council Recommendation Memo re: State
Ozone Bills
Procedure for Onboarding New AQAB Members
4/15/24 Board Member Introductions
2024 AQAB Work Plan and City Council 2025-
2026 Priorities
Potential Joint Meeting with NRAB
5/20/24 Urban Forestry
Agenda Planning
AQAB Member AQ Interests
6/10 Super Issues meeting - City Strategic
Trails Plan
6/11 WS - BPS Policy Development Follow-
up
6/17/24 Board Elections
FC AQ Pan
Intro to BFO Process
Initial BFO Recommendations
6/25 WS - Budget Preview
7/15/24 Joint meeting w/NRAB
8/19/24 EV Readiness Roadmap?
Final BFO Recommendations
8/27 WS - Advancing Transit Initiatives
9/10 WS - Budget #1
9/16/24
9/17 - Budget Public Hearing #1
9/24 WS - Budget #2
10/21/24 Draft 2025 AQAB Work Plan
11/18/24 Finalize 2025 AQAB Work Plan
12/16/24 Draft 2024 AQAB Final Report
TBD O&G operational stds
OCF overview
Transit, active modes
Outreach/education
New program/study
Indoor AQ issues
Outdoor AQ issues
Water-wise landscaping
XCEL NG franchise fee increase
Budget Public Hearing #2
WS - Budget #3
WS - Natural Areas Strategic Framework
Update
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04/15/2024 - Minutes
Air Quality Advisory Board
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, April 15, 2024 – 5:30 PM
300 Laporte Avenue, CIC Conference Room
1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM
2. ROLL CALL
a. Board Members Present –
• Mark Houdashelt (Chair)
• Dan Welsh (Interim Vice Chair)
• Adam Schmidt
• Maria Moore
• Matt Ayres
• Michael Cheeseman
• Michael Johnson
• Jeremiah Gorske
• Kaori Keyser
b. Board Members Absent –
• None
c. Staff Members Present –
• Selina Lujan de Albers, Staff Liaison
• Heidi O’Mara, Air Quality Program Coordinator
d. Guest(s) –
• Councilmember Kelly Ohlson
3. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the published agenda.
4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (MARCH 2024)
Chair Houdashelt outlined some areas of the minutes needing clarification. Lujan de
Albers replied she would reach out to the staff member who was speaking for
clarification and the minutes could be approved at the next meeting.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chair Houdashelt asked if anyone is interested in being the interim Vice Chair until
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04/15/2024 - Minutes
elections occur. Welsh expressed interest.
Moore made a motion, seconded by Ayres, to elect Welsh as interim Vice Chair. The
motion was adopted unanimously.
(**Secretary’s Note: The Board moved to Board Member Reports at this point in the
meeting.)
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Introductions of New and Existing Members
Cheeseman discussed his education and current employment as an air
quality researcher with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
He expressed his interest in policy work at the local level.
Gorske discussed his background and interest in environmental justice in the
most at-risk communities.
Schmidt discussed his interest in air quality and community impacts,
particularly wildfire smoke.
Keyser discussed her study of air quality and current employment at CDOT as
a hydraulics engineer.
Moore discussed her education and ownership of a home inspection business
which conducts indoor air quality testing.
Chair Houdeshelt discussed his education and previous work for the Center
for Clean Air Policy, volunteer work, and interest in climate.
Welsh discussed his education in meteorology and atmospheric science, work
as a teacher at Front Range Community College, and current position with the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Ayres discussed his education in political science with a focus on
environmental policy and his work with Clean Energy Action and service on
the Colorado Renewable Energy Society Policy Committee.
Johnson discussed his employment in the field of evaluations of household
energy transitions in developing countries.
Lujan de Albers discussed her role as a Manager in the Environmental
Services Department focusing largely on the Healthy Homes and radon
programs.
Moore commended the packet assembled by Lujan de Albers.
Heidi O’Mara, Environmental Services, stated her focus is indoor air quality
and the Healthy Homes program.
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04/15/2024 - Minutes
Councilmember Kelly Ohlson introduced himself and commented on the value
of Boards and Commissions in advising Council and staff. He noted
Councilmembers do not frequently attend Board meetings so as to not
influence the work of the Board, though he would be glad to attend at any
time.
Councilmember Ohlson discussed his political experience, involvement in
open space and natural areas ballot measures, and service on the Natural
Resources Advisory Board and Land Conservation and Stewardship Board.
He commented on the new Code of Conduct which he opposed as he does
not believe all tense conversations should be avoided. He encouraged the
Board to get as much information to Council as possible, preferably in shorter
memos, and prior to work sessions, not prior to meetings, as most work is
completed at work sessions. He also encouraged the Board to not
necessarily focus only on Council’s twelve priorities. Additionally, he
encouraged the Board to take on climate issues and to resist being controlled
by the City organization.
Welsh asked if memos are the best or only way for the Board to communicate
to Council. Councilmember Ohlson replied memos are valuable, particularly if
they arrive prior to a work session. He also noted members can speak at
Council meetings as individuals and can have meetings with
Councilmembers.
Chair Houdashelt noted timing is sometimes difficult as staff is often not ready
to provide presentations to Boards prior to items going before Council due to
scheduling. Councilmember Ohlson stated he has heard that issue before
and will be discussing it with the City Manager and Council.
Councilmember Ohlson encouraged the Board to involve itself in the budget
process, particularly given the new 2050 tax.
Chair Houdashelt asked about the best time for the Board to provide input on
the budget. Councilmember Ohlson replied input should come to Council
early in the process, often, and continuously.
b. Board Operations and Work Plan
Chair Houdashelt noted meetings occurred with new members regarding how
the Board operates and its function. He noted the Board sets its agendas
generally based on Council’s 6-month planning calendar, the Board Work
Plan, and input from members, and there are generally two to three New
Business items per month. He stated recommendations to Council are kept to
short memos typically.
Councilmember Ohlson noted additional information or background could be
included for those who may want further detail.
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04/15/2024 - Minutes
Moore asked how the Board sets its agenda. Chair Houdashelt replied he
meets with Lujan de Albers on a monthly basis to determine what items are
on the work plan and who may be available to speak to the Board. Lujan de
Albers noted the intention is that the Board would discuss agenda items at the
end of each meeting.
Chair Houdashelt noted the Board’s work plan is written with some flexibility.
Councilmember Ohlson noted many ideas that became policies filtered up to
Council from Boards and Commissions.
Chair Houdashelt discussed the Board’s work plan items, including oil and
gas operational standards which will be addressed after City staff has
developed recommendations, Our Climate Future and associated greenhouse
gas emissions reduction goals, indoor and outdoor air quality items,
transportation, budget, environmental justice, largely through Welsh’s
participation on the Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Committee, and a
potential new program for the City to pursue.
Chair Houdashelt outlined rules of conduct, including the fact that no
decisions can be made outside of a public meeting and no more than two
Board members can discuss Board issues outside of a meeting.
Members discussed the fact that special meetings can be held, and it was
noted that any meeting must be noticed 24 hours in advance. Additionally,
Lujan de Albers noted a quorum must be present for any vote to take place,
although a meeting could still be held.
Members discussed the various ways to communicate with Council and how
to bolster memos from the Board with additional information.
c. Discuss Joint Meeting with Natural Resources Advisory Board
Chair Houdashelt stated a joint meeting with the Natural Resources Advisory
Board (NRAB) has been suggested in order to provide Council with a joint
recommendation. He stated he spoke with the Chair of the NRAB at the
Super Issues meeting regarding areas of overlap based on Council priorities,
including improving human and social health for vulnerable populations,
specifically pollution caused by oil and gas wells, reducing climate and air
pollution through best practices emphasizing electrification, waste reduction
and recycling, urban forestry, and transportation planning.
Chair Houdashelt noted the First Reading of the appropriation of the 2050
climate, parks, and transit tax is May 7th and a Second Reading has yet to be
scheduled, though it would be May 21st if agreement is generally reached at
First Reading; therefore, the Board’s input on those funds will be limited due
to meeting scheduling. However, he stated the Board’s input on the next two-
year regular budget will be critical and Council is having its budget preview on
June 25th, therefore a meeting with the NRAB and associated
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04/15/2024 - Minutes
recommendations could be beneficial prior to that time.
Lujan de Albers suggested the process for how budget offers for the 2050 tax
will be reviewed could be helpful for the Board to consider at its May meeting.
She also noted the information for the offers that are being put forth against
the tax for 2024 is available and she could send that to members for review.
Members concurred a joint meeting with the NRAB would be valuable. Chair
Houdashelt expressed concern with waiting to hold the meeting until June as
it would be difficult to formulate a memo quickly prior to Council’s June 25th
budget preview.
Lujan de Albers stated she would talk to the staff liaison for the NRAB to
ensure the May meeting would still work and she outlined the potential
content for the meeting, including a review of the budget (BFO) process and
how things will work for the 2050 tax and another topic of alignment that could
be communicated over email.
Chair Houdashelt stated he would be sending a list of potential topics to the
NRAB Chair so he could discuss it with his Board.
Welsh made a motion, seconded by Keyser, to hold a joint meeting with
the Natural Resources Advisory Board in May. The motion was adopted
unanimously.
Chair Houdashelt noted potential topics for the meeting will be a general
description of the budgeting process, Our Climate Future, including the 2026
greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal, budget offers, and use of the 2050
tax dollars, urban forestry, municipal solid waste, oil and gas operations,
transportation, or environmental justice.
Members discussed the topics and Moore suggested the meeting should
focus on the budget and reducing climate pollution. Chair Houdashelt stated
he would discuss topics with the NRAB Chair.
8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Welsh noted Air Quality Awareness Week is the first week of May.
Chair Houdashelt noted Volunteer Week is forthcoming as is Earth Day and
Councilmember Ohlson will be having an associated listening session at Civic Center
Park on April 20th.
Welsh reported the AQMAC met last month (audio went in and out here…mostly
out…not sure what was discussed)
Chair Houdashelt discussed the grant received by the City for…again, no audio
Next audio I heard….
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04/15/2024 - Minutes
Lujan de Albers noted the next Board Member training session will be on the 22nd in
Council Chambers.
9. STAFF REPORTS
• None
10. OTHER BUSINESS
• None
11. ADJOURNMENT
• 8:00 pm
Minutes approved by a vote of the Board on XX/XX/2024
Here is the final status of the State AQ bills that the AQAB asked City Council to support.
Top Priority Bills:
• HB 24-1330 - Air Quality Permitting requires that permit applications for emitting sources that
include an O&G system aggregate the emissions from the entire system, including emissions
from exploration and pre-production activities. It also requires that permit decisions must use
AQ modeling to determine the impacts of emissions and must find that emissions in non-
attainment areas will not result in higher emissions of the pollutant for which the area is in
nonattainment. STATUS: KILLED
• SB 24-095 - Air Quality Ozone Levels implements specific measures in ozone nonattainment
areas, including providing vouchers to help owners of high-emitting vehicles come into
compliance, providing point-of-purchase rebates for the retail sale of electric outdoor
equipment, and expanding the clean fleet enterprise program for EVs. STATUS: KILLED
• SB 24-159 - Mod to Energy & Carbon Management Practices requires the Energy and Carbon
Management Commission (ECMC) to adopt rules to cease issuance of new O&G permits by 2030
and expands the definitions of (1) mitigation of environmental impacts and (2) the parties who
are financially liable for such mitigation. STATUS: FAILED
• SB 24-165 - Air Quality Improvements addresses air pollution in the ozone nonattainment area,
by among other things, requiring oil and gas operators in this area to cease preproduction
activity during "ozone season" (May 1 - September 30), submit annual emissions inventories for
certain air pollutants and submit annual estimates of nitrogen oxide emissions during ozone
season. It also requires the ECMC to set a nitrogen oxide emissions budget for the ozone
nonattainment area and act to reduce emissions from O&G operators if this budget is exceeded.
The DOT is also required to establish vehicle miles traveled reduction targets for the ozone
nonattainment area. STATUS: KILLED
• SB 24-166 - Air Quality Enforcement establishes more stringent requirements and higher
financial penalties for repeat violators of air quality laws. STATUS: KILLED
• Note: HB 24-1367 - Repeal Severance Tax Exemption for Stripper Wells was also KILLED
Secondary Bills:
• HB 24-1173 - Electric Vehicle Charging System Permits establishes an expedited permitting
process for the approval of EV charging systems for counties and municipalities. STATUS:
PASSED
• HB 24-1339 - Disproportionately Impact Community Air Pollution adds a member of a
disproportionately impacted community (DIC) and a climate scientist to the Air Quality Control
Commission (AQCC) and requires the AQCC to set stricter GHG emissions limits for the industrial
and manufacturing sector. STATUS: DIED IN APPROPRIATIONS
• HB 24-1341 - State Vehicle Idling Standard allows local governments to enact vehicle idling
standards that are more stringent than the State standard. STATUS: PASSED
• HB 24-1352 - Appliance Requirements and Incentives sets technical standards for HVAC
systems and requires the Colorado Energy Office to (1) estimate the cost difference for income-
qualified households to install an HVAC system meeting these technical standards, (2) create a
reimbursement program for this cost differential, and (3) create an income tax credit for
homebuilders and HVAC contractors of $5000 per heat pump installed. STATUS: DIED IN
APPROPRIATIONS
Compromise Bills:
• SB 24-230 - Oil and Gas Production Fees imposes production fees on oil and gas producers to
fund clean transit (80% to local transit, 20% to rail with priority for rail line to Longmont and
north), and for wildlife and land remediation.
• SB 24-229 - Ozone Mitigation Measures requires CDPHE to propose rules to the AQCC that will
reduce NOx emissions from upstream O&G operations, including pre-production activities,
between May 1 and September 30 in the ozone non-attainment area by 50% from 2017 levels
by 2030. Beefs up allowed enforcement actions for violations and requires annual reporting of
complaints, enforcement actions taken and penalties imposed. Can require certain best
management practices by newly permitted O&G operations to avoid, minimize and mitigate the
emissions of ozone precursors in the ozone nonattainment area. Expands the scope of the
orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to help finance plugging, reclamation and mediation of
abandoned, orphaned and marginal wells.
Headline Copy Goes Here
City Forester
Forestry Division
Kendra Boot
URBAN FOREST
Strategic Plan
05-20-2024
Headline Copy Goes Here
2
Feedback Sought from the Board
•Do Board members support the general direction of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan effort?
•What feedback do Board members have regarding the draft Urban Forest Strategic Plan?
Headline Copy Goes HereStrategic Planning & Adaptive Management
3
WHY PLAN?
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan (UFSP) will serve
as a guiding document to:
•Summarize the state of the urban forest
•Create a 20-year vision for trees in Fort
Collins
•Set goals
•Recommend next steps
What do
we have?
What do
we want?
How do
we get
there?
How are
we doing?
Headline Copy Goes Here
WHAT DO WE HAVE?
4
Headline Copy Goes HereTree Canopy Cover
5
CANOPY PERCENT BY BLOCK GROUP
●Citywide: 13.7%
●City + GMA: 12.6%
Headline Copy Goes HerePublic Tree Inventory
6
PUBLIC TREES BY SIZE/AGE
Young
(0-8")
Established
(9-17")
Maturing
(18-24")
Mature
(>24")
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Percent of Public Trees
60%
59,144 PUBLIC TREES
Headline Copy Goes HereCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Public Sentiment about Trees
7
●Trees are an integral part of Fort Collins
●People love trees on public property
●The City’s Forestry Division is viewed favorably
●Residents want resources for planting & tree care
on private property
●Concerns about development & trees
3 PUBLIC MEETINGS
●October 2023 & March 2024
●North & South Fort Collins
●160 participants
●8 different community events
1 COMMUNITY SURVEY
●September–December 2023
●971 respondents
●657 write-in comments
Headline Copy Goes HereWhat do we have?
8
SUMMARY
●Forestry Division provides a high level of service.
●The public tree inventory trends young.
●Forestry Division will need to plan for sustainable growth
to keep pace with the urban forest.
●Mixed public opinion about regulation of trees on private
property.
Headline Copy Goes Here
WHAT DO WE WANT?
9
Headline Copy Goes Here
10
What do we want?
Vision
Fort Collins will be home to a healthy and equitably distributed urban forest woven throughout the
built environment creating safer and cooler neighborhoods with increased climate resilience.
Trees in Fort Collins are recognized as a vital part of city infrastructure that provide health, social,
environmental and economic benefits for all present and future people who live, work, and visit Fort
Collins.
Future Challenges
•Equitable distribution of canopy
•Insect and Disease
•A changing climate
•Sixty percent (60%) “young” public urban forest
•Development/Redevelopment
Headline Copy Goes Here
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
11
Headline Copy Goes HereRecommended Strategies
12
1.Strategically invest in growing tree canopy where it will
promote resilience and quality of life in Fort Collins.
2.Create a tree planting plan.
3.Complete the shift to proactive management of Fort
Collins’ public trees.
4.Strengthen City policies to protect trees.
Headline Copy Goes HereRecommended Strategies
13
5.Collect data to track changes to tree canopy over time
and to inform Forestry activities.
6.Sustainably grow the Forestry Division to keep pace with
growth of the urban forest.
7.Deepen engagement with the community about tree
stewardship.
8.Expand the network of Forestry Division partners.
Headline Copy Goes Here
14
UFSP Project Timeline
202
1
202
2
202
22023
SUMMER
Project Launch
2024
FALL
Focus Group & Community
Engagement
Operations Review
WINTER
Develop and Present Draft
Recommendations
Community Engagement
SPRING
City Council Engagement
Budgeting
Board and Commission
Engagement
SUMMER
Develop and
Finalize Plan
Headline Copy Goes Here
15
Feedback Sought from the Board
•Do Board members support the general direction of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan effort?
•What feedback do Board members have regarding the draft Urban Forest Strategic Plan?
➢ Feedback needed by May 31, 2024
Headline Copy Goes Here
Thank you!
16
Headline Copy Goes Here
Following slides are in the Board’s “Fort Collins UFSP Draft 1” document
Additional slides
Headline Copy Goes HereTree Canopy Change 2011-2021
18
TREE CANOPY CHANGE 2011 –2021
●City Limits: +753 acres (+17.3%)
●City + GMA: +936 acres (+17.2%)
Headline Copy Goes HereTree Canopy at Bus Stops
19
TREE CANOPY AT BUS STOPS
●423 bus stops
●Canopy cover (no shelters): 21.2%
●Canopy change: -2.3%
Headline Copy Goes HereTree Canopy in Bike Lanes
20
TREE CANOPY IN BIKE LANES
●267 miles
●Canopy cover: 9.5%
●Canopy change: +0.1%
Headline Copy Goes HerePriority Planting Area
21
15,418 POTENTIAL NEW
CANOPY ACRES
●Classified from Very Low to Very
High priority
➢Social, Health and Environmental
●2,251 acres of High or Very High
priority
●Can help City plant trees for
outcomes
Headline Copy Goes HerePublic Tree Inventory
22
59,144 PUBLIC TREES
●Two-thirds are street trees
Street Trees
38,362
Park Trees
9,749
City Facility
Golf Course
Stormwater Detention
Areas
Cemetery
Median
Other
Headline Copy Goes HerePublic Tree Diversity
23
11%11%
8%
5%4%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
green ash honeylocust bur oak common hackberry littleleaf linden
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
P
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
Fort Collins
10% Rule
TOP 5 PUBLIC TREE SPECIES
Headline Copy Goes Here
24
Forestry Division Activities
PUBLIC TREE ACTIVITIES BY YEAR
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
Pruned
Removed
Planted
EAB Treated
22.5% of public
trees pruned
Planting
exceeded
removals
EAB treatments
began
EAB treatments
began
Draft, April 26, 2024
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 2
Acknowledgments
The Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan was created with funding from the City
of Fort Collins.
FORESTRY DIVISION PLANNING TEAM
Kendra Boot, City Forester
Ralph Zentz, Assistant City Forester
Ernie Wintergerst, Senior Supervisor, Forestry
STEERING COMMITTEE
Teddy Parker-Renga, Colorado State Forest Service
Max Moss, Mantawba Development in FC
Fred Haberecht, Fort Collins resident
Daniel Burcham, Colorado State University
Katy McLaren, City of Fort Collins
Nick Armstrong, Parks and Recreation Board
Natalie McNeil, The Davey Tree Expert Company
Emily Haukeness, City of Fort Collins
Miguel Jimenez, Colorado State University
Mike Calhoon, City of Fort Collins
Honore Depew, City of Fort Collins
Prepared by Davey Resource Group, Inc. for the City of Fort Collins.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 3
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................6
Chapter 1: Current State and Future Vision of the Urban Forest ............................................... 31
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 31
Tree Canopy Study ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Tree Canopy Study: Summary of Findings ......................................................................................... 47
Public Tree Inventory .......................................................................................................................................49
Biodiversity ............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Public Tree Inventory: Summary of Findings ................................................................................... 55
Goals For Fort Collins’ Tree Canopy and Public Trees ................................................................. 56
Chapter 2: Strategies for Resilience and Sustainable Growth .................................................... 56
Public Tree Benefits .......................................................................................................................................... 56
Pest Susceptibility .............................................................................................................................................. 59
Climate Vulnerability ......................................................................................................................................... 61
Priority Planting Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 65
Resilience & Sustainable Growth: Summary of Findings .......................................................... 70
Chapter 3: Operational Efficiency and Resource Management ................................................ 72
Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest ............................................................................................ 72
Operations Review ............................................................................................................................................. 73
Operational Analysis: Summary of Findings ..................................................................................... 85
Chapter 4: Community Engagement and Policy Integration .................................................... 87
Community Feedback .................................................................................................................................... 87
Ordinance Review ............................................................................................................................................. 101
Heritage Tree Protection ............................................................................................................................. 102
City Policies and Plans .................................................................................................................................. 104
Community Engagement & Policy Integration: Summary of Findings ......................... 108
Chapter 5: Recommendations & Implementation ........................................................................... 110
Themes & Outcome Areas ........................................................................................................................... 110
Recommended Strategies & Initiatives ............................................................................................... 110
References ................................................................................................................................................................. 122
Appendix A: Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest .................................................................. 126
Appendix B: Public Survey Responses .................................................................................................... 134
Appendix C: Ordinance Review ..................................................................................................................... 141
FIGURES
Figure 1. The adaptive management planning process. ................................................................ 32
Figure 2. Census block groups in order of largest to smallest by tree canopy acres.. . 38
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 4
Figure 3. Tree canopy cover by council district in 2011 and 2021 .............................................. 40
Figure 4. Tree canopy cover and change (2011–2021) at Fort Collins bus stops. ............. 44
Figure 5. Tree canopy cover and canopy change, 2011–2021, in bike lanes ......................... 47
Figure 6. Public trees by location. ................................................................................................................. 50
Figure 7. Inventoried sites, 2018–2023. ....................................................................................................... 50
Figure 8. Top five species of public trees. ................................................................................................. 51
Figure 9. Top five genera of public trees .................................................................................................. 52
Figure 10. Top five taxonomic families of public trees ..................................................................... 52
Figure 11. Condition ratings of public trees. ............................................................................................ 54
Figure 12. Relative age classes of public trees, estimated from trunk diameter. ............ 55
Figure 13. Land surface temperature of Fort Collins ......................................................................... 62
Figure 14. U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index maps for Fort Collins ............................................. 63
Figure 15. Priority planting areas for stormwater management............................................... 67
Figure 16. Priority planting areas for urban heat island mitigation ......................................... 67
Figure 17. Priority planting areas where tree benefits can be placed in proximity to
vulnerable resident populations. .................................................................................................................. 68
Figure 18. Priority planting areas where tree canopy can help mitigate asthma, heart
disease, and mental health disorders. ....................................................................................................... 68
Figure 19. Priority planting areas that maximize the environmental, social, and
human health benefits of trees. ..................................................................................................................... 69
Figure 20. A snapshot from the tree placement analysis. ............................................................. 70
Figure 21. The number of public trees per capita. .............................................................................. 74
Figure 22. Forestry Division tree activities by year, 2019-2023. ................................................... 75
Figure 23. Percentage of public trees pruned by year. ................................................................... 75
Figure 24. Number of public trees planted and removed by year. ......................................... 76
Figure 25. Organizational chart, City forestry staff. ............................................................................ 77
Figure 26. Portion of City forestry staff with ISA credentials ....................................................... 78
Figure 27. Forestry Division annual budget, 2019–2023. ................................................................ 80
Figure 28. Municipal forestry budgets compared to the Forestry Division’s 2023
annual budget. ........................................................................................................................................................ 80
Figure 29. Average annual Forestry Division expenditures by activity, 2019–2023. ........ 81
Figure 30. Predicted tree canopy cover under current levels of public tree planting
and three scenarios. ............................................................................................................................................. 84
Figure 31. Responses to public survey question, “Trees are an important part of Fort
Collins” ........................................................................................................................................................................... 88
Figure 32. Responses to public survey question, “Public trees seem…”. .............................. 88
Figure 33. Responses to public survey question, “Across Fort Collins there are…” ....... 88
Figure 34. Responses to public survey question, “Where is it most important to plant
trees?” ............................................................................................................................................................................. 89
Figure 35. Responses to a public survey question, “I support…” ................................................ 89
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 5
Figure 36. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to rank tree
benefits in order from most (rank 1) to least (rank 10) important. ............................................ 89
Figure 37. Responses to the open-ended question, “What is your hope for the future
of the urban forest in Fort Collins?”. ........................................................................................................... 90
Figure 38. An interactive board from the October 25, 2023, public meeting. ................... 93
MAPS
Map 1. Tree canopy cover in Fort Collins city limits and the growth management
area, based on 2021 high-resolution aerial imagery. ......................................................................... 36
Map 2. Tree canopy cover within Fort Collins city limits and the growth management
area by U.S. census block group. ................................................................................................................... 37
Map 3. Tree canopy change by U.S. census block group, 2011–2021. ....................................... 38
Map 4. Tree canopy cover by city council precinct and district. ................................................ 39
Map 5. Tree canopy change by city council precinct and district, 2011–2021. .................... 39
Map 6. Tree canopy cover within a 30-ft buffer of bus stops and transit stations. ....... 44
Map 7. Tree canopy cover within bike lanes by street segment. ..............................................46
Map 8. Public trees and planting sites as documented in TreeKeeper. ...............................49
TABLES
Table 1. Tree canopy cover and change by park. .................................................................................. 41
Table 2. Top five species of public trees. .................................................................................................... 51
Table 3. Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ total tree canopy, 2011-2021. ..... 57
Table 4. Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ public trees. ....................................... 58
Table 5. Susceptibility of Fort Collins’ public trees to pests and diseases of concern in
Colorado. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Table 6. Drought tolerance of the 35 most abundant species in the public tree
inventory. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Table 7. Possible tree planting area in Fort Collins, ranked by priority to address
environmental, social equity, and/or human health factors. ....................................................... 66
Table 8. Possible tree planting sites, classified by the size of tree that they can
accommodate. .......................................................................................................................................................... 70
Table 9. Fort Collins’ urban forestry performance level for 30 indicators of a
sustainable urban forest. .................................................................................................................................... 72
Table 10. Forestry Division staffing, 2024. ................................................................................................. 76
Table 11. Contractual pruning expenditures by year, 2019–2023. ................................................ 81
Table 12. Forestry service requests from the public, 2019–2023. ................................................ 82
Table 13. Tree canopy cover, canopy acres, and estimated trees to be planted under
current levels of public tree planting and three scenarios. ......................................................... 84
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 6
Executive Summary
Fort Collins’ urban forest includes trees growing along streets, in public parks and
natural areas, and in the yards of homes, schools, and businesses. Together, these
trees are a dynamic, living system that provides invaluable environmental,
economic, and societal benefits to enhance the quality of life in Fort Collins.
TREE CANOPY COVER
Within the current city boundaries, Fort Collins has 5,116 acres of tree canopy, equal
to 13.7% tree cover. The growth management area includes an additional 1,280 acres
of tree canopy, bringing the total tree canopy area for city limits plus the growth
management area to 6,396 acres (12.6% cover).
Tree canopy cover in Fort Collins city limits and the growth management area, based on 2021 high-
resolution aerial imagery.
Tree Canopy Cover
City Limits
● 13.7% tree cover
● +17.3% since 2011
City + GMA
● 12.6% tree cover
● +17.2% since 2011
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 7
Tree canopy cover within Fort Collins city limits and the growth
management area by U.S. census block group.
Tree canopy change by U.S. census block group, 2011–2021.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 8
Trees Support Fort Collins’ Strategic Objectives
Fort Collins’ 2022 Strategic Plan outlines seven Key Outcome Areas by which the city
measures progress toward the vision and goals of its comprehensive plan. Trees relate to
each of these seven Outcome Areas through the many social, ecological, and economic
benefits that trees provide.
1. Neighborhood Livability & Social Health: Trees improve wellbeing and health
outcomes in people by cleaning and cooling the air and reducing stress.
2. Culture & Recreation: Trees add to the beauty of Fort Collins and encourage
people to spend more time outdoors.
3. Economic Health: Trees in business districts encourage people to stay longer
and pay more for goods and services. Trees also increase property values.
4. Environmental Health: Trees provide habitat for wildlife and absorb carbon and
other greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.
5. Safe Community: Well-maintained trees are associated with reductions in crime.
6. Transportation & Mobility: Trees calm traffic and make streets and sidewalks
safer and more comfortable for active modes of transportation.
7. High Performing Government: The Forestry Division proactively maintains
public trees and responds to hundreds of resident requests each year.
8.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 9
Canopy Cover at Bus Stops
Trees an important part of the layered strategies to increase the use of public transit
that are outlined in the city’s transportation master plan. Growing tree canopy cover
at bus stops supports Fort Collins’ intent to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled by
encouraging multimodal transportation (City Plan, 2019). Average tree cover is 18.3%
at 22 bus stations and 423 bus stops across Fort Collins. A majority of bus stops have
less than 20% tree cover and experienced losses of tree cover since 2011.
Tree canopy cover within a 30-ft buffer of bus stops and transit stations.
Map inset
Canopy Cover at
Bus Stops
● 18.3% tree cover
● -3.7% since 2011
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 10
Canopy Cover within Bike Lanes
Trees along bike lanes contribute to the City’s goals of building low-stress, high-
comfort bicycle facilities that promote a physically active and environmentally
sustainable community (City Plan, 2019). Trees not only shade bike lanes; they also
contribute to the safety of cyclists by slowing traffic. Over 267 miles of bike lanes
across Fort Collins, average tree canopy cover is 9.5%, approximately the same as it
was in 2011 (+0.1%).
Tree canopy cover within bike lanes by street segment.
Canopy Cover in
Bike Lanes
● 9.5% tree cover
● +0.1% since 2011
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 11
PUBLIC TREE INVENTORY
The Forestry Division inventoried street trees
and tree sites within street rights-of-way,
parks, and city property from 2018–2023. The
inventory effort involved both Forestry staff
as well as trained volunteers through the
City’s Urban Forest Ambassador program.
Two-thirds of public trees are located in
street rights-of-way.
Public trees by location.
Street Trees
66%
Park Trees
17%
City Facility 5%
Golf Course 5%
Stormwater
Management 4%
Cemetery 1%
Median 1%
Other 1%
Public trees and planting sites as
documented in TreeKeeper.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 12
BIODIVERSITY
The inventory of public trees cataloged 272 unique species of trees that represent 56
genera and 26 families. Biodiversity helps to make the tree population resilient to
pests and diseases. Urban forestry industry standards for biodiversity recommend
that no single species of tree should exceed 10% of the total inventory.
Among inventoried trees, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and honeylocust
(Gleditsia triacanthos and G. triacanthos inermis) exceeded recommended limits for
species abundance (11% of public trees each).
The abundance of ash is expected to decline over time due to emerald ash borer and
implementation of the city’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response
Plan (2020), climate change, and city ordinance. The Forestry Division is reducing the
planting of honeylocust on public property and is encouraging developers to shift
away from planting honeylocust as part of required street tree plantings that are
associated with development.
Top five species of public trees relative to a recommended 10% Rule for abundance of any single
species.
11%11%
8%
5%4%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
green ash honeylocust bur oak common
hackberry
littleleaf
linden
Pe
r
c
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n
t
o
f
P
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
Fort Collins
10% Rule
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 13
Condition of Public Trees
More than half of public trees (55%) are rated
to be in Good or Fair-Plus condition, and an
additional one-third (34%) are rated to be in
Fair condition.
Size-Age Classes of Public Trees
In Fort Collins, public trees were classified into
four categories based on their trunk diameter
at standard height (DSH). Urban forestry
industry standards recommend a mixed-age
tree population to balance maintenance
needs of the tree population over time. Sixty
percent of public trees in Fort Collins are in
the young size class, reflecting sustained tree
planting efforts within the city, including tree
planting that occurs through new
development as the city has grown. Care of
young trees during the establishment period,
as well as proactive maintenance of older age
classes, will help increase the proportion of
older trees to balance age classes over time.
As young trees grow into larger size classes, per-tree maintenance costs will increase
over time.
Relative age classes of public trees, estimated from trunk diameter.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Young
(0-8")
Established
(9-17")
Maturing
(18-24")
Mature
(>24")
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
I
n
v
e
n
t
o
r
i
e
d
T
r
e
e
s
Relative Age (Diameter Size Class)
1%
Dead
2%
Poor8%
Fair Minus
34%
Fair
27%
Fair Plus
28%
Good
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Condition
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
I
n
v
e
n
t
o
r
i
e
d
T
r
e
e
s
Condition ratings of public trees.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 14
THE BENEFITS OF FORT COLLINS’ TREES
Fort Collins’ tree canopy provides ecosystem benefits valued at more than $2.8
million per year in savings to residents and businesses. Annual savings have
increased more than $430,000 since 2011 with growth of tree canopy across the city.
Of these benefits, public trees account for more than $69,000 in benefits each year
and have an estimated replacement value of more than $112 million.
Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ total tree canopy and its public trees.
ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS
ALL TREE CANOPY PUBLIC TREES
QUANTITY VALUE 2011–2021
CHANGE QUANTITY VALUE
Annual benefits
Air quality: pollution
removal (lb) 856,580 $1,801,865 $276,488 21,320 $32,038
CO removal 4,660 $3,254 $503 199 $139
NO2 removal 106,940 $15,020 $2,312 790 $111
O3 removal 525,920 $310,072 $47,697 15,336 $9,042
SO2 removal 22,440 $513 $79 445 $10
PM10 removal 183,680 $602,936 $133,133 4,421 $14,512
PM2.5 removal 12,940 $870,070 $92,764 122 $8,225
Carbon sequestration
(tons) 21,320 $990,896 $151,790 276 $47,013
Stormwater: avoided
runoff (gal) 2,318,837 $20,721
Total Annual Benefits $2,805,181+ $430,167+ $69,374
Structural Value
Carbon storage (tons) 831,670 $38,684,151 $5,952,195 18,616 $3,175,046
Replacement Value $112,489,358
Pest Susceptibility of Public Trees
Because tree pests and diseases often have preferred hosts, the susceptibility of an
urban forest to a pest or disease can be predicted based on its species and genus
diversity. Of the pests and diseases of concern in Colorado, oak wilt threatens the
greatest number of public trees in Fort Collins (15%). Emerald ash borer poses the
greatest threat to public trees based on replacement value, with predicted
economic impacts of up to $22 million.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 15
Susceptibility of Fort Collins’ public trees to the most potentially impactful pests and diseases of
concern in Colorado.
PEST NAME
NUMBER OF
SUSCEPTIBLE
TREES
PERCENT OF
PUBLIC TREE
INVENTORY
TREE
REPLACEMENT
VALUE ($)
Oak wilt 8,706 15% $7,553,465
Spotted lanternfly 8,628 15% $13,100,340
Emerald ash borer 7,388 13% $22,038,024
Honeylocust spider mite 6,284 11% $10,104,137
Thyronectria & Nectria cankers 6,284 11% $10,104,137
Red turpentine beetle 4,878 8% $10,827,409
Climate Vulnerability Due to Extreme Weather Events
There are several mid-century climate factors
that can affect tree growth and survival in Fort
Collins. Predicted future climate includes an
increase in the number of consecutive dry days
(+0.6 days compared to 1975–2005) and an
increase in the number of days per year with an
air temperature of >90°F (+16–21 days), which
due to urban heat island effect will feel hotter
within highly built areas of the city.
Drought Tolerance
of Public Trees
● At least 7,222 public trees
in Fort Collins have LOW
drought tolerance.
● The tree inventory is
gradually adding
information about
irrigation status.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 16
Priority Planting Areas
The tree cover analysis of Fort Collins identified 15,418 acres of possible tree planting
space within the city and growth management area. This space comprises areas on
both public and private land that do not have existing tree canopy.
Possible planting area that is prioritized as High or Very High:
● Stormwater Runoff: 1,802 acres
● Urban Heat Island Mitigation: 3,167 acres
● Social Equity: 2,287 acres
● Human Health: 3,342 acres
● Composite (All) Priorities: 2,250 acres
Priority planting areas that maximize the environmental, social, and human health benefits of trees.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 17
Public Tree Activities by Year
The Forestry Division pruned 8,832 trees per year, on average, in the years from 2019–
2023. In 2022, the Division pruned 22.4% of the public tree inventory, which meets
the standard for a five-year pruning cycle. Industry standards recommend a regular
pruning cycle of 5–10 years. Only approximately one-half of U.S. cities proactively
prune their trees on a regular cycle of any duration.
Beginning in 2021, public tree planting exceeded tree removals. In this year, the
Forestry Division also began prophylactic treatments of public ash trees for emerald
ash borer.
Forestry Division tree activities by year, 2019-2023.
Percentage of public trees pruned by year. Public trees less than 18 inches DSH (light green) and trees
18 inches DSH or larger (dark green) are shown relative to the percentage necessary for a 5-year
pruning cycle.
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
Pruned
Removed
Planted
EAB Treated
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
o
f
T
r
e
e
s
Year
18+ in DSH
<18 in DSH
5-Year Pruning Rotation
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 18
Budget & Funding
The Forestry Division is supported by the City’s General Fund, which is the main
operating fund for the City of Fort Collins. From 2019–2023, the Forestry Division
annual budget ranged from $2.34 million–$3.35 million. As a percentage of the total
city budget, Fort Collins is on par with the average for 463 cities that provided
budgetary information to a 2014 municipal forestry census.
Municipal forestry budgets as a percentage of total municipal budgets for 463 U.S. cities (adjusted for
inflation from 2014 values) compared to the Forestry Division’s 2023 annual budget.
The Forestry Division’s budget supports tree activities that are completed by both in-
house staff and contractors. The largest annual expenditures relate to pruning. As
the inventory grows, it will be necessary to scale Forestry Division operations and
capacity to keep pace.
Additional capacity will be particularly needed if Fort Collins wants to increase its
rate of canopy growth over time.
0.0%
0.1%
0.2%
0.3%
0.4%
0.5%
All Cities West Region Pop. 100,000-
249,999
Fort Collins
Pe
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n
t
o
f
Ci
t
y
A
n
n
u
a
l
B
u
d
g
e
t
15.7%
Predicted tree canopy cover
by 2040 if current canopy
trends continue
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 19
Average annual Forestry Division expenditures by activity, 2019–2023.
Tree canopy cover, canopy acres, and estimated trees to be planted under current levels of public tree
planting and three scenarios.
CANOPY COVER 2021:
6,396 ACRES (12.6%)
CANOPY
ACRES
2040
CANOPY
COVER
2040
TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE,
ACRES
(2024–2040)
ESTIMATED
TREES TO BE
PLANTED/
PRESERVED PER
YEAR, WITH
MORTALITY*
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL
PLANTING
COSTS,
PUBLIC +
PRIVATE**
Current Planting 7,988 15.7% 1,592 538 $263,916
Scenario 1: 17% by 2040 8,643 17.0% 2,246 2,623 $1,286,701
Scenario 2: 18% by 2040 9,151 18.0% 2,755 4,661 $2,286,248
Scenario 3: 20% by 2040 10,168 20.0% 3,772 8,736 $4,285,342
* assumes 66 trees per acre
** based on average Forestry expenditure per tree planted, 2019–2023 ($490.55/tree)
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
Pruning Planting Removal Emergency
Response
Pest/Disease
Response
Other
Av
e
r
a
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e
A
n
n
u
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l
E
x
p
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n
d
i
t
u
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e
20
1
9
-20
2
3
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 20
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Public Survey
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan planning team released a public survey in fall 2023.
Of the 971 respondents who took the survey,
● 99% of them agreed or strongly agreed that trees are an important part of
Fort Collins
● 95% agreed that public trees are well cared for or somewhat well cared for
● Respondents favor public land for tree planting, including parks, streets,
schools, and trails, over private property
Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to answer the question, “Where is it
most important to plant trees?”, with the option to select multiple choices.
Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase, “Public trees
seem…” with one of five response options.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Parks Streets Schools Businesses Trails Private
property
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Where is it most important to plant trees?
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Well cared
for
Somewhat
cared for
Poorly cared
for
Neglected No opinion
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Public trees seem...
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 21
Responses to public survey question that asked participants to rate their agreement with the phrase,
“Trees are an important part of Fort Collins” using a five-point Likert scale.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Strongly
agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
disagree
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Trees are an important part of Fort Collins.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 22
RECOMMENDATIONS
Urban Forestry Strategic Plan Themes
Three overarching themes were identified during development of the strategic plan
that summarize the Forestry Division’s vision for the urban forest over the next 20
years:
1. Build resilience & wellbeing of people and trees
2. Sustainably grow the Forestry program
3. Expand the community’s appreciation for trees
Recommended Strategies & Initiatives
Eight urban forestry strategic recommendations are presented to guide Fort Collins’
forestry initiatives over the next 20 years. Each recommendation includes two levels
of suggested actions or initiatives:
● Foundational Initiatives represent those that may be simpler to implement,
or more urgent, or strategies that must be completed before some or all of
the Transformational Initiatives can be tackled.
● Transformational Initiatives may be more complicated or difficult to
implement, or they may represent standalone strategies that are complex or
on a long implementation horizon; on the other hand, they may provide more
value to the forestry program and the City’s larger civic goals and Outcome
Areas.
RECOMMENDATION 1. STRATEGICALLY INVEST IN GROWING TREE
CANOPY WHERE IT WILL PROMOTE RESILIENCE AND QUALITY OF
LIFE IN FORT COLLINS
Themes: Resilience & Wellbeing, Sustainable Growth
Outcome Areas: Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Culture & Recreation,
Transportation & Mobility
While tree canopy is growing in Fort Collins, it is not evenly distributed across the
city. Targeted investment in planting and maintenance where trees provide the
most value can help Forestry support multiple civic goals.
Foundational Initiatives
● Prioritize planting and maintenance within areas of greatest tree canopy loss
that correspond to priority areas for health and social factors and combined
human/environmental wellbeing (see the Priority Planting Analysis).
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 23
● Implement a parks planting plan to identify and strategically fill vacant
planting sites (e.g., Living Tribute Trees) as well as rebuild canopy within new
parks.
Transformational Initiatives
● Prioritize planting and maintenance along bicycle routes and around bus
stops.
● Coordinate with other city departments to integrate trees into a complete
streets framework, an urban planning design concept that aims to make
streets comfortable and safe for all users.
● Plant along walking/cycling/public transportation corridors to build tree
connectivity to parks. Encourage citywide adoption of existing metrics such as
the 10-Minute Walk, an initiative that aims to place all city residents within a
10-minute walk of quality parks and nature.
● Plant trees along other transportation corridors, such as Safe Routes to
Schools.
● Utilize third-party metrics for social equity such as the Tree Equity Score from
American Forests to guide planting and maintenance investments and
communicate about equity with the public.
● Develop and set canopy goals for different geographies. For example, set
goals that differ by land use type, factoring in variability in potential tree
canopy among differing land uses; alternatively, create separate goals by
district.
RECOMMENDATION 2. CREATE A TREE PLANTING PLAN
Themes: Resilience & Wellbeing, Sustainable Growth
Outcome Area: Environmental Health
A planting plan can guide tree planting efforts to reach desired levels of planting
and more equitably distribute tree canopy across the city. Planning over longer
periods of time allows for species selection, sourcing of trees, and spreads out the
maintenance needs of tree cohorts over time.
Foundational Initiatives
● Scale annual tree planting efforts to replace public tree losses due to tree
removals and natural mortality.
● Create a planting plan to fill vacant planting spaces over 10 years.
● Incorporate new species that are recommended for future climate conditions,
making considerations for drought tolerance, warmer and more extreme
temperatures, and pest/disease tolerance.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 24
● Work with water efficiency experts to create species guidance by irrigation
zones.
● Grow the Community Canopy Program to supply more trees to residents for
planting on private property.
Transformational Initiatives
● Shift species composition of the urban forest toward more drought-tolerant
species.
● Build species-level biodiversity of the public tree inventory. Track the use of
cultivars and varieties.
● Explore a citywide tree canopy goal that can inform planting and protection
objectives for private property.
● Provide species guidance for tree giveaways and private planting.
RECOMMENDATION 3. COMPLETE THE SHIFT TO PROACTIVE
MANAGEMENT OF FORT COLLIN’S PUBLIC TREES
Themes: Sustainable Growth
Outcome Areas: Economic Health, Safe Community
The Forestry Division strives for a 5-year pruning rotation to improve the health of
public trees and create safe public spaces in the community. Additional resources
will be needed to continue a 5-year pruning cycle, which reduces the costs of storm
and emergency response and helps maintain the health of public trees. An urban
forest management plan can provide operational direction for Forestry and the city
for the next 5–10 years.
Foundational Initiatives
● Implement a 5-year routine pruning cycle.
● Plan to scale up pruning activities as additional trees are added to the
inventory.
● Use the existing tree inventory to inform management decisions based on
species and size.
● Create an urban forest management plan that details Forestry operations
over the next 5–10 years.
● Incorporate the storm response plan, City Plan, Parks Master Plan, Our
Climate Future plan, and other city management plans.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 25
Transformational Initiatives
● Use enhanced inventory data to guide management based on risk rating,
recommended maintenance, and/or related metrics.
● Project tree benefits under different management scenarios.
● Integrate natural areas inventory data into natural areas management plans.
RECOMMENDATION 4. STRENGTHEN CITY POLICIES TO PROTECT
TREES
Themes: Resilience & Wellbeing, Appreciation for Trees
Outcome Areas: Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Environmental Health
Tree protection in Fort Collins currently focuses on the stewardship of public trees,
with less policy development around private tree protection. Because a majority of
the city’s trees are found on private land, additional opportunities to protect trees on
private land—whether through policy or incentives—will help curb canopy losses in
parts of the city and help protect community tree benefits for all residents.
Foundational Initiatives
● Reference existing supplemental policy documents for Forestry, including the
Tree Management Standards and BMPs document, in city code.
● Adopt a citywide land use code that improves tree preservation and
protection while balancing other priorities and needs of the community.
● Draft a heritage tree program that allows for the elective enrollment of trees
that have cultural, historic, or ecological value.
● Create policy summaries or tip sheets that clarify the responsibility for tree
maintenance within alleyways.
● Plan for education and outreach that will guide policy development about
tree protection for development scenarios on private land.
● Encode existing good practices—best management practices, certified
arborist requirements, wood utilization program—in city ordinance.
● Build upon the Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan (2020)
to create a more generalized insect/disease control plan to address existing
and future threats. Reference the plan within city ordinance.
Transformational Initiatives
● Draft a heritage tree policy that protects trees greater than a certain size on
private property. Require a permit for, or prohibit, pruning or removal of
heritage trees.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 26
o For reference, 6% of public trees are >24 in DSH and 2% of public trees
are >36 in DSH.
o Connect policy to stormwater and water efficiency public benefits of
large trees.
o Exclude invasive species and those that are prohibited by existing
ordinance.
● Clarify the legal responsibility for trees within vacant and boundary areas (land
without ownership) to encourage the protection and growth of tree canopy
within these spaces.
● Plan for tree preservation and tree canopy expansion within areas in the
Growth Management Area that are to remain as future green space as
identified by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
● Expand tree protection policies within the Land Use Code to apply to non-
development scenarios.
● Develop additional policy for tree protection on private land—for example,
protecting trees during residential property development scenarios. Educate
and engage with the public about policy scenarios to gauge public support.
● Require landfill diversion for wood waste from private land.
RECOMMENDATION 5. COLLECT DATA TO TRACK CHANGES TO
TREE CANOPY OVER TIME AND TO INFORM FORESTRY ACTIVITIES
Themes: Sustainable Growth
Outcome Area: High-Performing Government
Accurate, up-to-date data can inform sound decision making. Planning for future
urban tree canopy assessments and tree inventory updates will provide information
that can help the Forestry Division evaluate progress and refine management
strategies.
Foundational Initiatives
● Repeat an urban tree canopy assessment in 5 years using 2026 data (2027–
2028 BFO cycle) to measure canopy change.
o Measure five-class land cover: tree canopy, vegetation, impervious
surface, bare soil, open water.
o Evaluate urban tree canopy within street rights-of-way.
o Calculate how tree benefits have changed with tree canopy over time.
● Map existing public trees under threat from pests and/or drought using
inventory data; look for trends that may inform tree activities.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 27
● Complete data fields for all public trees about irrigation status and EAB
treatment priority.
● Complete a sample inventory of natural areas.
Transformational Initiatives
● Repeat an urban tree canopy assessment in 2 years to capture early canopy
changes due to emerald ash borer.
o Advance mapping options include canopy health, broadleaf/evergreen
distribution, tree canopy cover and change within additional
geographies—e.g., riparian and ditch areas, alleyways, land uses,
private/public land—to guide and measure the effects of policy
changes
● Update the public tree inventory on a 5-year cycle.
● Utilize certified arborists to capture tree inventory data about risk and
recommended maintenance, to inform proactive maintenance.
RECOMMENDATION 6. SUSTAINABLY GROW THE FORESTRY
DIVISION TO KEEP PACE WITH GROWTH OF THE URBAN FOREST
Themes: Sustainable Growth
Outcome Areas: Economic Health, High-Performing Government
The public tree inventory reflects the city’s sustained commitment to planting. With
60 percent of the public tree inventory consisting of young trees, and new trees
being planted every year, it will be necessary to plan for growth of the Forestry
program. Additional capacity and a sustainable funding stream will be needed to
keep pace with growth of the public tree inventory. Additional metrics about tree
activities will be helpful for internal planning, budgeting, and reporting to both city
council and the community.
Foundational Initiatives
● Internally track public requests that are submitted via phone and email.
● Regularly report on budget expenditures by tree activity.
● Create work plans to make efficient use of personnel and budget.
● Acquire additional staff for tree planting/preparation and pruning.
● Add capacity for grant writing and reporting.
● Pursue grants and other limited funding opportunities.
● Contribute to local initiatives to expand the green workforce.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 28
Transformational Initiatives
● Use resource management software to track public requests.
● Create an urban forestry planner position.
● Annually or biannually report to the public on tree activities.
● Link tree activities to health, social, and environmental data, and to civic data
(transit ridership, cycling/pedestrian stats, city Outcome Areas) as available.
● Add at least one additional, fully equipped Forestry crew.
● Implement a staff rotation schedule. Regularly rotate Forestry staff to different
teams to provide rest from physical labor and build knowledge across the
team.
● Increase the space that is available to Forestry for operations, equipment, and
wood waste. Locate space where it can maximize efficiency of fuel use and
time.
● Increase the budget for tree maintenance over time as young trees grow.
● Create new sources of sustained funding, such as a Tree Fund, and align with
City Give.
RECOMMENDATION 7. DEEPEN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE
COMMUNITY ABOUT TREE STEWARDSHIP
Themes: Appreciation for Trees
Outcome Areas: Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Environmental Health
There is a great amount of support for trees and urban forestry in Fort Collins from
the public, officials, and the surrounding region. This public support can help
facilitate conversations about difficult decisions and expand engagement to new
community sectors.
Foundational Initiatives
● Continue to support the wood waste program and grow the network of urban
woodworkers and wood utilization partners.
● Engage the public in policy updates that protect trees on private property.
● Continue and grow the Urban Forest Ambassador program.
● Provide educational resources to assist property owners with private tree
planting, maintenance, and preservation.
Transformational Initiatives
● Engage in cross-sector coalition-building around trees:
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 29
o Integrate forestry activities with implementation of the Active Modes
Plan. Engage with Active Modes stakeholders including the cycling
community.
o Expand engagement and volunteer opportunities into communities
with health and social vulnerabilities.
o Align wood utilization efforts with larger Zero Waste initiatives.
o Engage with parks advocates; see Nature in the City and 15-Minute
Walk campaigns.
o Engage with the business sector to promote trees for economic
development, e.g., Holiday Lights.
o Enlist community organizations to engage with their networks on
topics including tree benefits, tree responsibilities, policy development,
and volunteer opportunities.
● Create resources on wood utilization best management practices for the
general public.
● Provide financial resources to assist property owners with private tree
planting, maintenance, and preservation.
● Expand volunteer opportunities to assist with activities such as young tree
pruning, watering assistance during drought, or community education.
● Create tip sheets that explain city ordinances and policies in plain language.
● Create a municipal Urban Forestry Commission with resident appointments.
RECOMMENDATION 8. EXPAND THE NETWORK OF FORESTRY
DIVISION PARTNERS
Themes: Sustainable Growth, Appreciation for Trees
Outcome Areas: Safe Community, High-Performing Government
Technical partnerships within urban forestry are abundant across the Front Range—
see for example the Colorado Tree Coalition, the Front Range Urban Forestry
Council, and the Emerging Pests in Colorado (EPIC) Committee. Increasing Fort
Collins’ presence and role within these collectives can promote greater knowledge
sharing and adaptability for the city while building staff technical skills. Involvement
can also promote adoption of the latest guidance and standards.
Foundational Initiatives
● Continue regional work with nursery growers to secure the quantity and types
of climate- and pest-adapted trees that will be needed to meet planting goals.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 30
● Share urban forestry resources and knowledge with neighboring
communities.
● Expand staff involvement in regional urban forestry networks; provide
additional opportunities for staff that contribute to career development.
Transformational Initiatives
● Encourage large corporate and institutional campuses to develop tree plans.
● Continue engagement with partners about management of public trees.
● Contribute expertise about trees and urban forestry in regional planning
efforts that relate to climate resilience, complete & green streets, human
health, wood utilization, etc.
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION & METRICS
Content to come.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 31
Chapter 1: Current State and Future
Vision of the Urban Forest
INTRODUCTION
When viewed from above, the green tree canopy of Fort Collins stands out against
the surrounding steppe, shrubland, and grassland of the Front Range. Trees that
have been planted over the past 160 years have grown to become one of the
hallmarks of the city, enhancing the natural beauty and hospitability of the Cache la
Poudre River valley.
The city of Fort Collins is in a period of growth—the city is expected to add 70,000
new residents by 2040 (City Plan, 2019). The shade, cooling effects, and carbon
absorption of trees will make tree canopy a key component in regional approaches
to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience as the city grows. Trees make
streets and sidewalks safer and more comfortable for cycling, walking, and public
transit. Trees cool the air, helping residents to save on energy costs and reducing the
incidence of heat-related illness. Trees also capture stormwater and help to conserve
irrigation water by cooling the ground and air.
In recent years, the city’s Forestry Division, founded in 1977, has been moving toward
a more proactive approach to managing public trees. This Urban Forest Strategic
Plan summarizes the state of Fort Collins’ urban forest, the near-term outlook for its
public trees, the forestry program, public sentiment, and the City’s planning and
policy framework. Then it proposes eight recommendations with tiered actions that
the City can take to ensure that its urban forest remains healthy and vibrant into the
future.
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan
An urban forest strategic plan (“UFSP” or “Plan”) is a comprehensive plan for the
management, protection, and improvement of the urban forest. It analyzes the
existing condition, value, and resources of the urban forest and outlines a vision for
the future, guided by input from the community. The Plan provides a roadmap for
implementation by prioritizing initiatives and actions to improve the urban forest
over time. The development of a UFSP is an important step in ensuring the long-
term sustainability and resilience of the urban forest.
In 2023, the Forestry Division partnered with Davey Resource Group, Inc. to develop
the Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan. The plan uses the principles of adaptive
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 32
management to establish a 20-year vision for managing the urban forest (figure 1).
Adaptive management is commonly used for resource planning and management
and provides a conceptual framework for managing the urban forest. It seeks to
develop an effective plan by answering a series of questions about Fort Collins’
present and future:
Adaptive Management Process
1. What do we have? We looked at Fort Collins’ existing urban forest, its current
management, and public perception about trees. We put this into context by
examining climate and social factors and the City’s policy and planning
framework.
2. What do we want? We engaged with City staff, partners, and the public and
incorporated existing planning documents and urban forestry industry tools
to identify priorities for the urban forest and the desired outcomes for the
Forestry program.
3. How do we get there? We looked for gaps, opportunities, challenges, and
desires for future canopy growth, social equity, staffing, and alignment with
Fort Collins' future plans. This guided the creation of goals, initiatives, and
actions that will be needed to achieve the desired outcomes.
4. How are we doing? We developed methods to create responsibility and
accountability for the plan through audits and evaluations. Resulting metrics
and information will feed back into the future adaptive management
approach by providing an updated perspective on “What do we have?”.
What do
we have?
What do
we want?
How do
we get
there?
How are
we doing?
Adaptive
Management
Approach
Figure 1. The adaptive management planning process used to create the Urban Forest Strategic Plan.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 33
History of Trees and Forestry in Fort Collins
Pre-1865: In the Cache la Poudre River valley, trees are sparse and short. Prescribed
burns by native peoples help maintain the valley as a grassland.
• A succession of nomadic tribes including Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute as well
as the Kiowa, Comanche, Sioux, Pawnee, and possibly Shoshone used the area
for hunting, fishing, and transient settlements
• Culturally important trees included chokecherry (food, weapons), box elder
(fuel, tools, medicine), willow (furniture, medicine), and cottonwood
(structures, fuel, dyes)
Mid-1800s: The “Council Tree”, a large and gnarled cottonwood, acts as a
recognizable landmark for meetings led by Arapaho leader Warshinun (aka Friday)
and others
1915: Department of Forestry formed at CSU
1918: Three bur oaks are planted at Library Park to honor WWI soldiers
1964: City Council allocates $1,500 for forestry
1970: City Council authorizes $24,000 for a tree sanitation program, including $8,000
for Dutch Elm Disease prevention
1972: Dutch Elm Disease is first detected
1977: The first full-time City Arborist is hired and the Forestry Division established
• Fort Collins is recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day
Foundation
1980: A City Code change places maintenance of street trees in the Forestry Division
1986: The Forestry Division begins its annual Arbor Day program that involves
visiting all elementary schools in Fort Collins, presenting an educational slide show,
and distributing seedlings to students
1988: The Forestry Division conducts the first city-wide inventory of public trees
• Spongy moth is detected
1990: A circular planting of ash trees in Lee Martinez Park referred to as ‘Tree-henge’
is completed
1991: Spongy moth is eradicated via a Forestry-led biological control program
1992: City Park is designated as the City Arboretum
1995: A heavy September snowstorm causes more tree damage than ever seen in
the city
2002: Severe drought conditions on the Front Range prompt discussion about
alternative means of providing water. Staff begins to install domestic water to its
major parks and golf courses.
2008: The Forestry Division begins a large-diameter wood recycling program.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 34
• The Mountain Pine Beetle is detected
2009: Forestry staff organize and host the Northern Colorado Pest Group to share
information about managing tree pests
2010: The Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices manual is
approved by the City Manager
• Forestry receives a $25,000 grant to provide wood chips to residents and
divert wood from the landfill
2015: City Council adopts updated climate action goals to reduce emissions 20%
below 2005 levels by 2020, 80% below by 2030, and to be carbon neutral by 2050
2016: Forestry completes an urban forest ecosystem analysis
2019: The city updates its comprehensive plan, City Plan, as well as its Transportation
and Transit Plans
2022: For the first time, the Forestry Division prunes >20% of public trees, setting it
on a course for a 5-year pruning cycle (proactive maintenance)
• CSU is accredited as a Level III arboretum
Painting of Fort Collins, 1865 by Unknown. Credit: Colorado State University Historic Photograph
Collection
Sources: Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (n.d.); Fort Collins History Connection
(n.d.); Tresner, 1977; Burris, 2006; Helburg, 2009; National Weather Service, 2021.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 35
TREE CANOPY STUDY
Fort Collins’ urban forest includes trees growing along streets, in public parks and
natural areas, and in the yards of homes, schools, and businesses. Together, these
trees are a dynamic, living system that provides invaluable environmental,
economic, and societal benefits to enhance the quality of life in Fort Collins.
An urban tree canopy assessment was conducted by Davey Resource Group, Inc. in
collaboration with the City of Fort Collins to better understand the city’s urban tree
canopy—where it is, how it’s changing, the benefits it provides to residents, and
where potential tree planting opportunities exist. The urban tree canopy assessment
uses aerial imagery to measure the amount of tree canopy on both public and
private property as viewed from above.
The urban tree canopy assessment analyzed 2021 high-resolution aerial imagery of
Fort Collins to determine:
● tree canopy cover by land use and geography: land area that is shaded by
trees when viewed from above, summarized by social and political boundaries
● change in tree canopy cover from 2011–2021 by land use and geography:
how tree canopy cover has changed within social and political boundaries over
the past decade
● ecosystem benefits analysis: estimates the benefits provided by the city’s
entire tree canopy
● priority planting analysis: prioritizes possible tree planting locations by
stormwater, urban heat island, social equity, and human health benefits
● tree placement analysis: characterizes potential planting areas based on their
suitability for large-, medium-, and small-stature trees
The information derived from the urban tree canopy assessment:
1. Establishes a baseline of tree canopy cover for future analysis
2. Estimates the rate of change in tree canopy over the past decade
3. Estimates the public benefits that are provided by existing tree canopy
4. Can help inform decision making about urban forest management, tree
preservation, and future planting
Tree Canopy Cover and Change, City Limits & Growth Management Area
The urban tree canopy assessment measured tree canopy cover within current city
limits. To provide a baseline for growth over the next 20 years, the assessment also
measured tree cover across city limits plus the growth management area.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 36
Within the current city boundaries, Fort Collins has 5,116 acres of tree canopy, equal
to 13.7% tree cover (map 1). The growth management area includes an additional
1,280 acres of tree canopy, bringing the total tree canopy area for city limits plus the
growth management area to 6,396 acres (12.6% cover).
Tree canopy cover derived from 2021 aerial imagery was compared to a 2011 tree
cover analysis that was conducted by PlanIt Geo to examine how tree canopy has
changed across Fort Collins in the prior decade. During this period, Fort Collins
experienced a net gain of 753 acres within city limits and a total gain of 936 acres of
tree canopy across city limits plus the growth management area (equivalent to 708
football fields), a net increase of 17.2% since 2011.
Map 1. Tree canopy cover in Fort Collins city limits and the growth management area, based on 2021
high-resolution aerial imagery.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 37
Tree Canopy Cover and Canopy Change by U.S. Census Block Group
U.S. Census block groups are federally defined geographic areas that are variable in
size and typically contain between 600–3,000 residents. Block groups make for
useful study areas due to the wide variety of sources that use census boundaries to
report social and economic data. In Fort Collins during the 2020 U.S. Census, there
were 137 block groups ranging in size from 2–3,025 acres.
Among Fort Collins’ block groups, tree cover ranges from <0.1% to 41% (map 2). From
2011–2021, 69% of block groups experienced tree canopy growth (maximum growth:
+378% tree cover), while 30% of block groups lost tree canopy (maximum loss: -53%
tree cover; map 3; figure 2).
Map 2. Tree canopy cover within Fort Collins city limits and the growth management area by U.S.
census block group.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 38
Map 3. Tree canopy change by U.S. census block group, 2011–2021.
Figure 2. Census block groups in order of largest to smallest by tree canopy acres. Change in tree
canopy acres from 2011-2021 is represented by green bars (net gain) and orange bars (net loss).
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Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 39
Canopy Cover and Canopy Change by City Council District & Precinct
Among the six city council districts, tree canopy cover ranges from 8.9% to 25.1%
(map 5). From 2011–2021, council districts 1–5 experienced net growth in tree cover
(range: +6.1% in District 5 to +110% in District 3), while District 6 experienced a slight
net loss of tree cover (-0.6%; map 5, figure 3).
Map 4. Tree canopy cover by city council
precinct and district.
Map 5. Tree canopy change by city council
precinct and district, 2011–2021.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 40
Figure 3. Tree canopy cover by council district in 2011 and 2021. Labels indicate net change in tree cover
from 2011-2021.
Canopy Cover and Canopy Change within Parks
Trees add to the natural beauty of parks and enhance the value of green space for
many types of recreational uses. Trees within parks and natural areas also serve as
important habitat for urban wildlife. For these reasons, planting, maintaining, and
preserving canopy trees, with a focus on native species, are priority actions that are
named in Fort Collins’ Recreate: Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2021).
Among Fort Collins’ 60 parks, cemeteries, and golf courses, average tree cover is
18.9% over 1,379 total park acres (table 1), greater than the city average of 13.7% tree
cover. Tree cover ranges from no measurable tree canopy (Richards Lake Park) to up
+7%
+9%
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Trees Support Fort Collins’ Strategic Objectives
Fort Collins’ 2022 Strategic Plan outlines seven Key Outcome Areas by which the city
measures progress toward the vision and goals of its comprehensive plan:
1. Neighborhood Livability & Social Health
2. Culture & Recreation
3. Economic Health
4. Environmental Health
5. Safe Community
6. Transportation & Mobility
7. High Performing Government
Trees relate to each of these seven Outcome Areas through the many social, ecological,
and economic benefits that trees provide. Tree benefits and their relationships to the
City’s Key Outcome Areas are detailed throughout this plan—look for the tree icon.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 41
to 62% cover at Indian Hills Park. In the study period from 2011–2021, there was a net
gain of 47.7 acres (1.7%) of tree canopy across the studied parks.
Six future park sites provide a potential for up to 102 acres of new tree canopy area.
Table 1. Tree canopy cover and change by park. Possible tree canopy includes grassy and vegetated
areas where trees could potentially be planted. Maximum tree canopy is the sum of existing and
possible canopy.
PARK ACRES TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE
2011-2021
POSSIBLE
CANOPY
MAXIMUM
CANOPY
Alta Vista Park 0.6 41% 2% 15% 56%
Archery Range 54 34% 14% 50% 84%
Avery Park 6 45% 8% 36% 81%
Beattie Park 7 23% 5% 17% 40%
Blevins Park 6 33% 23% 59% 93%
Buckingham Park 5 15% 1% 46% 62%
City Park 76 29% 9% 29% 58%
City Park Nine Golf Course 55 28% 5% 1% 29%
Civic Center Park 2 24% -6% 44% 69%
Collindale Golf Course 157 16% 12% 1% 16%
Cottonwood Glen Park 12 12% 119% 60% 72%
Creekside Park 3 29% 37% 39% 68%
Crescent Park 7 0.1% 100% 78% 78%
Eastside Park 2 31% 28% 53% 84%
Edora Community Park 42 25% 34% 40% 65%
English Ranch Park 12 26% 143% 38% 63%
Fossil Creek Community Park 96 4% 241% 51% 54%
Freedom Square Park 0.5 25% -28% 22% 47%
Golden Meadows Park 11 22% 39% 43% 65%
Grandview Cemetery 43 39% 1% 0% 40%
Greenbriar Park 22 17% 75% 49% 67%
Harmony Park 10 11% >600% 64% 75%
Homestead Park 6 16% >600% 73% 89%
Indian Hills Park 2 62% 3% 36% 99%
Landings Park 8 22% 30% 36% 59%
Lee Martinez Community Park 90 33% -2% 47% 80%
Legacy Park 9 16% -21% 75% 91%
Leisure Park 0.9 54% 14% 27% 80%
Library Park 5 51% 9% 21% 72%
Lilac Park 0.7 18% 51% 59% 77%
Miramont Park 10 12% 269% 66% 78%
Oak St Plaza Park 0.3 55% -9% 0% 55%
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 42
PARK ACRES TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE
2011-2021
POSSIBLE
CANOPY
MAXIMUM
CANOPY
Old Fort Collins Heritage Park 14 22% 38% 38% 60%
Overland Park 16 15% 56% 48% 62%
Poudre River Whitewater Park 11 15% -43% 47% 63%
Rabbit Brush Park 2 18% 155% 55% 73%
Radiant Park 9 3% 100% 71% 73%
Registry Park 5 2% 363% 78% 80%
Richards Lake Park 6 0% 0% 100% 100%
Ridgeview Park 11 11% 167% 67% 77%
Rogers Park 8 32% 69% 55% 88%
Rolland Moore Community Park 71 22% 27% 36% 58%
Romero Park 0.2 37% 28% 35% 72%
Roselawn Cemetery 28 20% 2% 46% 66%
Rossborough Park 16 26% 45% 69% 95%
Soft Gold Park 17 14% 192% 64% 78%
Southridge Golf Course 127 12% 73% 7% 19%
Spencer Park 0.4 45% -1% 45% 90%
Spring Canyon Community
Park 116 14% 77% 64% 77%
Spring Park 16 32% 16% 42% 74%
Stewart Case Park 14 6% 129% 67% 73%
Sugar Beet Park 6 8% 74% 71% 79%
Traverse Park 5 7% 0% 80% 87%
Troutman Park 15 22% 68% 48% 69%
Twin Silo Community Park 54 2% -15% 51% 53%
Warren Park 25 21% 13% 37% 58%
Washington Park 0.7 56% 15% 42% 98%
Water's Way Park 8 1% >600% 80% 81%
Westfield Park 15 9% 511% 63% 72%
Woodwest Park 3 36% 1% 60% 96%
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 43
Canopy Cover at Bus Stops
Trees an important part of the layered strategies to increase the use of public transit
that are outlined in the city’s transportation master plan. Shaded bus stops make
public transit safer for riders, particularly during hot summer months. Growing tree
canopy cover at bus stops supports Fort Collins’ intent to reduce Vehicle Miles
Traveled by encouraging multimodal transportation (City Plan, 2019).
The urban tree canopy analysis quantified tree cover within 30-ft buffers of bus stops
and bus stations to characterize tree canopy within areas that support the City’s
goals for encouraging multimodal transportation. Average tree cover is 18.3% at 22
bus stations and 423 bus stops across Fort Collins (map 6). Among 263 bus stops that
did not have a built-in shelter, average tree cover is 21.2%, a loss of 2.3% tree cover
since 2011. A majority of bus stops have less than 20% tree cover and experienced
losses of tree cover since 2011 (figure 4).
Trees Enhance Culture & Recreation
Trees enhance urban parks and green space by providing shade, beauty, and by
contributing to the ecological function of green islands within the built environment.
Trees along transit corridors build connectivity to parks and green space that eases the
passage of both humans and wildlife.
According to Trust For Public Land’s ParkServe mapping tool, 73% of Fort Collins
residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is above average for all U.S. cities
and towns (55%) and on par with the 100 most populous U.S. cities (74%). Increasing tree
canopy within and around these parks is one way that urban forestry can support the
Culture and Recreation.
Trees are not compatible with all recreational uses, however. For example, trees are
undesirable within ballfields, skate parks, and amphitheaters. Recreation centers and
pavilions can limit the area where trees can be planted. Lastly, many of Fort Collins’
natural areas are intended to protect native habitat including grassland and shrubland;
in such places, contiguous tree canopy is not desirable.
Sources: Trust For Public Land; Fort Collins’ ReCreate: Parks & Recreation Master Plan, 2021; Nature
in the City, 2015; Natural Areas Master Plan, 2014.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 44
Map 6. Tree canopy cover within a 30-ft buffer of bus stops and transit stations.
Figure 4. Tree canopy cover and change (2011–2021) at Fort Collins bus stops.
Map inset
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Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 45
Canopy Cover within Bike Lanes
Trees along bike lanes contribute to the City’s goals of building low-stress, high-
comfort bicycle facilities that promote a physically active and environmentally
sustainable community (City Plan, 2019). Trees not only shade bike lanes; they also
contribute to the safety of cyclists by slowing traffic.
Over 267 miles of bike lanes across Fort Collins, average tree canopy cover is 9.5%
(map 7), approximately the same as it was in 2011 (+0.1%). Among street segments
with bike lanes, 82% of segments have less than 20% tree cover; tree canopy change
within these spaces has been variable in the period from 2011–2021 (figure 5).
Trees Benefits for Transportation & Mobility
Over the past several years, Fort Collins has experienced substantial growth in transit
ridership and bicycling. Encouraging individuals to shift their short vehicle trips to active
transportation modes (e.g. biking, walking) is one of the most effective ways to reduce
vehicle miles traveled, a goal of both the City’s transportation master plan and its Our
Climate Future plan (2021).
Trees contribute to Fort Collins’ goals of increasing multimodal transportation use. Trees
growing in street rights-of-way help to slow traffic, making streets safer for pedestrians
and cyclists. Shade and evapotranspiration cooling provided by street tree canopy allow
for more comfortable walking, biking, and use of public transit and increase the appeal
of cycling routes. Trees and other vegetative buffers can also reduce the exposure of
cyclists and pedestrians to air pollution. For these and other reasons, residents are three
times more likely to be physically active when they live in areas with high levels of trees
and vegetation.
Sources: Ellaway et al., 2005; Ozdemir, 2019; Eisenman et al., 2021; Ewing & Dumbaugh, 2009.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 46
Map 7. Tree canopy cover within bike lanes by street segment.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 47
Figure 5. Tree canopy cover and canopy change, 2011–2021, in bike lanes by street segment.
TREE CANOPY STUDY: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The results of the urban tree canopy assessment, which was based on an analysis of
2021 aerial imagery and compared to a prior analysis of 2011 imagery, show that tree
canopy cover varies widely across Fort Collins and the growth management area,
ranging from almost no trees in some parts of the city to over 40% tree cover. In
general, tree cover tends to be highest within the oldest parts of the city, where
residents have been planting trees since the nineteenth century. Citywide tree cover
is 13.7%; including the growth management area, average tree cover is 12.6%.
From 2011–2021, the city and the growth management area experienced an overall
increase in tree canopy cover of 17.2%. The largest gains in tree canopy cover took
place within low-canopy areas around the periphery of the city, while canopy losses
tended to take place within the more densely developed urban core where tree
cover is highest.
Tree canopy cover within parks, bus stops, and bike lanes was analyzed as part of an
effort to evaluate tree canopy in relation to multiple city priorities. Publicly owned
trees in these areas provide benefits that enhance quality of life and contribute to
climate change mitigation. Future investments in the planting and maintenance of
trees in parks and along streets rights-of-way is a dual investment in Key Outcome
Areas including Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Culture & Recreation, and
Transportation & Mobility.
>50% loss 0-50%
loss
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gain
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gain
>100%
gain
Tree Canopy Change, 2011-2021
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Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 48
Trees and Economic Health
Cost Savings. Trees save energy by providing shade and blocking wind, which reduce
the need for heating and cooling and lower energy costs for homes and businesses.
Properly placing three trees around a home can reduce energy costs for the average
household by $100 to $250 per year. Trees that shade air conditioning units can help
them run up to 10% more efficiently.
Trees also help residents save money on health care costs. Trees reduce the incidences of
medical complications due to asthma, heart disease, and heat-related illnesses.
Economic Development. Trees and green spaces have a positive impact on the local
economy by increasing property values, attracting tourism, and supporting local
businesses. Mature, healthy trees can increase property values for both residential and
commercial properties by 3%–7% or more, as well as increase values of neighboring
properties. In business districts, trees attract customers. Shoppers spend more time and
money in retail areas with mature, healthy tree canopies and are willing to spend 11%
more for products, services, and parking at businesses with trees in front of them.
Sources: McPherson et al., 2005; Wolf, 2005; Vargas, 2007; Siriwardena et al., 2016; Hughes, 2013.
Vargas et al., 2007; U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.);
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 49
PUBLIC TREE INVENTORY
The Forestry Division inventoried street trees and tree sites within street rights-of-
way, parks, and city property from 2018–2023 (map 8). The inventory effort involved
both Forestry staff as well as trained volunteers through the City’s Urban Forest
Ambassador program. In total, more than 49 people documented tree and site
attributes including species, size, condition, location, and the presence of vacant
planting sites. Data were recorded in TreeKeeper resource management software;
some of these data are shared with the public via the Forestry Division’s website
(map 8).
As the rolling inventory continues over time, the Forestry Division is including
additional attributes such as irrigation status, emerald ash borer treatment priority,
and risk assessment.
Map 8. Public trees and planting sites as documented in TreeKeeper.
61,388 Inventoried Sites
Nearly two-thirds of all inventoried sites were street trees (figure 6). Together, vacant
planting sites and stumps comprise 3,397 potential planting sites where additional
trees can be planted over time (figure 7).
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 50
Figure 6. Public trees by location.
Figure 7. Inventoried sites, 2018–2023.
BIODIVERSITY
The inventory of public trees cataloged 272 unique species of trees that represent 56
genera and 26 families. Biodiversity helps to make the tree population resilient to
pests and diseases. Urban forestry industry standards for biodiversity recommend
that no single species of tree should exceed 10% of the total inventory; no one genus
Street Trees
66%
Park Trees
17%
City Facility 5%
Golf Course 5%
Stormwater
Management 4%
Cemetery 1%
Median 1%
Other 1%
57,991
2,668 729
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Trees Vacant Planting Sites Stumps
Nu
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S
i
t
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s
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 51
should exceed 20%; and no one family of tree should exceed 30% of the total tree
inventory (the “10-20-30 Rule” for species abundance).
Top 5 Species of Public Trees Relative to the 10% Rule for Species Abundance
Among inventoried trees, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and honeylocust
(Gleditsia triacanthos and G. triacanthos inermis) exceeded recommended limits for
species abundance (11% of public trees each; figure 8, table 2). The abundance of ash
is expected to decline over time due to emerald ash borer and implementation of
the city’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan (2020), climate
change, and city ordinance. The Forestry Division is reducing the planting of
honeylocust on public property and is encouraging developers to shift away from
planting honeylocust as part of required street tree plantings that are associated
with development.
Figure 8. Top five species of public trees relative to a recommended 10% Rule for abundance of any
single species.
Table 2. Top five species of public trees.
COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME
NUMBER OF
PUBLIC
TREES
green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 6,478
honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos* 6,286
bur oak Quercus macrocarpa 4,749
common hackberry Celtis occidentalis 2,864
littleleaf linden Tilia cordata 2,527
* includes var. inermis
11%11%
8%
5%4%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
green ash honeylocust bur oak common
hackberry
littleleaf
linden
Pe
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c
e
n
t
o
f
P
o
p
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l
a
t
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Fort Collins
10% Rule
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 52
Top 5 Genera of Public Trees Relative to the 20% Rule for Genus Abundance
At the level of genus, which groups similar species of trees, oaks are the most
abundant trees in Fort Collins (15% of inventoried trees; figure 9). All genera remain
below the recommended threshold of 20% abundance.
Figure 9. Top five genera of public trees relative to the 20% Rule for genus abundance.
Top 5 Families of Public Trees Relative to the 30% Rule for Family
Abundance
Families are larger groupings of similar trees, containing similar species and genera.
All tree families that are represented in Fort Collins’ inventory are well below
recommended limits of 30% of the total public tree population (figure 10).
Figure 10. Top five taxonomic families of public trees relative to the 30% Rule for family abundance.
15%
13%
11%10%
8%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
oak ash honeylocust linden pine
Pe
r
c
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t
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P
o
p
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l
a
t
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n
Fort Collins
20% Rule
16%14%13%13%
10%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
beech legume olive pine mallow
Pe
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P
o
p
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Fort Collins
30% Rule
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 53
Trees and Environmental Health
Trees provide innumerable ecological benefits that improve urban environments.
Trees Cool Our Cities. High temperatures in urbanized areas contribute to urban heat
island, in which impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and sidewalks trap and
hold heat. Urban heat island can raise air temperature in cities up to 7°F higher during
the day and 5°F higher at night compared to neighboring rural areas. Urban heat island
raises higher energy costs and power plant emissions and increases heat-related
illnesses, which cause more deaths in the United States each year than any other natural
disaster. Large, healthy trees lower temperatures through both shading and
evapotranspiration. Trees reduce peak summer temperatures by 2-9°F and prevent an
average of 1,200 heat-related deaths each year in the U.S, making them a critical tool to
combat the negative health impacts of high temperatures.
Trees Clean the Air. Trees act as natural air filters, removing pollutants from the air and
reducing their negative impacts on humans and the environment. Through the removal
of air pollutants, trees save over 850 lives and prevent 670,000 incidents of acute
respiratory symptoms in the U.S. each year. Trees are also an important carbon sink for
climate change mitigation through the removal of carbon dioxide and greenhouse
gasses from the air. One large, healthy oak tree growing in Fort Collins can remove over
30 pounds of pollutants from the air over 20 years.
Trees Absorb and Conserve Water. Trees absorb and retain stormwater, reducing
runoff and water pollutants by 20%–60%, thereby reduce flooding, erosion, and the level
of sediment and pollutants that enter local waterways. A mature deciduous tree can
intercept 700 gallons of stormwater per year, and a mature evergreen tree can intercept
4,000 gallons of water per year. Underground, tree roots and decomposition help to
increase the amount of water that soil can hold, allowing for more efficient use of
irrigated water. In addition, the cooling effects of trees during summer months helps to
reduce the amount of moisture that is lost through evaporation. Through both
processes, trees can retain water in the soil and reduce irrigation quantity and frequency.
Trees Provide Food & Habitat for Wildlife. Trees provide habitat and food for a wide
variety of wildlife species, supporting biodiversity and maintaining the health of local
ecosystems. Oaks can support over 500 species of pollinators and other beneficial
insects. In the Colorado Front Range, broadleaf deciduous forests are relatively new to
the region. The tree canopy of Fort Collins provides migratory birds with an important
stopover point. At the same time, trees can provide refuge for species such as hawks and
corvids that hunt or outcompete native grassland birds and mammals. For these
reasons, tree canopy in natural areas must be thoughtfully placed. In backyards and
along streets, however, tree canopy acts as an important buffer for wildlife within the
built environment.
Sources: Michigan Audubon, n.d.; USDA Forest Service, n.d.; US Environmental Protection Agency,
n.d.; McPherson et al., 2002; Cappiella et al., 2005; VerCauteren & Gillihan, 2007; Nowak et al. 2014;
Johnson et al., 2017; National Weather Service, 2021; McDonald et al., 2020; Shah et al., 2022;
Breidt et al. 2022.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 54
Condition of Public Trees
In the tree inventory, more than half of public
trees (55%) are rated to be in Good or Fair-Plus
condition, and an additional one-third (34%)
are rated to be in Fair condition (figure 11).
Structural integrity, overall tree health, and
form is often improved through proper
pruning. Routine pruning, young tree training,
and other proactive maintenance can help
keep trees within Fair, Fair Plus, and Good
categories over time.
Though it is difficult to move a significant
number of trees from a lower to a better
condition category, structural and routine
pruning on a five-year rotation will help
maintain a majority of trees within Fair to
Good tree condition ratings over time.
Size-Age Classes of Public Trees
The relative age of trees can be estimated
from trunk diameter. In Fort Collins, public trees were classified into four categories
based on their trunk diameter at standard height (DSH): young (0–8 inches DSH),
established (9–17 in), maturing (18–24 in), and mature (>24 in) trees.
Urban forestry industry standards recommend a mixed-age tree population to
balance maintenance needs of the tree population over time. Sixty percent of public
trees in Fort Collins are in the young size class, reflecting sustained tree planting
efforts within the city, including tree planting that occurs through new development
as the city has grown (figure 12). Care of young trees during the establishment
period, as well as proactive maintenance of older age classes, will help increase the
proportion of older trees to balance age classes over time.
1%
Dead
2%
Poor8%
Fair Minus
34%
Fair
27%
Fair Plus
28%
Good
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Condition
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Figure 11. Condition ratings of public trees.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 55
Figure 12. Relative age classes of public trees, estimated from trunk diameter.
PUBLIC TREE INVENTORY: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The inventory of 61,388 public trees and planting sites in Fort Collins revealed that
the biodiversity of public trees is at a level that will help the urban forest remain
resilient to pests and diseases. The importance of such measures is currently
reflected in the City’s response to emerald ash borer, which threatens 11% of its
public tree inventory. Reductions to ash and honeylocust over time, paired with
species-level diversification of future tree plantings, will help increase biodiversity
over time.
The condition of public trees reflects significant investments in routine maintenance
as the Forestry Division moves toward its goal of a five-year pruning cycle and away
from reactive maintenance, which is comparably more costly. Shifting toward
proactive maintenance can reduce per-tree maintenance costs by as much as 50%
compared with maintenance that relies heavily on storm and emergency response
(AECOM, 2013).
Fort Collins’ public trees skew young, reflecting an uptick in more recent tree
plantings that are associated with city activities and increased development. Future
maintenance needs are expected to increase over time as trees grow into larger size
classes, which will require additional budget and capacity for the Forestry Division to
keep pace.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Young
(0-8")
Established
(9-17")
Maturing
(18-24")
Mature
(>24")
Pe
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T
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s
Relative Age (Diameter Size Class)
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 56
GOALS FOR FORT COLLINS’ TREE CANOPY AND PUBLIC TREES
The findings of the urban tree canopy assessment and public tree inventory suggest
potential goals for Fort Collins’ urban forest that can guide Forestry Division activities
and priorities over the next 20 years.
● Tree canopy in Fort Collins will grow and become more evenly distributed
over time.
● Tree canopy losses will be mitigated on public and private property.
● Tree canopy will be preserved and expanded at bus stops and along bike
routes to encourage multi-modal transportation.
● Tree canopy will be expanded within and around parks to support compatible
recreational uses, conservation goals, and to build connectivity to green space
that is accessible to all residents.
● Tree biodiversity will be protected and enhanced.
● Establishment of young trees, and proactive maintenance of older trees, will
maintain the general condition and even the age distribution of public trees
over time.
● Future collection of inventory data will be expanded to include information
about risk, irrigation status, and EAB treatment priority that can inform
management decisions.
Chapter 2: Strategies for Resilience and
Sustainable Growth
Urban tree canopy and public tree inventory data were further analyzed to
characterize the benefits that are provided by existing trees; evaluate the potential
resilience of the urban forest to future threats from pests, diseases, and climate
change; and to identify priority locations for tree canopy growth to address
environmental, social, and human health needs.
PUBLIC TREE BENEFITS
Two benefits analyses were conducted to quantify the annual benefits and carbon
storage of public trees using i-Tree Eco software from the U.S. Forest Service and
partners. i-Tree Eco models (estimates) the benefits that trees provide based on data
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 57
inputs about the location and quantity of tree canopy cover and the species, size,
condition, and location of inventoried public trees. The resulting benefits calculations
reflect the benefits that are provided by Fort Collins’ total tree canopy, as well as the
benefits provided by public trees.
Benefits Provided by Fort Collins’ Tree Canopy
Ecosystem benefits including air pollution removal, carbon sequestration and
storage, and stormwater runoff reduction were estimated from urban tree canopy
assessment data. The resulting model estimates reflect the benefits that are
provided by all of Fort Collins’ trees, including trees on both public and private tree
canopy, across city limits and the growth management area (table 3). In addition, the
change in tree canopy benefits was estimated from the prior 2011 urban tree canopy
assessment to quantify the change in tree benefits from 2011–2021.
Fort Collins’ tree canopy provides ecosystem benefits valued at more than $2.8
million per year in savings to residents and businesses. Annual savings have
increased more than $430,000 since 2011 with growth of tree canopy across the city.
Of these benefits, public trees account for more than $69,000 in benefits each year
and have an estimated replacement value of more than $112 million.
Table 3. Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ total tree canopy, 2011-2021.
ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS
OF TREE CANOPY
2011 2021 2011–2021
CHANGE IN
VALUE QUANTITY VALUE QUANTITY VALUE
Annual benefits
Air quality: pollution
removal (lb) 724,800 $1,525,377 856,580 $1,801,865 $276,488
CO removal 3,940 $2,751 4,660 $3,254 $503
NO2 removal 90,480 $12,708 106,940 $15,020 $2,312
O3 removal 445,020 $262,375 525,920 $310,072 $47,697
SO2 removal 18,980 $434 22,440 $513 $79
PM10 removal 155,420 $510,172 183,680 $602,936 $133,133
PM2.5 removal 10,960 $736,937 12,940 $870,070 $92,764
Carbon sequestration
(tons) 4,920 $839,106 21,320 $990,896 $151,790
Stormwater: avoided
runoff (gal)
Total Annual Benefits $2,375,013+ $2,805,181+ $430,167+
Structural Value
Carbon storage (tons) 191,920 $32,731,956 831,670 $38,684,151 $5,952,195
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 58
Benefits Provided by Fort Collins’ Public Trees
i-Tree Eco modeling software was also used to estimate the benefits of public trees
using data from the tree inventory, including the species, size, and condition of
public trees (table 4).
Table 4. Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ public trees.
ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS OF
PUBLIC TREES QUANTITY VALUE
Annual benefits
Air quality: pollution removal (lb) 21,320 $32,038
CO removal 199 $139
NO2 removal 790 $111
O3 removal 15,336 $9,042
SO2 removal 445 $10
PM10 removal 4,421 $14,512
PM2.5 removal 122 $8,225
Carbon sequestration (tons) 276 $47,013
Stormwater: avoided runoff (gal) 2,318,837 $20,721
Total Annual Benefits $69,374
Structural Value
Carbon storage (tons) 18,616 $3,175,046
Total Replacement Value $112,489,358
Air Pollution Reduction
Trees improve air quality by intercepting and filtering particulate matter from the air,
including dust, ash, pollen, and smoke. Leaves absorb harmful gaseous pollutants
such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide and reduce ozone
formation by shading surfaces and reducing air temperatures. The air cleaning
benefits of trees is important for improving human health outcomes.
In total, the tree canopy of Fort Collins removes 428 tons of air pollutants each year, a
service valued at $1.8 million. Tree canopy growth from 2011–2021 has resulted in an
additional 66 tons of pollutants being removed from the air each year. Of total air
quality benefits, public trees account for the removal of 11 tons of air pollutants each
year, valued at $32,038.
Stormwater Runoff Reduction
Trees play a significant role in local hydrology and water cycling, helping to reduce
the amount of stormwater runoff that is generated during rain events. The value of
reduced stormwater runoff is calculated based on avoided water treatment costs;
not reflected in this value are also costs related to erosion and flooding.
Public trees in Fort Collins absorb 2.3 million gallons of stormwater each year, valued
at $20,721.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 59
Sequestering and Storing Carbon
Trees are carbon sinks, which means they absorb carbon from the atmosphere. As
they grow, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air through their leaves during
photosynthesis and store it in their tissue.
Fort Collins’ tree canopy stores an estimated 831,670 tons of carbon in tree trunks,
branches, and roots, valued at $38 million. Each year, all of the city’s trees sequester
(absorb and store) an additional 21,320 tons of carbon. Of this, public trees store
18,616 tons of carbon and sequester an additional 276 tons each year.
PEST SUSCEPTIBILITY
Tree pests and diseases often have preferred hosts. The susceptibility of an urban
forest to a pest or disease can be predicted based on its species and genus diversity.
Early identification of tree pests and diseases can reduce the impact of infestations
on the urban forest.
Of the pests and diseases of concern in Colorado, oak wilt threatens the greatest
number of public trees in Fort Collins (15%; table 5). Emerald ash borer poses the
greatest threat to public trees based on replacement value, with predicted
economic impacts of up to $22 million.
Table 5. Susceptibility of Fort Collins’ public trees to pests and diseases of concern in Colorado.
PEST NAME
NUMBER OF
SUSCEPTIBLE
TREES
PERCENT OF
PUBLIC TREE
INVENTORY
TREE
REPLACEMENT
VALUE ($)
Oak wilt 8,706 15% $7,553,465
Spotted lanternfly 8,628 15% $13,100,340
Emerald ash borer 7,388 13% $22,038,024
Honeylocust spider mite 6,284 11% $10,104,137
Thyronectria & Nectria cankers 6,284 11% $10,104,137
Red turpentine beetle 4,878 8% $10,827,409
Western spruce budworm 3,689 6% $12,940,510
Large aspen tortrix 2,582 4% $946,085
Spruce beetle 2,398 4% $10,078,587
Mountain pine beetle 2,126 4% $3,940,686
Spruce ips 2,046 4% $9,102,307
Drippy blight 1,153 2% $922,703
Aspen leaf miner 624 1% $1,757,006
Fir engraver 103 <1% $205,077
Aspen running canker 82 <1% $53,658
Douglas-fir beetle 77 <1% $155,075
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 60
Other pests and diseases not listed here may affect the tree population in Fort
Collins, and many more trees, including those on private property, may be
susceptible to these invasive pests.
EAB Response
Emerald ash borer (EAB) was first confirmed in Fort Collins in May 2020. The City’s
response is detailed in the Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer Management and
Response Plan (2020). There are 7,388 ash trees in the Fort Collins tree inventory—
13% of the total inventoried tree population. Citywide, it is estimated that ash trees
comprise 33% of total tree canopy.
Forestry staff began to identify ash trees that are good candidates for prophylactic
treatment against emerald ash borer in 2016. Treatment of public trees began in
2021; to date, 2,054 trees have been treated. The tree inventory categorizes trees into
priority rankings for treatment and removal and identifies trees that have been
treated by the adjacent property owner. Of these, 4,578 ash trees have been
categorized; however, a plurality of ash trees (2,649; 37%) have not been categorized
into treatment or removal priorities, and their treatment status remains unknown.
Ash trees should be routinely inspected to monitor for EAB infestations and
symptom progression due to the rapidity of decline caused by EAB infestation and
the safety implications of dead and dying trees in the right of way. A tier of
inspection priority is recommended. Priority 1 should be ash trees with an unknown
treatment status, so that these 2,649 trees can be assigned to a treatment group or a
removal schedule.
The 76 trees being treated by the adjacent property owner should also be inspected
regularly. Treatment is required every 2-3 years (depending on intensity and
insecticide used) for the remainder of the tree’s life; as property ownership changes,
trees may fall out of regular treatment schedules. It is important that Fort Collins
maintains the treatment record for these trees so that if adjacent property owners
are no longer able to manage the insecticide treatment, the City is able to efficiently
incorporate trees into their prioritization workflow.
Pest & Disease Resilience Strategies
Monitor trees for signs and symptoms of pests and diseases on a regular basis. This
can be done as part of the tree inventory process and during other routine
maintenance activities such as pruning. When a pest or disease is suspected, act
quickly to confirm the identification and begin management. Pay special attention
to tree species that are preferred host plants for pests and diseases, and proactively
remove specimens of invasive, exotic host species. For example, spotted lanternfly
can infest many tree genera but prefers tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Tree of
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 61
heaven is currently rare in the state of Colorado; no specimens are currently noted in
Fort Collins’ public tree inventory.
Using the City’s EAB Management and Response Plan as a model, prepare an
invasive species management plan to guide the response to future pest or disease
infestations. Use preventative pesticide treatments on high-value or historic trees
that are susceptible to problematic pests and/or diseases. Lastly, when planting
trees, select pest- and disease-resistant species or cultivars whenever possible.
CLIMATE VULNERABILITY
Land Surface Temperature
Land surface temperature was measured and averaged across two summer dates to
classify urban heat island effect in Fort Collins (figure 13). The analysis used satellite
data that were collected during the late afternoon on August 10, 2022 and July 3,
2023. On both dates, high air temperatures of 93–95 degrees were recorded, which
are close to the average high temperature of 89 degrees. Areas with higher tree
canopy cover show up on the map as having lower surface temperature.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 62
Figure 13. Land surface temperature of Fort Collins, averaged from recorded Landsat 8 satellite data
across two summer dates in 2022 and 2023.
Climate Vulnerability and Risk Indices
The U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index is a web tool that quantifies future climate
vulnerability based on a combination of social, economic, infrastructure, and climate
factors. It compares U.S. census tracts and counties and provides a percentile score
that summarizes each location’s climate vulnerability relative to other census tracts
and counties. In this index, the national vulnerability percentile is the number of
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 63
other census tracts or counties that score better than Fort Collins for a given
indicator—a higher score indicates greater levels of vulnerability.
Climate vulnerability of Larimer County ranks in the 13th percentile nationally, which
means that only 13% of other U.S. counties are more vulnerable to climate change
overall. This is LOW overall climate vulnerability. However, at the level of census tract,
Fort Collins has highly variable overall climate vulnerability, suggesting inequality in
the resilience of the city to future climate impacts (figure 13, left). In addition, Fort
Collins ranks HIGH nationally in climate vulnerability that is related to two sets of
factors: climate impacts due to the built environment (figure 13, middle), and the
future impacts of extreme weather events (figure 13, right).
Climate vulnerability factors that relate to the built environment in Fort Collins and
Larimer County compared to other U.S. areas include high levels of impervious
surfaces, toxic air pollutants, vehicle traffic, agricultural pesticides, and a large
number of facilities with existing EPA enforcement or violations that serve as
pollution sources. Notably, low forested land cover relative to other U.S. counties and
census tracts (95th percentile) is included as one factor that raises Fort Collins’
environmental vulnerability.
U.S. Climate Mapping and Resilience Assessment provides more detailed
information about climate projections for Fort Collins. It projects future climate risks
based on two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. A lower-emissions scenario
projects the climate effects if humans were to eliminate global fossil fuel
combustion, resulting in no further greenhouse gas emissions, by 2040. The higher-
emissions scenario projects the climate effects if the date of this achievement were
not to occur until the year 2100.
Figure 14. U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index maps for Fort Collins census tracts showing overall climate
vulnerability (left), vulnerability that relates to the built environment (middle), and vulnerability related
to the likelihood of extreme weather events (right).
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 64
Climate Vulnerability Due to Extreme Weather Events
There are several mid-century climate factors that can affect tree growth and
survival in Fort Collins. The national vulnerability percentile from the U.S. Climate
Vulnerability Index is listed below. For select extreme weather events listed below
where there is additional information, the projections from the U.S. Climate Mapping
and Resilience Assessment are given for lower and higher emissions scenarios
(compared to the reference period from 1975–2005).
● Consecutive dry days: 94th percentile. The maximum number of consecutive
dry days is predicted to be 18 days by mid-century, a change of +0.6 days
compared to 1975–2005.
● Daily maximum temperature: 93rd percentile. The number of days per year
with a high of >95°F will increase by 5-8 days by mid-century.
● Urban heat island extreme heat days: 82nd percentile. The number of days per
year with an air temperature of >90°F will increase by 16–21 days, which due to
urban heat island effect will feel hotter within highly built areas of the city.
● Cold waves: 73rd percentile. Overall, the number of days that remain below
32°F will be reduced by 11-14 days per year, but the threat posed by cold waves
will remain relatively high compared to other parts of the U.S.
● Frost days: 77th percentile. Temperature extremes are predicted to become
more erratic, leading to potentially more early and late frost days that can
damage trees.
Drought Tolerance of the Public Tree Inventory
The public tree inventory has begun adding information about the irrigation status
of trees; at present, irrigation status is known for 16,665 trees. Of these, 14,754 trees
have access to irrigation. The irrigation status of trees is important for evaluating the
risk of the tree inventory to drought and planning emergency response including
hand watering during periods of extreme drought.
An analysis examined drought tolerance within the top 35 species of trees in the
public tree inventory, which comprise 86% of public trees (50,021 trees), based on
species information from the USDA Plants database (table 6).
● 7,222 public trees in Fort Collins have LOW drought tolerance
● 23,906 public trees have MEDIUM drought tolerance
● 18,893 public trees have HIGH drought tolerance
Together with information about projected climate impacts, including growth in the
number of extreme heat days and consecutive dry days, the city can increase the
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 65
resilience of its public tree inventory by planting more drought-tolerant species over
time.
Table 6. Drought tolerance of the 35 most abundant species in the public tree inventory.
DROUGHT TOLERANCE
LOW MEDIUM HIGH
Acer ginnala
Acer grandidentatum
Acer platanoides
Acer saccharinum
Fraxinus americana*
Populus angustifolia*
Pyrus calleryana
Pyrus spp.
Tilia americana
Tilia spp.
Acer saccharum
Catalpa speciosa
Fraxinus pennsylvanica*
Gymnocladus dioicus
Malus domestica
Malus spp.
Picea pungens
Pinus nigra
Pinus sylvestris
Populus spp.*
Quercus robur
Tilia cordata
Ulmus americana
Ulmus davidiana
Acer negundo*
Celtis occidentalis
Gleditsia triacanthos
Juniperus scopulorum
Picea glauca
Pinus edulis
Pinus ponderosa
Quercus macrocarpa
Quercus muelenbergii
Quercus shumardii
Ulmus pumila*
* Planting these species is prohibited by city ordinance
PRIORITY PLANTING ANALYSIS
The tree cover analysis of Fort Collins identified 15,418 acres of possible tree planting
space within the city and growth management area. This space comprises areas on
both public and private land that do not have existing tree canopy. It excludes areas
including agricultural fields, recreational fields, major utility corridors, and airports
where tree canopy would conflict with existing land uses.
The priority planting analysis ranked possible tree planting area on a five-point scale
from Very Low to Very High based on the potential for tree benefits to positively
impact environmental, human health, and social factors (table 7).
Priority Planting Factors
● Environmental: Priority areas for stormwater management were identified
based on proximity to hardscape, proximity to tree canopy, floodplain
proximity, soil permeability, slope, and soil erosion factor. Areas of higher
potential for runoff and erosion were considered higher priority due to their
ability to diminish water quality within urban areas. Priority areas for urban
heat island mitigation were based on land surface temperature calculations
(see figure 13, above). Higher surface temperatures were considered higher
priority due to the adverse effects of elevated microclimates within urban
areas.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 66
o The priority planting analysis identified 1,802 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High in the ability to mitigate stormwater
runoff (figure 15).
o The analysis identified 3,167 acres of possible planting area that rank
High or Very High for urban heat island mitigation (figure 16).
● Social Equity: The priority planting analysis incorporated social equity factors
that correlate with vulnerabilities that can be partially mitigated by tree
benefits based on scientific research. The analysis used U.S. Census data of
income, population density, racial and ethnic minority percent, and home
renter percent. Priority areas for social equity are places where additional tree
canopy would benefit vulnerable populations.
o The priority planting analysis identified 2,287 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High for proximity to residents that have
increased vulnerability to environmental and climate concerns that can
be mitigated by trees (figure 17).
● Human Health: The priority planting analysis also incorporated three human
health concerns that are prevalent in Fort Collins and most impacted by tree
benefits: asthma, heart disease, and mental health disorders (see box, “Trees
Contribute to Neighborhood Livability & Social Health”). Priority areas for
human health are areas where these concerns are most prevalent.
o The priority planting analysis identified 3,342 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High for proximity to residents that have
health concerns that can be mitigated by trees (figure 18).
● Composite (All) Priorities: This analysis overlays each of the factors above to
identify priority planting areas where trees can address all issues.
o The priority planting analysis identified 2,250 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High for the combined effects of all the
factors listed above (figure 19).
Table 7. Possible tree planting area in Fort Collins, ranked by priority to address environmental, social
equity, and/or human health factors.
PRIORITY PLANTING ACRES
PRIORITY STORMWATER HEAT ISLAND SOCIAL EQUITY HEALTH ALL
Very Low 10,472 2,007 6,165 5,353 8,218
Low 1,989 3,723 3,565 4,418 3,337
Moderate 1,155 6,521 3,401 2,305 1,613
High 936 2,841 1,153 556 1,206
Very High 867 326 1,135 2,787 1,044
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 67
Figure 15. Priority planting areas for stormwater management,
based on a combination of environmental factors that contribute
to increased stormwater runoff.
Figure 16. Priority planting areas for urban heat island mitigation
based on land surface temperatures.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 68
Figure 17. Priority planting areas where tree benefits can be placed
in proximity to vulnerable resident populations.
Figure 18. Priority planting areas where tree canopy can help
mitigate asthma, heart disease, and mental health disorders.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 69
Figure 19. Priority planting areas that maximize the environmental,
social, and human health benefits of trees.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 70
Tree Placement
A tree placement analysis identified 465,507 possible tree planting sites across Fort
Collins, including on both public and private land (table 8). Sites were classified as
being suitable for trees based on small, medium, or large crown size. Large trees
were placed first, as they provide the greatest benefit; then, the remaining planting
area was populated with small- and medium-
statured trees.
The analysis produced a GIS data file with all
planting sites and accompanying information
about priority planting metrics for
environmental, social, and human health factors
(figure 20). Data are provided to the City of Fort
Collins as a standalone GIS tool.
Figure 20. A snapshot taken from the tree placement analysis showing possible planting locations for
small-, medium-, and large-stature trees along a street right-of-way.
RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Trees provide innumerable benefits to the people of Fort Collins. Select tree benefits
can be assigned a monetary value that is based on avoided costs, including air
pollution reduction, stormwater runoff mitigation, and carbon sequestration and
storage. Based on these benefits alone, Fort Collins’ trees produce at least $2.8
million in ecosystem services each year. This amount has increased in the past
decade with tree canopy growth—today, trees provide an additional $430,000 in
services per year than they did in 2011. These benefits can be used to explain
TREE
CROWN SIZE
NUMBER OF
PLANTING SPACES
Large 207,695
Medium 56,139
Small 201,673
Total Sites 465,507
Table 8. Possible tree planting sites,
classified by the size of tree that they
can accommodate.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 71
expenditures for tree planting and maintenance activities to taxpayers and city
leadership. These benefits also form the basis for efforts to preserve and expand tree
canopy as part of climate resilience strategies and to more equitably distribute tree
canopy across the city.
It is important to preserve the function and survival of trees in the face of future
threats from pests, diseases, and climate change. Ash comprises a large portion of
the city’s tree canopy, making emerald ash borer a significant threat into the
foreseeable future. Oak wilt may present a concern for public trees in the future. The
city’s EAB response can serve as a model for expanded pest and disease planning
and management.
Future climate predictions include increases in periods of extreme heat, drought,
and early/late freezes, all of which can be challenging conditions for trees. New
species are coming to Fort Collins in the future that present additional options for
drought tolerance and urban resilience. Species recommendations, such as the trees
and shrubs that are recommended by Plant Select, have few specimens in the
existing public tree inventory, demonstrating a potential for expanded planting.
Collaborative partnerships with local growers will be needed for the continued
management of pests and to secure desired climate-resilient nursery stock.
Comparing maps of canopy change (for example, see map 3) to priority planting
maps for social and human health benefits show that many areas of greatest tree
canopy loss have occurred where tree canopy is most needed to build social equity.
The priority planting and tree placement analyses can be used to guide future
planting efforts on both public and private land where trees can have the greatest
impact.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 72
Chapter 3: Operational Efficiency and
Resource Management
INDICATORS OF A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOREST
To better understand and evaluate the level of urban forest care, management, and
engagement in Fort Collins, the city’s forestry program was assessed on 30
sustainable urban forest indicators (table 9). The Indicators of a Sustainable Urban
Forest is a program assessment tool that uses industry standards and best
management practices to assess the city’s urban forest, its management, and the
community and stakeholders that influence it. The full assessment of Fort Collins’
performance level with an explanation of criteria for each Indicator can be found in
Appendix A.
Fort Collins’ performance level for 30 Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest was
assessed as:
● LOW on 3 indicators (10%)
● LOW-MODERATE on 1 indicators (3%)
● MODERATE on 15 indicators (50%)
● MODERATE-HIGH on 5 indicators (17%)
● HIGH on 6 indicators (20%)
Summarized by each of the three categories of indicators, Fort Collins’ performance
level was:
● The Trees: MODERATE
● The Community & Stakeholders: MODERATE
● The Management Program: MODERATE-HIGH
Table 9. Fort Collins’ urban forestry performance level for 30 indicators of a sustainable urban forest.
INDICATORS OF A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOREST
ASSESSED
PERFORMANCE LEVEL
LOW MODERATE HIGH
The
Trees
Urban Tree Canopy X
Equitable Distribution X
Size/Age Distribution X
Condition of Public Trees - Streets, Parks X X
Condition of Public Trees - Natural Areas X
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 73
Trees on Private Property X
Species Diversity X X
Suitability X
The Players
Neighborhood Action X
Large Private & Institutional Landholder
Involvement X
Green Industry Involvement X
City Department/Agency Cooperation X
Funder Engagement X
Utility Engagement X
Developer Engagement X
Public Awareness X X
Regional Collaboration X
The
Management
Approach
Tree Inventory X
Canopy Assessment X
Management Plan X
Risk Management Program X
Maintenance of Publicly-Owned Trees X
Maintenance of Publicly-Owned Natural Areas X X
Planting Program X
Tree Protection Policy X X
City Staffing and Equipment X
Funding X X
Disaster Preparedness & Response X
Communications X X
OPERATIONS REVIEW
An operations review of the Forestry Division was conducted via surveys, staff
interviews, and review of written policies and data. Select metrics lend themselves to
comparison with findings from a 2014 municipal urban forestry census, which
provides benchmarks for forestry programs among U.S. cities by region and
population size (Hauer & Peterson, 2016).
Number of Public Trees per Capita
Fort Collins’ public tree inventory of 57,991 trees is 0.34 public trees per capita (figure
26). While this is lower than the average for U.S. cities, it is also reflective of Fort
Collins’ native shrubland and grassland ecosystems.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 74
Figure 21. The number of public trees per capita for 330 U.S. cities who provided data to a 2014
municipal forestry census, compared to figures for cities with populations from 100,000-249,999, cities
in the West region of the U.S., and Fort Collins.
Public Tree Activities by Year
The Forestry Division pruned 8,832 trees per year, on average, in the years from 2019–
2023 (figure 22). This marks a gradual increase in pruning activities over prior years as
part of efforts to achieve a five-year pruning rotation for all public trees (figure 23).
In 2022, the Division pruned 10,877 trees or 22.4% of the public tree inventory, which
meets the standard for a five-year pruning cycle. Industry standards recommend a
regular pruning cycle of 5–10 years. Only approximately one-half of U.S. cities
proactively prune their trees on a regular cycle of any duration (Hauer & Peterson,
2016).
Beginning in 2021, public tree planting exceeded tree removals (figure 24). In this
year, the Forestry Division also began prophylactic treatments of public ash trees for
emerald ash borer.
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
All Cities Pop. 100,000-
249,999
West Region Fort Collins
Pu
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
p
e
r
C
a
p
i
t
a
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 75
Figure 22. Forestry Division tree activities by year, 2019-2023.
Figure 23. Percentage of public trees pruned by year. Public trees less than 18 inches DSH (light green)
and trees 18 inches DSH or larger (dark green) are shown relative to the percentage necessary for a 5-
year pruning cycle.
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
Pruned
Removed
Planted
EAB Treated
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
o
f
T
r
e
e
s
Year
18+ in DSH
<18 in DSH
5-Year Pruning Rotation
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 76
Figure 24. Number of public trees planted and removed by year.
Staffing
The Forestry Division currently employs 17 full-time staff, 5 hourly staff, and receives
part-time assistance from one office assistant (table 10, figure 22). One additional full-
time staff is housed within the Zoning Department; city council added this position
in 2023 to support forestry needs related to development.
Table 10. Forestry Division staffing, 2024.
STAFF TITLE NUMBER OF
STAFF
NUMBER OF
VACANCIES
City Forester 1 0
Assistant City Forester 1 0
Senior Specialist, Forestry 3 0
Forestry Zoning Inspector (Zoning Dept.) 1 0
Senior Supervisor, Forestry 1 0
Crew Chief, Forestry 3 0
Technician II, Forestry 6 0
Technician I, Forestry 2 0
Hourly Staff 5 0
Office Assistant 0.25 0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
T
r
e
e
s
Year
Removed
Planted
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 77
Figure 25. Organizational chart, City forestry staff.
Needed Capacity
Additional capacity needs have been identified for grant writing, development plan
review, and for operations including pruning, removal, planting, stump grinding,
potholing, infrastructure conflicts, and contract management. Grant writing capacity
can assist the Division with securing external funding sources to support expanded
planning, policy development, and operations. In plan review, additional capacity
would help the Division manage a growing number of requests for tree plan and
permit review as staff members are increasingly working with developers to ensure
that tree standards are met.
Operations needs can be summarized as one additional crew that will facilitate staff
rotations to ease physical demands, reduce injuries, and provide opportunities for
cross-training staff in various tree activities.
Credentials and Training
Among 17 existing staff members, fifteen hold Certified Arborist credentials from the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA; figure 23). The Forestry Division was
compared to 655 U.S. cities that reported on forestry staff credentials in a national
municipal urban forestry census (Hauer & Peterson, 2016). The portion of Forestry
Division staff that have advanced training in arboriculture is similar to, or higher
than, the average among all U.S. cities for ISA Certified Arborist and Municipal
Specialist credentials but slightly lower than the average for cities that are similarly
sized to Fort Collins.
Zoning Forestry
Inspector
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT //
ZONING SERVICES
PARKS // FORESTRY DIVISION
City Forester
Assistant
City Forester
Senior Supervisor,
Forestry
Forestry Crew
Chief (4)
Forestry
Technician II (1)
Senior Forestry
Specialist (3)
Forestry
Technician II (5)
Forestry
Technician I (2)
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 78
Figure 26. Portion of City forestry staff with ISA credentials compared to forestry staff in 655 U.S. cities
of all sizes (blue dashed line) and a subset of cities with a population between 100,000 and 249,999
(red solid line).
Interviews of Forestry Division staff reported that city government is generally
supportive of training opportunities as budget allows. The Division is highly
participatory in regional working groups and discussions that relate to wood waste
diversion and utilization, pest and disease management, and other forestry topics,
providing team members with advanced regional learning opportunities. The
Division also hosts trainings for external arborists and has Tree Worker Certified
Proctors on staff who assist with annual tests.
Interviews supported a need for a more formal, consistent, and organized training
process, as well as written policy and processes for training that can be referenced.
There is also an opportunity for the Forestry Division to provide wage increases for
advanced certification so that compensation rates keep pace with the labor market.
Facilities
The Forestry Division has two office locations. Staff are divided between the two
offices. Building, wood yard, and mulch space is approaching maximum capacity.
Equipment
TYPE OF EQUIPMENT QUANTITY CONDITION RATING
Aerial lift 3 2 Fair, 1 Good
Chip truck 3 Fair
Chipper 3 Fair
Grapple truck 2 Good
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Certified Arborist Tree Risk
Assessment
Qualification
Tree Worker Board Certified
Master Arborist
Municipal
Specialist
Fort Collins
All U.S. Cities
Pop. 100,000-249,999
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 79
Stump grinder 2 1 Fair, 1 Good
Dump truck 3 Fair
Pickup trucks 8 2 Good, 6 Fair
Electric vehicle 1 Fair
Traffic attenuator 1 Fair
Front loader 1 Fair
Electronic message & arrow board 1 Good
Utility trailer 5 Good
Staff noted equipment needs including replacements for equipment that is
frequently used and currently in Fair condition: a grapple, utility lift, and large aerial
lift. Staff also noted needs for additional equipment including a water truck, a small
bucket truck, a traffic attenuator, and trucks that are able to haul a skid steer and/or
stump grinder. If an additional operations crew were to be added to the Division,
there would be equipment needs related to outfitting that crew.
Budget & Funding
The Forestry Division is supported by the City’s General Fund, which is the main
operating fund for the City of Fort Collins. The Division also has a revenue account
that captures restitution and payment-in-lieu monies from development activities.
From 2019–2023, the Forestry Division annual budget ranged from $2.34 million–
$3.35 million (figure 27). As a percentage of the total city budget, Fort Collins is on
par with the average for 463 cities that provided budgetary information to a 2014
municipal forestry census (figure 28).
A significant snowstorm in March 2021 that brought up to 27 inches of snow resulted
in extensive tree damage, which led to an additional allocation of $273,837 to the
Forestry Division for storm response that funded storm cleanup and additional
pruning activities in 2021–2022. In addition, the Division received two private
donations of $50,000 each in 2022 and 2023, designated for tree planting.
Of the cities that provided budgetary information, only one-half (53%) reported that
their annual budget was adequate to meet their city’s forestry needs. Their average
budget shortfall was 45%. Among cities that were similarly sized to Fort Collins, the
percentage who said their annual budget was adequate to meet their forestry needs
dropped to 39%. In these cities, the average budget shortfall was approximately 36%.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 80
Figure 27. Forestry Division annual budget, 2019–2023.
Figure 28. Municipal forestry budgets as a percentage of total municipal budgets for 463 U.S. cities
(adjusted for inflation from 2014 values) compared to the Forestry Division’s 2023 annual budget.
The Forestry Division’s budget supports tree activities that are completed by both in-
house staff and contractors. The largest annual expenditures relate to pruning
(figure 29). From 2019–2023, average expenditures for contractual pruning were
$224,000 per year (table 11). In 2023, the Forestry budget allotted $300,000 for
contractual pruning.
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Fo
r
e
s
t
r
y
D
i
v
i
s
i
o
n
An
n
u
a
l
B
u
d
g
e
t
Year
0.0%
0.1%
0.2%
0.3%
0.4%
0.5%
All Cities West Region Pop. 100,000-
249,999
Fort Collins
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
Ci
t
y
A
n
n
u
a
l
B
u
d
g
e
t
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 81
Figure 29. Average annual Forestry Division expenditures by activity, 2019–2023.
Table 11. Contractual pruning expenditures by year, 2019–2023.
YEAR CONTRACTUAL
PRUNING
2019 $200,000
2020 $200,000
2021 $200,000
2022 $219,384
2023 $300,000
AVERAGE $223,877
Forestry Plans, Policies, and Documents
The following written plans, policies, and documents are maintained by the City or
the Forestry Division regarding tree care:
Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices Manual (2010):
Written standards for arborist licensing, pruning, removal, pesticide application, and
tree protection. The Forestry Division would like to update this manual.
Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan (2020): Details a three-year
treatment plan for the city’s ash trees; procedures for detection, management, and
tree replacement; and projected impacts.
Approved Street Trees List: Species guidance for street trees that are planted by
property owners, developers, and landscapers in the public right-of-way.
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
Pruning Planting Removal Emergency
Response
Pest/Disease
Response
Other
Av
e
r
a
g
e
A
n
n
u
a
l
E
x
p
e
n
d
i
t
u
r
e
20
1
9
-20
2
3
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 82
Parks Department Storm Damage to Urban Forest Rating Policy: Describes how
storm damage is assessed by city quadrant and prioritized. The Forestry Division
would like to update this policy.
Forestry does not yet have the following plans or programs:
● Urban Forest Management Plan
● Risk Management Program
● Public Tree Maintenance Program
● Tree Planting Plan
Forestry Service Requests
The Forestry Division received an average of 131 requests per year from 2019–2023 via
Access Fort Collins, the city’s online service request portal (table 11). An additional
1,453 requests per year were sent via the Division’s email address. The Forestry
Division also responds to service requests that are sent via phone and email to
individual staff members; these requests have not been historically tracked.
Table 12. Forestry service requests from the public, 2019–2023.
YEAR ACCESS FC
INCLUDING COUNCIL SARS
FORESTRY@FCGOV.COM
EMAIL
2019 71
2020 124
2021 209
Trees Help Build a Safe Community
Trees enhance neighborhoods by providing a sense of community and safety. This is not
just perception; a 10% increase in neighborhood tree canopy cover has been associated
with a 12%–15% reduction in violent and property crimes. Along streets, trees help to slow
traffic, making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Trees also cool streets and
sidewalks, creating more comfortable conditions for walking, biking, and public transit.
In communities with high incidences of crime, trees and shrubs can reduce sight lines. In
such communities, poorly maintained trees can also contribute to a perceived lack of
care, which can have negative effects on mental health. An equitable approach to urban
forestry cover seeks to increase the benefits that trees provide while mindfully
addressing real concerns that residents may have about tree canopy in their
neighborhood, such as by ensuring proper maintenance.
Sources: Swift et al., 1997; Kuo, 2003; Ewing & Dumbaugh, 2009; O’Neil-Dunn, 2012; Gilstad-Hayden
et al., 2015; USDA Forest Service, 2018.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 83
2022 121 1,475
2023 131 1,430
Requests via all channels of contact are routed to specific staff members based on
topic. The most common requests relate to tree planting, insect and disease,
maintenance, private tree issues, and arborist licensing. Pruning and removal
requests are sent to Crew Chiefs, who specialize in specific topics. Emergency
requests are typically routed directly to the City Forester, Assistant City Forester, or
Senior Forestry Supervisor.
The typical response time for requests is within one year; a small number of larger
projects and tree replacement requests are completed within two years. With a
move toward a five-year pruning rotation, Forestry has been increasingly responding
to pruning requests with education about the city’s pruning rotation, attempting to
defer individual requests until an entire neighborhood can be scheduled and pruned
at once.
Challenges of the existing system include multiple avenues of contact, which can
create duplicate requests if residents reach out via more than one channel with their
request.
Wood Waste Program
The Forestry Division has worked to be zero waste since 2009 by diverting all wood
waste material from landfills. The Division works with local wood workers to
repurpose quality wood waste from the public tree inventory into value-added
products. Other wood waste is provided as mulch to the general public at two
locations. Residents can recycle private tree materials at city and county drop-off
points and privately managed waste facilities. The City of Fort Collins is a member of
the Urban Wood Network, a national network of urban wood professionals and
stakeholders.
Future Tree Canopy Growth
Tree canopy cover is projected for Fort Collins to the year 2040 under current tree
planting practices, and tree planting is estimated for three possible tree canopy
scenarios (table 13). By projecting 2011–2021 tree canopy trends and planting efforts
into the future, Fort Collins is on a path to achieve 15.7% tree cover by 2040. Tree
planting and preservation would need to significantly scale up to achieve 17%, 18%, or
20% canopy cover by 2040, involving the planting or preservation of 2,623–8,736
additional trees per year across public and private land. This would entail additional
Forestry Division support for tree planting as well as strong community involvement
to increase tree planting on privately owned land.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 84
Based on Forestry expenditures from 2019–2023 of $490.55 per tree planted, annual
planting budgets for each canopy scenario are estimated to be between $1.3 million–
$4.3 million per year. Because growing citywide tree canopy involves both public
and private tree planting, these costs would be borne by both city government and
the private sector. Preservation of existing trees, such as through enhanced tree
protection policies for private land, may be a more cost-effective way to achieve a
higher canopy goal.
Table 13. Tree canopy cover, canopy acres, and estimated trees to be planted under current levels of
public tree planting and three scenarios.
CANOPY COVER 2021:
6,396 ACRES (12.6%)
CANOPY
ACRES
2040
CANOPY
COVER
2040
TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE,
ACRES
(2024–2040)
ESTIMATED
TREES TO BE
PLANTED/
PRESERVED PER
YEAR, WITH
MORTALITY*
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL
PLANTING
COSTS,
PUBLIC +
PRIVATE**
Current Planting 7,988 15.7% 1,592 538 $263,916
Scenario 1: 17% by 2040 8,643 17.0% 2,246 2,623 $1,286,701
Scenario 2: 18% by 2040 9,151 18.0% 2,755 4,661 $2,286,248
Scenario 3: 20% by 2040 10,168 20.0% 3,772 8,736 $4,285,342
* assumes 66 trees per acre
** based on average Forestry expenditure per tree planted, 2019–2023 ($490.55/tree)
Figure 30. Predicted tree canopy cover under current levels of public tree planting and three scenarios.
20%
18%
17%
15.7%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
22%
2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040
Ca
n
o
p
y
C
o
v
e
r
(
%
)
Year
Scenario 3:
20% by 2040
Scenario 2:
18% by 2040
Scenario 1:
17% by 2040
Current
Planting
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 85
OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Fort Collins’ Forestry Division provides a high level of service in the management of
its public tree inventory. The city recently achieved the first year of a five-year
pruning cycle, aided by an additional one-year budget allocation for storm response
in 2021–2022 that supported additional pruning activities. This puts Fort Collins
within a minority of U.S. cities that proactively manage their public tree inventory per
urban forestry industry recommendations of a 5–10 year routine pruning cycle. The
Division also recently achieved a level of planting that exceeds removals in 2022,
aided by $100,000 in private donations for tree planting.
As the inventory grows, it will be necessary to scale Forestry Division operations and
capacity to keep pace. As noted in the public tree inventory, public trees skew to
younger size classes (see figure 12). As these trees grow into larger size classes, per-
tree maintenance costs will increase over time.
Additional capacity will be particularly needed if Fort Collins wants to increase its
rate of canopy growth over time. The City is on a path to achieve 15.7% tree cover by
2040, if the previous decade’s trend continues. To increase canopy cover to 17%–20%
would require the additional planting of or preservation of 2,623–8,736 trees per year
across public and private lands. The costs of such an endeavor vary but, using
Forestry’s per-tree expenditure from 2019–2023 as a benchmark, costs are estimated
to be $1.3 million–$4.3 million per year. Enhanced tree protection and preservation
provides an alternative to tree planting to achieve the City’s canopy goal.
The Forestry Division is currently fully staffed and has identified needed capacity in
grant writing, plan review, and operations. Additional staff capacity in plan and
permit review will become especially necessary with any future adoption of an
expanded land use code and any additional policy changes for tree preservation and
protection. To maintain a five-year pruning cycle as the urban forest grows, it will be
necessary to add an additional operations crew and associated equipment.
Additional operations capacity will help existing staff develop new skills and remain
healthy in physically demanding positions by allowing for crew rotations among
different tree activities.
The Forestry Division could benefit from closer tracking of resident requests and
budget expenditure by tree activity. Such tracking expands the opportunities for
reporting about tree activities relative to the City’s Key Outcome Areas. It also
provides opportunities to more closely track staff time and expenditures related to
resident requests.
Detailed work plans are another method to make efficient use of personnel and
budget. Enhanced data collection for the tree inventory to include maintenance
needs and risk can help inform planning for the routine pruning cycle and reduce
resident requests. Inventory data about vacant planting sites, combined with the
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 86
priority planting and tree placement analyses, can be used to create annual planting
plans to plant trees where they are most needed.
High-Performing Government: Forestry Division
Fort Collins’ Forestry Division, housed within the Parks Department, provides a high level
of service in the management of public trees.
Proactive Maintenance. The Division is among a minority of U.S. cities that maintain
public trees on a routine pruning cycle. Routine maintenance is a safer and more cost
effective alternative than reactive pruning that takes place in response to storm damage,
emergencies, and public requests, saving the City up to 50% in pruning costs. The
Division currently maintains public trees on a 5–7 year pruning cycle, with the goal of
attaining a five-year pruning cycle.
Data-Driven Management. The urban tree canopy assessment, inventory data, and
other information that is presented in this Urban Forest Strategic Plan will be regularly
updated to assist Forestry with informed decision making. The information in this Plan
can also be used to inform policy updates for the strategic growth and protection of the
urban forest.
Resident Involvement. Urban Forest Ambassadors are trained volunteers that assist the
Forestry Division with inventory data collection. This program provides residents with an
opportunity to learn more about their urban forest and contribute to its upkeep.
Residents are also able to make requests related to public trees through Access Fort
Collins. And more than 900 residents contributed their ideas to the creation of this
Urban Forest Strategic Plan through participation in the planning process.
Integration with City Plans and Priorities. Trees and tree benefits are integrated into
many City plans, including the City’s strategic plan, and there are future opportunities to
increase Forestry involvement in planning efforts. Implementation of this Urban Forest
Strategic Plan will enhance the ways that urban forestry can be related to city Outcome
Areas.
Sources: AECOM, 2013; Fort Collins 2022 Strategic Plan.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 87
Chapter 4: Community Engagement and
Policy Integration
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Public engagement took place throughout the planning process to gather
community input and feedback about Fort Collins’ trees. Public engagement
included a public survey and three public meetings. Forestry partnering entities
were also invited to provide feedback in structured focus group meetings.
Public Survey
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan planning team released a public survey in fall 2023.
Of the 971 respondents who took the survey, 99% of them agreed or strongly agreed
that trees are an important part of Fort Collins (Figure 31), while 95% agreed that
public trees are well cared for or somewhat well cared for (Figure 32). There was
mixed agreement about whether Fort Collins has the right number of trees or too
few (Figure 33).
In general, respondents favor public land for tree planting, including parks, streets,
schools, and trails, over private property (Figure 34). When asked about their support
for various private tree protection mechanisms, including tree removal permits, tree
replacement or payment-in-lieu, and increased education about tree protection
standards during construction, most respondents (75%) supported increased
education (Figure 37), while approximately 40% of respondents supported stronger
tree protection mechanisms. Twenty percent of respondents did not support
stronger private tree protection policies.
Participants ranked the top three tree benefits as shade, urban heat island
mitigation, and air quality improvements (Figure 35). In an open-ended question
about their hopes for the future of Fort Collins’ urban forest, the most common
response themes included hopes for a healthy urban forest, opinions about species
selection, and a desire for more trees (Figure 37).
Refer to Appendix B for a full list of survey questions and responses.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 88
Figure 31. Responses to public survey question that asked participants to rate their agreement with
the phrase, “Trees are an important part of Fort Collins” using a five-point Likert scale.
Figure 32. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase,
“Public trees seem…” with one of five response options.
Figure 33. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase,
“Across Fort Collins there are…” with one of three response options.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Strongly
agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
disagree
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Trees are an important part of Fort Collins.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Well cared
for
Somewhat
cared for
Poorly cared
for
Neglected No opinion
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Public trees seem...
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Too many trees The right amount
of trees
Too few trees
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Across Fort Collins there are...
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 89
Figure 34. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to answer the question,
“Where is it most important to plant trees?”, with the option to select multiple choices.
Figure 35. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase, “I
support…” with one of four response options.
Figure 36. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to rank tree benefits in order
from most (rank 1) to least (rank 10) important.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Parks Streets Schools Businesses Trails Private
property
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Where is it most important to plant trees?
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Required tree removal
permits for trees above a
certain size
Required replacement
or payment in the
amount of the trees'
appraised value
Increased education
about tree protection
standards during
construction on private
property
I don't support stronger
policies on private
property trees
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
I support...
12345678910
Av
e
r
a
g
e
r
a
n
k
Rank tree benefits in order of most to least importance.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 90
Figure 37. Responses to the open-ended question, “What is your hope for the future of the urban forest
in Fort Collins?”, categorized by theme. A response could be positive, negative, or neutral about a
theme.
Public Meetings
Public meetings were held on October 25 and 26, 2023, and March 2, 2024, and were
attended by more than 150 members of the public. Participants left verbal and
written comments and other feedback that expressed a variety of viewpoints about
trees in Fort Collins (figure 38). Major themes from public comment are collected
below.
Tree Benefits
● Shade, cooling, and wildlife benefits of trees were frequently mentioned.
● Several residents requested additional planting of edible fruit and nut trees.
0 100 200 300
Volunteering
Solar
Cycling
Sidewalks
Streets/Medians
Gardens/Fruit trees
Xeriscape/Water
Equity
Preservation
City Funding/Staffing
EAB
Benefits/Value
Climate Change
Heat/Shade
Maintenance
Tree Planting
City Identity
Private Land Policy
Development
Resident Resources
More Trees
Species
Healthy Urban Forest
Number of Responses
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
T
h
e
m
e
What is your hope for the future of the
urban forest in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 91
● There is public interest and concern about water usage, indicating an
opportunity for additional education and outreach regarding trees’ role in
conserving water, drought tolerant species selection, etc.
Species Selection
● Several participants spoke and left comments in support of native tree
species.
● Many participants left opinions about the value and drawbacks of specific
kinds of trees, e.g., oaks, cottonwoods, and talked about their favorite trees.
● There were a smaller number of comments that were skeptical of native
species, for example, comments that questioned the role of native trees
within a grassland ecosystem or that stressed adaptability over nativity.
● Several residents voiced support for more diversity in trees and shrubs that
are planted in Fort Collins.
● Participants expressed interest in resources that would help them select
appropriate tree species for specific sites, drought tolerant species, etc.
● Emerald ash borer has caused some concern about future pest and disease
resilience and the plan for replacing ash trees that are removed in the future.
Forestry Division
● There was general support for the Forestry Division.
● Some participants are satisfied with the current level of funding for Forestry,
while others wanted to see the Division grow.
● Many residents support expansion of volunteer opportunities, community
involvement, and internships in Forestry.
● Several residents expressed concerns that tree establishment activities could
be improved, e.g., watering, mulching, and increasing the survival of newly
planted trees.
Tree Canopy
● A number of participants commented that commercial properties and streets
are in greater need of additional tree planting/green space development.
● Many comments were made in support of building equitable tree canopy by
strategically investing in tree cover within disadvantaged neighborhoods
and/or in areas with low tree canopy.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 92
Tree Policy
● A large number of comments at public meetings focused on the potential for
new policies and ordinances that would strengthen protections for trees on
private property. Comments were made both in support of, and in opposition
to, such policies.
● There were a number of questions and comments that indicated that
participants want to learn more about policy options to create an informed
opinion.
● In response to discussion and written comments about private tree policy,
there were several requests for separate, added engagement that focuses on
this topic.
● While residents are divided about tree protection on private residential land,
there was more general support for strengthening tree protection policies
that govern large developments and commercial properties.
Resident Resources
• Homeowners would like to learn more about proper tree care.
● Cost is a difficulty many residents face when planting new trees. Tree care and
removal costs are a burden to homeowners.
● There is strong support for additional resources for private property owners
that support private tree protection, for example, financial resources,
mitigation credits, and outreach and education. Support for resources may be
in addition to, or in lieu of, mandates.
● There were a few requests about guidelines for preventing trees from
blocking solar panels.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 93
Figure 38. An interactive board from the October 25, 2023, public meeting.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 94
Partner Focus Groups
In October and November, 2023, the City of Fort Collins held a series of partner focus
group meetings with city departments/divisions and external partners to inform the
development of Fort Collins' Urban Forest Strategic Plan. In total, representatives
from more than 49 partner entities and branches of local government participated
across ten focus group meetings.
Meeting Participants
City of Fort Collins Departments &
Divisions
Cemeteries
Connexion
FC Moves
Forestry
Fort Collins 911
Gardens on Spring Creek
Golf
Light & Power
Natural Areas
Nature in the City
Neighborhood Services
Parks
Planning
Planning, Development,
Transportation
Park Planning & Development
Police Services
Recreation
Streets
Utilities
External Partners
Arthur Irrigation Company
Bartlett Tree Experts
Bath Landscape Design & Irrigation Co.
BHA Design
Blue River Forestry & Tree Care
Broadcom Inc.
Colorado State University
CSU Extension
Davey Tree
Downtown Development Authority
Downtown General Improvement
District
Fort Collins Tree Care Inc.
City of Greeley
Hartford Homes
HF2M Inc.
Housing Catalyst
Larimer and Weld Irrigation Company
Larimer County, Natural Resources
Lumen
Norris Design
Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal
Company
Poudre Fire Authority
Poudre River Public Library District
Poudre School District
Ripley Design Inc.
SavATree
South Side Ditch Company
Transfort
Wisdom Tree Care
Zak George Landscaping
This section provides a description of major themes that arose from the ten
meetings and the needs, issues, challenges, and opportunities that were identified
with each theme.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 96
Policies & Procedures
● Create Explanatory Resources About City Policies and Procedures.
Stakeholders requested more plain-language written explanations and
illustrations about city code to consolidate and convey information in various
formats and to provide consistency in code implementation across staffing
changes. Examples include tip sheets, best management practices manuals,
and specifications.
● Industry Standards. City policy should refer to written standards that can be
easily updated and that reflect industry best practices. Examples include
standards for boring and utility clearance. Standards should be consistent for
in-house versus contracted labor.
● Code Enforcement. Even with good tree policies on the books, both internal
and external stakeholders noted that the City often lacks the resources to
consistently monitor and enforce those policies. Examples were cited for
development—both tree protection policies during construction and
replacement of mature trees within developments.
● Irrigation Standards. Tree roots can be damaged by improper irrigation.
There is a need for improved education, outreach, permitting, and Forestry
department involvement related to good irrigation practices for trees.
● Tree Metrics and Goals. Stakeholders expressed uncertainty about what tree
metrics and goals they should use for plans and to measure progress. For
example, is the number of trees or canopy cover a more important metric?
● Tree Replacement Policy for Subdivisions. Developers would like to see an
adjustment to the time frame for which they are responsible for tree survival
after new developments are completed. Tree care becomes the responsibility
of homeowners after they move into their houses. In practice, mature trees
are often not being replaced by developers per city code unless there are HOA
funds to replace them.
City and Stakeholder Coordination
● Good Camaraderie and Culture. Both internal and external stakeholder
groups noted existing camaraderie among different City departments that
touch trees and between the City and several external partners. They noted an
intentional effort toward development of personal relationships that facilitates
communication and collaboration. Communication and partnership with
Forestry is established with many organizations and is performing well.
● City Interdepartmental Coordination. Stakeholders noted several
opportunities for improved coordination among city departments; examples
included adding more departments to sidewalk repair maps, collaborating on
a compost program that is under development, and adding Forestry to
planning teams for other City plans.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 97
o Stakeholders in development and construction noted a need for more
City interdepartmental coordination and communication on tree
species, planting locations, and tree protection requirements,
particularly between the departments of Zoning and Forestry.
o An informal Veg Team was established in the past two years with
representation from different departments that manage vegetation to
discuss shared management objectives and goals. It meets 2-3 times
per year. The Veg Team grew from a need for more formal policy, e.g.,
during plan review.
● Collaboration With and Among External Partners. Stakeholders named
several examples where the City could facilitate broader conversations about
urban forestry with and among external partners. Examples include:
o Facilitate a regional meeting that brings together tree care companies
and foresters to share information and respond to emerging threats.
o It was noted that the City has a good working relationship with
Colorado State University on the maintenance of trees on properties
adjacent to CSU campus. The City and CSU coordinate on maintenance
and treatment contracts for trees in shared spaces.
o There is an opportunity to expand the CSU partnership model to other
partners who steward large tracts of land or campuses. Potential
engagement topics include tree management, planning, and planting
on campus and adjacent properties and setting an example for other
businesses in Fort Collins.
o The City, Poudre Schools, and CSU all operate annual Arbor Day
celebrations that are good opportunities to reach the public. There is
some coordination on annual celebrations to set annual themes. This
may be an opportunity for further coordination.
o The Cities of Greeley and Fort Collins noted opportunities to collaborate
more, for example, to share resources and information. Greeley has a
City plant database with hydrozone as a filter criterion that could be
useful in Fort Collins.
● Consistent Messaging. Coordination with partners to provide consistent
messaging on topics such as EAB, cutting for solar, and property
management.
Public Education & Outreach
● Strong Public Support for Trees. Trees are largely viewed as assets by
community members, partner organizations, and elected officials. City council
recently declared trees to be “living infrastructure”.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 98
● Trees as Infrastructure. A potential drawback to strong community support
for trees is that they can be viewed as simplified or undervalued assets, which
misses the complexity of their management needs as infrastructure. For
example, residents may complain when trees are removed due to poor health.
This is an opportunity for more education and outreach.
● CSU Extension. The Extension service receives a lot of questions/feedback
about trees from residents and has started programs to address this, e.g., a
Master Gardener program that provides free tree expertise to residents.
● Xeriscaping. Stakeholders noted a need for more public education about tree
establishment and watering in a xeric environment. It is difficult to grow trees
in Fort Collins relative to other places in the U.S.
o Homeowners, HOAs, and irrigation companies could all be better
educated about proper tree watering practices.
● Public Notice. The City could improve its communication to the public about
its own activities; examples given include planned tree maintenance and
removals, if there are alternatives to mitigation planting in suboptimal
locations, planting permits, and ROW designation.
● Homeowner Rights and Responsibilities. Homeowners may not be
adequately educated about their rights and responsibilities for trees in their
yards and within the ditch easement, alleys, and street ROW.
o Home buyers within new developments may need more education
about tree benefits and care to promote survivorship of newly planted
trees. Involving them earlier in the homebuying process to teach and
gather input regarding species and location of trees that will be
planted in their yards may promote survivorship.
● Infrastructure Conflicts. Ditch easements and alleys are often sites for utility
conflicts, which arise from poor management of trees and uncertainty around
rights and responsibilities for maintenance. At the same time, utilities may
have misconceptions about how trees impact infrastructure. There is an
opportunity for better education to the public and within utilities companies.
Right Tree In The Right Place
● Species Selection. Tree species diversity can be challenging in Fort Collins
due to its high desert climate and a growing emphasis on water conservation.
Several needs for support with species selection were noted:
o Species recommendations for naturalized buffers to boost habitat and
capture stormwater. Importance of native/cottonwood forests along
rivers for wildlife and enjoyment by people.
o Ensuring minimum species diversity and adequate Forestry
involvement, particularly for new developments.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 99
o Balancing species requirements with design and aesthetic preferences.
Tree planting palettes are limited and shift often, which is a source of
frustration for developers and landscape designers. They would like to
see more consideration for design within new developments.
o Mitigation planting recommendations.
o Limited species in streetscapes, but parks present an opportunity to
diversify plantings. Expanded plant palettes for parks.
o Limited space downtown where planting spaces are small.
● Planting Locations. On a topic that closely relates to species
recommendations, stakeholders are looking for more guidance from the City
on proper planting locations.
o Trees along trails are hard to establish (i.e., solitary/exposed) and
maintenance is difficult, which can create conflict within departments.
o Clarification on responsible parties at different planting locations, for
example, along utility ROWs.
o In sites that cycle through site plans > tree planting > dead tree >
required replant—does failure to establish mean that the location isn’t
appropriate for a tree, or does it require a different kind of tree and/or
different management? How is the city handling sites with repeated
tree failure?
o Downtown is very well served by many organizations that include trees
in their programming and budgets. Perhaps other parts of Fort Collins
are in need of similar investment.
● Sourcing Trees. Stakeholders noted that it is becoming increasingly hard to
find new species or hardy ones due to development pressure and increased
tree planting. Local shortages require ordering from more distant wholesale
nurseries. This can affect plant hardiness and species diversity.
● Costs. Tree maintenance costs are burdensome to landowners.
Trees and Other Infrastructure
● Ditch Easements. The rules and stewardship of the land without ownership
along ditch easements were brought up in several stakeholder conversations.
Trees that are not adequately maintained pose a risk to both residential
structures and ditches. Conflicts arise because maintenance of trees within
ditch easements is the responsibility of the homeowner; however, ditch
companies are responsible for the delivery of water. The City is limited in their
authority to regulate ditch easements.
o Homeowners may not be adequately educated about their rights and
responsibilities for the ditch easement.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 100
o Trees are often not intentionally planted in the easement and are often
not well maintained.
o There’s conflicting information about how tree roots impact ditch
embankments—do they stabilize them or deteriorate them?
Opportunity for better education.
● Alleys. Alleys have abundant trees that are often not well managed, which
creates conflicts with utilities. The rights and responsibilities of homeowners,
the City, and utilities with regard to tree care was noted as a point of
confusion for all three groups.
● Traffic Calming. CSU and the City share a joint interest in trees as traffic-
calming measures, which can be linked to their Vision Zero programs to
eliminate traffic fatalities. Fort Collins is a leading city in the U.S. in bike use
and bike safety. CSU has examples of vegetated medians on their campus
that they think should be replicated throughout the city to make better use of
center turn lanes, promote bike safety, and reduce maintenance costs.
● Street Conflicts. A number of infrastructure conflicts with street trees were
brought up in discussion. A recurring question was whether adjacent property
owners have adequate information/resources to maintain trees in the street
ROW.
● Solar Infrastructure. There is conflicting information for homeowners who
are installing solar arrays about how much tree clearance is needed and
which species are compatible with solar.
● Bike Infrastructure. Trees can block bike racks, and low-hanging branches
are a concern over bike lanes. At the same time, low-stress bike networks are
an effort to make ROW more bikeable and reduce conflict with cars; they
could use more shade.
Threats to the Urban Forest
● Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The City has an EAB management plan but does
not have funding to remove trees that present a hazard to the ROW, which is
the responsibility of adjacent property owners. EAB management in the ROW
requires the City to increase enforcement of city codes.
o There may be an opportunity to collaborate with contractors to offer
payment plans to ease financial barriers.
o There is a need for more EAB education/outreach to homeowners,
renters, and HOAs. Also a need for different agencies to coordinate on
EAB messaging.
● Species Selection/Diversity. Species lists should reflect the latest information
about climate change, with adequate consideration for xeriscaping and
resistance to pests/diseases.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 101
● Fire Safety. Is there a need for public education about the placement of
evergreen trees close to homes?
● Water Use. As the cost of water increases and the community reduces water
use, it is important to provide adequate water to support trees. Some HOAs
may be limited in the dues they can collect to support tree watering.
ORDINANCE REVIEW
City regulations and ordinances establish a regulatory framework for the protection,
preservation, planting, and care of public and private trees. Fort Collins’ Code of
Ordinances (2023) and Land Use Code (2023) were reviewed in January 2024 using a
set of criteria from the 2016 Municipal Tree Census (Hauer & Peterson, 2016) and
International Society of Arboriculture Ordinance Guidelines (Swiecki & Bernhardt,
2001). Any changes to City codes and regulations after January 2024 are not reflected
in this ordinance review.
The ordinance review (Appendix C) identifies several areas where existing code could
be strengthened, including the following recommendations:
• Reference the Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices
manual within city code. The manual contains procedures and policies related to
arborist licensing, pruning, and other tree activities that the city has relied on
since 2010 but that are not encoded in city ordinance. Referencing the manual
ensures that its use will persist across staffing and leadership changes.
○ Update the manual to comply with current best management
practices.
• Establish an insect/disease control strategy, and/or reference external documents
such as the Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan that describe
authority, procedures, and policies for pest and disease control.
• Expand tree protections:
○ Extend tree protection to prohibit damage to trees that are required to
be preserved or protected.
○ Provide credits or incentives for tree preservation.
○ Establish penalties for damage or removal of trees that are to be
preserved, protected, or saved.
○ Expand tree protections that currently only apply to development to
additional scenarios.
• Encode the existing wood waste program and Tree Fund to preserve existing
programs and resources across any future changes in leadership.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 102
HERITAGE TREE PROTECTION
Heritage Trees, sometimes also called Landmark or Significant Trees, are mature
trees that receive special recognition and protection due to their ecological, cultural,
and/or historic significance. The designation of heritage tree status acknowledges
the outsized benefits that these trees provide to their communities and seeks to
protect them from damage, removal, and neglect. Typically, protections are either
reinforced through community outreach exercises including education, mapping,
and storytelling, or required by policy or ordinance.
Mature trees provide many benefits to communities, including cleaner water, cooler
and cleaner air, improved human health outcomes, increased safety, and positive
effects on business and commerce. The value of some of these benefits can be
quantified based on avoided costs—for example, trees that cool the air help nearby
residents save on energy costs. However, most of the demonstrated benefits from
trees are not currently quantifiable, and many heritage tree designations are
founded on preserving access to a diverse species or the emotional connection to
specific trees that serve as a backdrop to community events and key historic
moments.
To develop recommendations for Fort Collins’ Forestry Division as it explores the
creation of a Heritage Tree program, DRG reviewed existing programs for heritage or
landmark trees of 24 municipalities. Cities were identified based on internet
searches for “heritage tree”, “landmark tree”, “remarkable tree”, and “significant tree”
terms along with “program” or “ordinance”; they were also identified by the City of
Los Angeles and from references contained within resources about heritage tree
programs.
In general, existing heritage tree programs can be characterized into two basic
structures: voluntary programs, where trees are nominated for heritage status based
on ecologic, cultural, and/or historic significance; and mandatory programs, where
trees are automatically enrolled into a heritage tree program once they reach a
certain size. Several cities combine aspects of voluntary and mandatory programs.
Preservation
The Land Use Code references “significant trees” as being at least 6 inches DSH and
requires their preservation “to the extent reasonably feasible”.
Heritage Tree Programs
Austin, TX
Charlotte, NC
Corvallis, OR
Fernandina Beach, FL
Fort Worth, TX
Glenview, IL
Lakewood, WA
Manitou Springs, CO
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 103
Menlo Park, CA
Nashville, TN
Palo Alto, CA
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, OR
Sacramento, CA
Salem, OR
San Luis Obispo, CA
San Mateo, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Seattle, WA
Sonoma, CA
Telluride, CO
Washington, DC
Westmont, IL
Whitemarsh, PA
Voluntary Heritage Tree Programs
Thirteen cities with voluntary heritage tree programs were reviewed. Voluntary
programs are those in which public and/or privately owned trees may be nominated
for recognition as heritage trees; trees are not automatically enrolled. All of the
reviewed programs applied to trees on public land, and all programs allowed for
nomination of trees based on local landmark status or cultural/historical significance
in addition to, or instead of, size and species constraints.
Seven of 13 cities’ heritage tree programs restrict the removal of designated trees.
Two cities (Telluride and Seattle) have city ordinances with detailed restrictions
governing heritage trees once designated.
Seven programs map or describe the trees for the public; four cities share heritage
tree characteristics via an interactive map such as an ESRI StoryMap.
Summary
● Requires property owner consent (100% of programs examined)
● Nomination criteria includes social factors (cultural or historical significance,
local landmark; 100% of programs)
● Mapped locations shared with the public (62%)
● Restricts removal (54%)
● Requires certified arborist assessment before or after designation (38%)
● Heritage tree status maintained across land transfers (46%)
● Shared via an interactive web map (31%)
● Provides public maintenance funds (15%)
● Maintenance requires a permit (15%)
Mandatory Heritage Tree Programs
Thirteen municipal ordinances were reviewed in which trees of a certain size are
automatically enrolled in a heritage tree program, thereby protecting the tree from
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 104
removal or significant damage. Seven of these cities additionally permit designation
of a heritage tree based on cultural or historic significance. None of the programs
reviewed applied to park lands only.
In one city (Sonoma, CA), the city assumes maintenance and removal responsibility
for heritage trees, regardless of location. In the other twelve cities, a permit is
required to remove a heritage tree. Most of these cities waive the permit
requirement if the tree is hazardous. Eleven cities require mitigation planting and/or
a fee-in-lieu for heritage trees that are removed.
Summary
● Prohibits removal and damage (100% of programs reviewed)
● Minimum size requirement (100% of programs). Median = 15 inches DSH
(range 8–50 inches DSH)
● Permit required for removal (92%). Permit often waived if tree is hazardous
(69%).
● Mitigation required (85%)
o Planting required: varies in number of stems, by inch, etc (85%).
Sometimes there are species requirements (62%).
o Relocation required (8%)
o Fee-in-lieu (77%): varies from $250 flat fee to value calculated from basal
area
● Species requirements for heritage tree designation (46%)
● Fee for removal (15%; separate from mitigation requirements)
● Requirements vary by land type (15%): in two cases, small residential
properties were exempted, or public/private/developed land had different
requirements
CITY POLICIES AND PLANS
The City of Fort Collins is committed to continuously enhancing, improving, and
innovating services for its community. To achieve this, various City and County
departments collaborate in developing plans, studies, and strategies. A
comprehensive assessment of selected City of Fort Collins plans, studies, and
standards was conducted to evaluate the integration of tree preservation,
protection, and planting efforts. The purpose of the review is to identify
opportunities or gaps in these documents and provide recommendations that will
improve Fort Collins’s urban forest resource.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 105
● Fort Collins Water Efficiency Plan (2015)
● Water Shortage Action Plan (2020)
● Fort Collins City Plan (2019)
● Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan (2020)
● Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2021)
● Fort Collins Our Climate Future Plan (2021)
● Fort Collins Strategic Plan (2022) - lists city council priorities
● Larimer County Internal Climate Action, Resilience, And Education (ICARE)
Report (2023)
Ratings
trees not incorporated
trees incorporated but requires revision or implementation
trees fully incorporated & implemented
Fort Collins Water Efficiency Plan (2015)
Description: Presents the current state of Fort Collins’ water supply system, demand,
and management, as well as the opportunities and corresponding implementation
principles to increase efficiency.
Opportunity/Gaps: Opportunity exists to promote urban trees’ role in improving
stormwater management, explore the impacts of water restrictions on trees, and
include recommendations for ensuring trees receive adequate irrigation.
Recommendation: Publish an updated document to update community members
on the city’s water supply and current water efficiency efforts and provide efficient
tree watering recommendations.
Water Shortage Action Plan (2020)
Description: The Water Shortage Action Plan outlines emergency restrictions to
water use to manage Fort Collins’s water supply in the event of projected shortages.
The Plan includes restrictions to tree irrigation: watering trees is permitted under all
levels of water restrictions, but under higher levels, trees must be hand-watered or
drip/microspray irrigated to maximize efficiency.
Opportunity/Gaps: Tree watering best practices could promote further water
conservation and tree health.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 106
Recommendation: Update plan to include tree watering best practices, or, consider
a public outreach campaign to raise awareness of tree watering best practices in the
event of water shortage.
Fort Collins City Plan (2019)
Description: Shapes decision-making and funding priorities over the next 10-20 years
to implement the vision and goals gathered from community members.
Opportunity/Gaps: Trees offer numerous “co-benefits” not included in the Plan that
can serve as a crucial tool in achieving the city’s goals, including: sequestering and
storing carbon, reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, reducing energy
usage through strategically planting trees around buildings, increasing pedestrian,
cyclist, and driver comfort along streets, sidewalks, and bus stops by providing
shade, providing food with the development of maintained food forests/orchards in
parks and open spaces, and increasing a community’s connectivity, involvement,
safety, and attractiveness.
Recommendation: Creating and maintaining a safe, healthy and resilient urban
forest
is recognized as a guiding principle in meeting one of the Plan’s core values of
Environmental Health. Implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan will
assist in meeting the goals of the City Plan.
Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan
(2020)
Description: Reviews current EAB situation, the city’s plan, and the challenges at a
time when EAB had just been detected in the city.
Opportunity/Gaps: The implementation of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan’s
recommendations may relieve the deferred maintenance impacts and their
negative consequences anticipated in the EAB Management and Response Plan.
Recommendation: Publish an updated document to inform the community on the
current EAB distribution, the treatment’s progress, and the future management
plan.
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2021)
Description: Envisions the future of parks and recreation, addressing needs and
providing a strategic roadmap for the City to shape the system over the next 20
years.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 107
Opportunity/Gaps: The Plan identifies the promotion of planting, preservation, and
maintenance of canopy trees and native vegetation on public and private land as a
key action in implementing the city’s parks and recreation goals.
Recommendation: Coordinate the implementation of the Urban Forest Strategic
Plan to assist in meeting the goals of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Fort Collins Our Climate Future Plan (2021)
Description: Defines the city's goals for climate, waste, energy, community equity
and resilience, along with their respective implementation strategies.
Opportunity/Gaps: One of the “next moves” action items identified in the Plan is the
development of an Urban Forest Strategic Plan, and a progress metric of healthy
natural spaces to be the city’s tree replacement rate and percent canopy coverage.
Trees could also be included in the goals relating to building an equitable and
resilient community, reducing energy use, becoming carbon neutral, and increasing
healthy local food sources.
Recommendation: Implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan will assist in
meeting the goals of the Our Climate Future Plan.
Fort Collins Strategic Plan (2022)
Description: As a companion to the City Plan, the Strategic Plan outlines short- and
mid-term objectives, influences the City’s budgeting process, and guides the
implementation of the City’s services.
Opportunity/Gaps: Trees are identified as an integral piece of the “Neighborhood
Livability & Social Health” strategic initiative, which precisely calls out the
components needed for a healthy urban forest. Although trees’ role in this category
has broad implications, there is an opportunity to further incorporate urban forestry
into other strategic initiatives.
Recommendation: Implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan will assist in
meeting the goals of the Our Climate Future Plan.
Larimer County Internal Climate Action, Resilience, And Education (ICARE)
Report (2023)
Description: Captures progress of County’s climate goals since the adoption of the
initial ICARE document in 2022, with intent to guide the forthcoming County
Climate and Sustainability Plan. This plan, the completion of which is anticipated in
2024, aims to address climate change and lessen impacts on community members
with innovative mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 108
Opportunity/Gaps: There is opportunity to include the planting, maintenance, and
preservation of trees into the County’s goals.
Recommendation: Collaborate with the Larimer County Climate and Sustainability
Plan process to ensure integration and mutual reinforcement between the Urban
Forest Strategic Plan's priorities, recommendations, and actions, contributing to the
sustainable development and progress of Larimer County.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & POLICY INTEGRATION: SUMMARY
OF FINDINGS
Findings from the community engagement process demonstrate that the people of
Fort Collins value trees and understand the myriad ways that trees enhance quality
of life in the city. Feedback that was gathered from the public survey and three
public meetings indicate that residents are invested in the ongoing management of
Fort Collins’s trees and the ways that the City will help ensure tree canopy
preservation and growth into the future.
Residents are particularly interested in resources that will help them be effective
stewards of tree canopy. Examples of resources that were requested include
opportunities to volunteer and intern with Forestry; education and information
about species selection, including drought tolerant, climate adapted, and native
species; opportunities to provide input into citywide forestry management, such as
shaping biodiversity and species composition of the urban forest; helping to
recognize and manage pests and diseases; becoming educated about proper tree
care; and having access to financial resources to help defray costs associated with
tree maintenance.
Feedback from Forestry Division partners, both internal and external to City
government, underscored the collaborative nature of Forestry staff and the high
level of expertise and service that they provide. Suggestions from these meetings
focused on building efficiency in partnerships and increasing the number of
resources that can assist partners with their own tree management. Suggested
resources include plain-language explanations of city code and policy, improved
consistency of code enforcement, tree species recommendations, information about
tree best management practices including care and irrigation, clarification about
responsibilities, and resources that can be shared with clients and the general
public. Several suggestions also centered on better integrating urban forestry and
the Forestry Division into existing and future planning efforts that relate to climate
resilience and city priorities.
A review of existing ordinances, policies, and plans highlighted possible areas where
the City can enhance tree protection and preservation. Protection and preservation
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 109
are important strategies for canopy growth over time, both because a majority of
tree canopy is contained on land that is not city-owned, and preservation is more
effective (and cost effective) than relying on tree planting alone. Private property
protections are a topic of particular interest to the general public, with strong
opinions on multiple sides. In general, there seems to be stronger existing support
for tree protections that affect development, large tracts of land, and large
redevelopment projects than for ordinances that would affect private residential
property. Many residents expressed a need for more information before taking a
position. Further engagement would be needed to accurately gauge public support
for any enhanced protection measures. It is recommended that the City conduct
additional, focused engagement on the topic of tree protection ordinances,
particularly those that apply to private residential property.
Trees Contribute to Neighborhood Livability & Social Health
Trees Enhance Streetscapes. Trees beautify streets and encourage residents to spend
time outdoors. Trees along streets and sidewalks help to slow traffic and create more
comfortable conditions for walking, biking, and public transit use.
Trees Improve Public Health. Trees provide opportunities for outdoor recreation,
improve access to nature, and reduce stressors that impact vulnerable populations.
People living in neighborhoods with more canopy cover have been shown to have better
overall health, including lower rates of obesity, more social cohesion, less stress, and
lower blood pressure. Trees significantly decrease the incidence of asthma and heart
disease in a community and help residents feel more at ease. The primary mechanism
for these effects arise from the ability of tree canopy to reduce air pollution, extreme
heat, and stress. Residents are three times more likely to be physically active when they
live in areas with high levels of trees and vegetation. A 2018 study showed that residents
reporting poor mental health decreased 63% 18 months after vacant lots near their
homes were planted with grass and trees.
Trees Provide a Sense of Community. Trees in neighborhoods contribute to a sense of
community. In Fort Collins, oaks, pines, and cottonwoods have strong cultural
significance. Tree canopy is often cited by residents as one of the reasons they love living
here.
Sources: Swift et al., 1997; Kuo, 2003; Ellaway et al., 2005; Ewing & Dumbaugh, 2009; O’Neil-Dunn,
2012; Donovan et al., 2013; Roe et al., 2013; Gilstad-Hayden et al., 2015; Ulmer et al., 2016; South et al.,
2018.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 110
Chapter 5: Recommendations &
Implementation
THEMES & OUTCOME AREAS
Three overarching themes were identified during development of the strategic plan
that summarize the Forestry Division’s vision for the urban forest over the next 20
years.
Urban Forestry Strategic Plan Themes
4. Build resilience & wellbeing of people and trees
5. Sustainably grow the Forestry program
6. Expand the community’s appreciation for trees
Additionally, the recommendations of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan reflect seven
Outcome Areas that are detailed in the Fort Collins City Plan (2019) and the 2022
Strategic Plan. Because of the many social, economic, and environmental benefits
that trees provide, the recommendations of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan relate to
all seven of these Outcome Areas. The most relevant Outcome Areas are listed for
each recommendation. Call-out boxes throughout this plan detail the ways that tree
benefits support each outcome.
Outcome Areas
1. Neighborhood Livability & Social Health
2. Culture & Recreation
3. Economic Health
4. Environmental Health
5. Safe Community
6. Transportation & Mobility
7. High-Performing Government
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES & INITIATIVES
Eight urban forestry strategic recommendations are presented to guide Fort Collins’
forestry initiatives over the next 20 years.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 111
Within each recommendation, the current state of Fort Collins’ urban forestry
program is summarized as it relates to the recommendation. Following each
recommendation are two levels of action steps that can support accomplishment of
each recommendation.
● Foundational Initiatives represent those that may be simpler to implement,
or more urgent, or strategies that must be completed before some or all of
the Transformational Initiatives can be tackled.
● Transformational Initiatives may be more complicated or difficult
alternatives to Foundational Initiatives, or they may represent standalone
strategies that are complex or on a long implementation horizon. At the same
time, Transformational Initiatives may provide more value to the forestry
program and the City’s larger civic goals and Outcome Areas.
RECOMMENDATION 1. STRATEGICALLY INVEST IN GROWING TREE
CANOPY WHERE IT WILL PROMOTE RESILIENCE AND QUALITY
OF LIFE IN FORT COLLINS
While tree canopy is growing in Fort Collins, it is not evenly distributed across the
city. Targeted investment in planting and maintenance where trees provide the
most value can help Forestry support multiple civic goals. This presents the
opportunity to adapt to climate change and the needs of the community in ways
that lead the region in preparedness.
Urban forestry activities that tie into other civic objectives—such as encouraging
cycling, walking, and public transit use—can demonstrate how urban forestry is
intertwined with quality of life in Fort Collins.
Themes: Resilience & Wellbeing, Sustainable Growth
Outcome Areas: Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Culture & Recreation,
Transportation & Mobility
Current State
● Citywide tree canopy cover is 13.7% and has grown 753 acres (17.3%) in the
decade from 2011–2021.
● Tree cover in the city + growth management area is 12.6% and has grown 936
acres (17.2%) in the past decade.
● Tree canopy cover ranges widely across Fort Collins. Among 137 US Census
block groups (federal geographic areas that are smaller than a census tract),
tree cover ranges from <0.1% to 41%.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 112
Foundational Initiatives
● Prioritize planting and maintenance within areas of greatest tree canopy loss
that correspond to priority areas for health and social factors and combined
human/environmental wellbeing (see the Priority Planting Analysis).
● Implement a parks planting plan to identify and strategically fill vacant
planting sites (e.g., Living Tribute Trees) as well as rebuild canopy within new
parks.
Transformational Initiatives
● Prioritize planting and maintenance along bicycle routes and around bus
stops.
● Coordinate with other city departments to integrate trees into a complete
streets framework, an urban planning design concept that aims to make
streets comfortable and safe for all users.
● Plant along walking/cycling/public transportation corridors to build tree
connectivity to parks. Encourage citywide adoption of existing metrics such as
the 10-Minute Walk, an initiative that aims to place all city residents within a
10-minute walk of quality parks and nature.
● Plant trees along other transportation corridors, such as Safe Routes to
Schools.
● Utilize third-party metrics for social equity such as the Tree Equity Score from
American Forests to guide planting and maintenance investments and
communicate about equity with the public.
● Develop and set canopy goals for different geographies. For example, set
goals that differ by land use type, factoring in variability in potential tree
canopy among differing land uses; alternatively, create separate goals by
district.
RECOMMENDATION 2. CREATE A TREE PLANTING PLAN
A planting plan can guide tree planting efforts to reach desired levels of planting
and more equitably distribute tree canopy across the city. Planning over longer
periods of time allows for species selection, sourcing of trees, and spreads out the
maintenance needs of tree cohorts over time.
Themes: Resilience & Wellbeing, Sustainable Growth
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 113
Outcome Area: Environmental Health
Current State
● In the past 5 years, average annual public tree removals have outpaced public
tree plantings: 633 trees removed per year vs. 500 trees planted per year.
● In 2021-2022, tree plantings surpassed removals (556 trees planted vs. 513 trees
removed). Two $50K grants in 2022 and 2023 helped achieve more trees
planted.
● The Community Canopy Program (established in 2018) has provided 1,000
trees for $25/tree to residents within the Growth Management Area.
Foundational Initiatives
● Scale annual tree planting efforts to replace public tree losses due to tree
removals and natural mortality.
● Create a planting plan to fill vacant planting spaces over 10 years.
● Incorporate new species that are recommended for future climate conditions,
making considerations for drought tolerance, warmer and more extreme
temperatures, and pest/disease tolerance.
● Work with water efficiency experts to create species guidance by irrigation
zones.
● Grow the Community Canopy Program to supply more trees to residents for
planting on private property.
Transformational Initiatives
● Shift species composition of the urban forest toward more drought-tolerant
species.
● Build species-level biodiversity of the public tree inventory. Track the use of
cultivars and varieties.
● Explore a citywide tree canopy goal that can inform planting and protection
objectives for private property.
● Provide species guidance for tree giveaways and private planting.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 114
RECOMMENDATION 3. COMPLETE THE SHIFT TO PROACTIVE
MANAGEMENT OF FORT COLLIN’S PUBLIC TREES
The Forestry Division strives for a 5-year pruning rotation to improve the health of
public trees and create safe public spaces in the community. Additional resources
will be needed to continue a 5-year pruning cycle, which reduces the costs of storm
and emergency response and helps maintain the health of public trees.
An urban forest management plan can provide operational direction for Forestry
and the city for the next 5–10 years. A management plan is more detailed than an
urban forest strategic plan; it utilizes data to prioritize tree activities and ensures that
trees are integrated into the city’s other overlapping plans and outcome areas.
Themes: Sustainable Growth
Outcome Areas: Economic Health, Safe Community
Current State
● From 2018–2022, Forestry pruned 8,670 trees (18.2% of the public tree
inventory) per year, on average.
● In 2022, Forestry pruned 10,877 trees (22.4% of the public tree inventory) with
the aid resource cost recovery and carry over from 2021 snow storm.
Foundational Initiatives
● Implement a 5-year routine pruning cycle.
● Plan to scale up pruning activities as additional trees are added to the
inventory.
● Use the existing tree inventory to inform management decisions based on
species and size.
● Create an urban forest management plan that details Forestry operations
over the next 5–10 years.
● Incorporate the storm response plan, City Plan, Parks Master Plan, Our
Climate Future plan, and other city management plans.
Transformational Initiatives
● Use enhanced inventory data to guide management based on risk rating,
recommended maintenance, and/or related metrics.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 115
● Project tree benefits under different management scenarios.
● Integrate natural areas inventory data into natural areas management plans.
RECOMMENDATION 4. STRENGTHEN CITY POLICIES TO PROTECT
TREES
Tree protection in Fort Collins currently focuses on the stewardship of public trees,
with less policy development around private tree protection. Because a majority of
the city’s trees are found on private land, additional opportunities to protect trees on
private land—whether through policy or incentives—will help curb canopy losses in
parts of the city and help protect community tree benefits for all residents.
Themes: Resilience & Wellbeing, Appreciation for Trees
Outcome Areas: Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Environmental Health
Current State
● The existing city code has provisions for public tree planting, protection, and
care.
● A draft land use code adds additional protections and planting requirements
for trees during development.
● Supplemental documents—e.g. Tree Management Standards and BMPs—
strengthen city policies but are not referenced in city code.
● Public sentiment about private tree protection lags behind support for trees
on public land; however, public opinion is divided, and a large portion of
public participants in the UFSP process indicate that they do not know
enough about issues such as heritage tree programs to state their opinion.
Foundational Initiatives
● Reference existing supplemental policy documents for Forestry, including the
Tree Management Standards and BMPs document, in city code.
● Adopt a citywide land use code that improves tree preservation and
protection while balancing other priorities and needs of the community.
o One example of policy changes that favor trees is to amend ground
cover requirements in planter strips to allow for wood mulch areas
around trees to retain water, reduce competition, and protect tree
roots.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 116
● Draft a heritage tree program that allows for the elective enrollment of trees
that have cultural, historic, or ecological value.
● Create policy summaries or tip sheets that clarify the responsibility for tree
maintenance within alleyways.
● Plan for education and outreach that will guide policy development about
tree protection for development scenarios on private land.
● Encode existing good practices—best management practices, certified
arborist requirements, wood utilization program—in city ordinance.
● Build upon the Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan (2020)
to create a more generalized insect/disease control plan to address existing
and future threats. Reference the plan within city ordinance.
Transformational Initiatives
● Draft a heritage tree policy that protects trees greater than a certain size on
private property. Require a permit for, or prohibit, pruning or removal of
heritage trees.
o For reference, 6% of public trees are >24 in DSH and 2% of public trees
are >36 in DSH.
o Connect policy to stormwater and water efficiency public benefits of
large trees.
o Exclude invasive species and those that are prohibited by existing
ordinance.
● Clarify the legal responsibility for trees within vacant and boundary areas (land
without ownership) to encourage the protection and growth of tree canopy
within these spaces.
● Plan for tree preservation and tree canopy expansion within areas in the
Growth Management Area that are to remain as future green space as
identified by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
● Expand tree protection policies within the Land Use Code to apply to non-
development scenarios.
● Develop additional policy for tree protection on private land—for example,
protecting trees during residential property development scenarios. Educate
and engage with the public about policy scenarios to gauge public support.
● Require landfill diversion for wood waste from private land.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 117
RECOMMENDATION 5. COLLECT DATA TO TRACK CHANGES TO
TREE CANOPY OVER TIME AND TO INFORM FORESTRY
ACTIVITIES
Accurate, up-to-date data can inform sound decision making. Planning for future
urban tree canopy assessments and tree inventory updates will provide information
that can help the Forestry Division evaluate progress and refine management
strategies.
Themes: Sustainable Growth
Outcome Area: High-Performing Government
Current State
● An existing urban tree canopy assessment and public tree inventory provide
bottom-up and top-down information about tree canopy.
● Tree inventory information utilizes trained volunteers to provide up-to-date
information about public trees.
Foundational Initiatives
● Repeat an urban tree canopy assessment in 5 years using 2026 data (2027–
2028 BFO cycle) to measure canopy change.
o Measure five-class land cover: tree canopy, vegetation, impervious
surface, bare soil, open water.
o Evaluate urban tree canopy within street rights-of-way.
o Calculate how tree benefits have changed with tree canopy over time.
● Map existing public trees under threat from pests and/or drought using
inventory data; look for trends that may inform tree activities.
● Complete data fields for all public trees about irrigation status and EAB
treatment priority.
● Complete a sample inventory of natural areas.
Transformational Initiatives
● Repeat an urban tree canopy assessment in 2 years to capture early canopy
changes due to emerald ash borer. Advance mapping options:
o Canopy health and broadleaf/evergreen distribution
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 118
o Tree canopy cover and change within additional geographies—e.g.,
riparian and ditch areas, alleyways, land uses, private/public land—to
guide and measure the effects of policy changes
● Update the public tree inventory on a 5-year cycle.
● Utilize certified arborists to capture tree inventory data about risk and
recommended maintenance, to inform proactive maintenance.
RECOMMENDATION 6. SUSTAINABLY GROW THE FORESTRY
DIVISION TO KEEP PACE WITH GROWTH OF THE URBAN
FOREST
The Forestry Division currently provides an excellent level of service to the city of Fort
Collins. Additional metrics about tree activities will be helpful for internal planning,
budgeting, and reporting to both city council and the community.
The public tree inventory reflects the city’s sustained commitment to planting. With
60 percent of the public tree inventory consisting of young trees, and new trees
being planted every year, it will be necessary to plan for growth of the Forestry
program. Additional capacity and a sustainable funding stream will be needed to
keep pace with growth of the public tree inventory.
Themes: Sustainable Growth
Outcome Areas: Economic Health, High-Performing Government
Current State
● Access FC allows for and tracks resident requests.
● The Fort Collins 2022 Strategic Plan and Budgeting for Outcomes process
require relation of tree activities to Outcome Areas.
● Forestry is providing a great level of service compared with U.S. cities but is
approaching the threshold of tree activities that they are able to perform
annually with existing resources.
Foundational Initiatives
● Internally track public requests that are submitted via phone and email.
● Regularly report on budget expenditures by tree activity.
● Create work plans to make efficient use of personnel and budget.
● Acquire additional staff for tree planting/preparation and pruning.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 119
● Add capacity for grant writing and reporting.
● Pursue grants and other limited funding opportunities.
● Contribute to local initiatives to expand the green workforce.
Transformational Initiatives
● Use resource management software to track public requests.
● Create an urban forestry planner position.
● Annually or biannually report to the public on tree activities.
● Link tree activities to health, social, and environmental data, and to civic data
(transit ridership, cycling/pedestrian stats, city Outcome Areas) as available.
● Add at least one additional, fully equipped Forestry crew.
● Implement a staff rotation schedule. Regularly rotate Forestry staff to different
teams to provide rest from physical labor and build knowledge across the
team.
● Increase the space that is available to Forestry for operations, equipment, and
wood waste. Locate space where it can maximize efficiency of fuel use and
time.
● Increase the budget for tree maintenance over time as young trees grow.
● Create new sources of sustained funding, such as a Tree Fund, and align with
City Give.
RECOMMENDATION 7. DEEPEN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE
COMMUNITY ABOUT TREE STEWARDSHIP
There is a great amount of support for trees and urban forestry in Fort Collins from
the public, officials, and the surrounding region. This public support can help
facilitate conversations about difficult decisions and expand engagement to new
community sectors.
Themes: Appreciation for Trees
Outcome Areas: Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, Environmental Health
Current State
● The public shows a high level of support for public trees and the Forestry
Division.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 120
● Forestry has established wood waste and tree ambassador programs.
● Public opinion varies on the topic of private property tree protections.
Foundational Initiatives
● Continue to support the wood waste program and grow the network of urban
woodworkers and wood utilization partners.
● Engage the public in policy updates that protect trees on private property.
● Continue and grow the Urban Forest Ambassador program.
● Provide educational resources to assist property owners with private tree
planting, maintenance, and preservation.
o Promote tree species diversity and resilience including the Choice City
tree trademark and the Select Tree evaluation program.
Transformational Initiatives
● Engage in cross-sector coalition-building around trees:
o Integrate forestry activities with implementation of the Active Modes
Plan. Engage with Active Modes stakeholders including the cycling
community.
o Expand engagement and volunteer opportunities into communities
with health and social vulnerabilities.
o Align wood utilization efforts with larger Zero Waste initiatives.
o Engage with parks advocates; see Nature in the City and 15-Minute
Walk campaigns.
o Engage with the business sector to promote trees for economic
development, e.g., Holiday Lights.
o Enlist community organizations to engage with their networks on
topics including tree benefits, tree responsibilities, policy development,
and volunteer opportunities.
● Create resources on wood utilization best management practices for the
general public.
● Provide financial resources to assist property owners with private tree
planting, maintenance, and preservation.
● Expand volunteer opportunities to assist with activities such as young tree
pruning, watering assistance during drought, or community education.
● Create tip sheets that explain city ordinances and policies in plain language.
● Create a municipal Urban Forestry Commission with resident appointments.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 121
RECOMMENDATION 8. EXPAND THE NETWORK OF FORESTRY
DIVISION PARTNERS
Technical partnerships within urban forestry are abundant across the Front Range—
see for example the Colorado Tree Coalition, the Front Range Urban Forestry
Council, and the Emerging Pests in Colorado (EPIC) Committee. Increasing Fort
Collins’ presence and role within these collectives can promote greater knowledge
sharing and adaptability for the city while building staff technical skills. Involvement
can also promote adoption of the latest guidance and standards.
Themes: Sustainable Growth, Appreciation for Trees
Outcome Areas: Safe Community, High-Performing Government
Current State
● Existing resources for climate- and pest-resilient species selection are
established for the Front Range and are in the process of being updated.
● Forestry Division has collaborative relationships with numerous internal and
external partners.
Foundational Initiatives
● Continue regional work with nursery growers to secure the quantity and types
of climate- and pest-adapted trees that will be needed to meet planting goals.
● Share urban forestry resources and knowledge with neighboring
communities.
● Expand staff involvement in regional urban forestry networks; provide
additional opportunities for staff that contribute to career development.
Transformational Initiatives
● Encourage large corporate and institutional campuses to develop tree plans.
● Continue engagement with partners about management of public trees.
● Contribute expertise about trees and urban forestry in regional planning
efforts that relate to climate resilience, complete & green streets, human
health, wood utilization, etc.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 122
IMPLEMENTATION & METRICS
References
AECOM. (2013). Financing San Francisco’s Urban Forest. San Francisco, CA.
https://default.sfplanning.org/plans-and-programs/planning-for-the-city/urban-forest-
plan/UFP_Financing_Study_Exec_Sum_131216.pdf
Burris, L. (2006). People of the Poudre: An Ethnohistory of the Cache La Poudre River
National Heritage Area, AD 1500-1880. Xplore Interpretive Design, Incorporated.
http://database.history.fcgov.com/digital/collection/rb/id/7014/
Cappiella, K., T. Schueler, and T. Wright. 2005. Urban watershed forestry manual: Part 1.
Methods for increasing forest cover in a watershed. Newtown Square PA: United States
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry.
City of Fort Collins. (2010). Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices.
Fort Collins, CO. https://www.fcgov.com/forestry/pdf/tree-standards-3-31-10.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2015). Water Efficiency Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/WEP_2015-
17_FullDraft_NoWaterMark_v9.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2019). Fort Collins City Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/cityplan/files/city-plan.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2020). Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response
Plan. Fort Collins, CO. https://www.fcgov.com/forestry/files/eab-management-and-
response-plan_042221.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2020). Water Shortage Action Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/final-wsap-effective-may-1-
2020.pdf
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Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 126
Appendix A: Indicators of a Sustainable
Urban Forest
The Trees: MODERATE
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Urban Tree
Canopy
Achieve the desired tree
canopy cover according to
goals set for the entire city
and neighborhoods.
Alternatively, achieve 75%
of the total canopy
possible for the entire city
and in each neighborhood.
Canopy is
decreasing.
- and/or -
No canopy
goals have
been set.
Canopy is not
dropping, but
not on a
trajectory to
achieve the
established
goal.
Canopy goal is
achieved, or well
on the way to
achievement.
No canopy
goal has been
set, but canopy
grew 17.2% in
past 10 years.
Equitable
Distributio
n of
Canopy
Achieve low variation
between tree canopy and
equity factors citywide by
neighborhood. Ensure
that the benefits of tree
canopy are available to all,
especially for vulnerable
populations for whom tree
benefits are of particular
importance.
Tree planting
and public
outreach and
education is not
determined by
tree canopy
cover or
benefits.
Tree planting
and public
outreach and
education is
focused on
neighborhoods
with low tree
canopy.
Tree planting
and public
outreach and
education is
focused in
neighborhoods
with low tree
canopy and a
high need for
tree benefits.
A planting
plan can help
the city plan
canopy growth
for low-canopy,
high-need
neighborhood
s.
Age of
Trees (Size
and Age
Distributio
n)
Establish a diverse-aged
population of public trees
across the entire city and
for each neighborhood.
Ideal standard:
0-8" DBH: 40%
9-17" DBH: 30%
18-24" DBH: 20%
Over 24" DBH: 10%
Age
distribution is
not
proportionately
distributed
across size
classes at the
city level.
Age
distribution is
evenly
distributed at
city level,
though
unevenly
distributed at
the
neighborhood
level.
Age distribution
is generally
aligned with the
ideal standard
diameter classes
at the
neighborhood
level.
Citywide age
distribution is
60% young
trees.
Condition
of Publicly
Owned
Trees
Possess a detailed
understanding of tree
condition and potential
risk of all intensively-
managed, publicly-owned
trees. This information is
used to direct
maintenance actions.
No current
information is
available on
tree condition
or risk.
Information
from a partial or
sample or
inventory is
used to assess
tree condition
and risk.
Information
from a current,
GIS-based, 100%
complete public
tree inventory is
used to indicate
tree condition
and risk.
Condition
information is
available, and
there is partial
information
about risk.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 127
Condition
of Publicly-
Owned
Natural
Areas
Possess a detailed
understanding of the
ecological structure and
function of all publicly-
owned natural areas (such
as woodlands, ravines,
stream corridors, etc.), as
well as usage patterns.
No current
information is
available on
tree condition
or risk.
Publicly-owned
natural areas
are identified in
a sample-based
"natural areas
survey" or
similar data.
Information
from a current,
GIS-based, 100%
complete
natural areas
survey is utilized
to document
ecological
structure and
function, as well
as usage
patterns.
Limited tree
inventory
within public
natural areas.
Trees on
Private
Property
Possess a solid
understanding of the
extent, location and
general condition of trees
on private lands.
No data is
available on
private trees.
Current tree
canopy
assessment
reflects basic
information
(location) of
both public and
private canopy
combined.
Detailed
information
available on
private trees. Ex.
bottom-up
sample-based
assessment of
trees.
Current
citywide UTC
assessment
based on 2021
data.
Diversity
Establish a genetically
diverse population of
publicly-owned trees
across the entire city and
for each neighborhood.
Tree populations should be
comprised of no more
than 30% of any family,
20% of any genus, or 10% of
any species.
Fewer than five
species
dominate the
entire tree
population
citywide.
No species
represents
more than 20%
of the entire
tree population
citywide.
No species
represents more
than 10% of the
entire tree
population
citywide.
Only Fraxinus
pennsylvanica
(11%) and
Gleditsia
triacanthos
(11%) exceed
10%, and there
are plans in
place to
reduce their
population.
Suitability
Establish a tree population
suited to the urban
environment and adapted
to the overall region.
Suitable species are
gauged by exposure to
imminent threats,
considering the "Right
Tree for the Right Place"
concept and invasive
species.
Less than 50%
of trees are
considered
suitable for the
site.
50% to 75% of
trees are
considered
suitable for the
site.
More than 75%
of trees are
considered
suitable for the
site.
Many trees are
reliant on
irrigation for
survival;
predictions of
future
drought,
extreme heat,
and abrupt
cold will pose a
challenge to
many species.
The Players: MODERATE
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Neighbor-
hood Action
Citizens understand,
cooperate, and participate
in urban forest
management at the
neighborhood level. Urban
forestry is a neighborhood-
scale issue.
Little or no
citizen
involvement or
neighborhood
action.
Some active
groups are
engaged in
advancing
urban forestry
activity, but
with no unified
set of goals or
priorities.
The majority of
all
neighborhoods
are organized,
connected, and
working
towards a
unified set of
goals and
priorities.
UFA program;
HOA tree
planting
programs
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 128
Large Private
&
Institutional
Landholder
Involvement
Large, private, and
institutional landholders
embrace citywide goals
and objectives through
targeted resource
management plans.
Large private
land holders are
unaware of
issues and
potential
influence in the
urban forest. No
large private
land
management
plans are
currently in
place.
Education
materials and
advice is
available to
large private
landholders.
Few large
private
landholders or
institutions
have
management
plans in place.
Clear and
concise goals
are established
for large private
land holders
through direct
education and
assistance
programs. Key
landholders and
institutions have
management
plans in place.
Several
partners noted
a good
relationship
with Forestry.
CSU
coordinates
with Forestry
on
management
of trees along
their
boundaries.
Opportunity to
increase
cooperation on
campuses for
Broadcom/He
wlitt-Packard,
Poudre School
District,
Woodward
Governor, and
Budweiser.
Green
Industry
Involvement
The green industry works
together to advance
citywide urban forest goals
and objectives. The city
and its partners capitalize
on local green industry
expertise and innovation.
Little or no
involvement
from green
industry leaders
to advance
local urban
forestry goals.
Some
partnerships
are in place to
advance local
urban forestry
goals, but more
often for the
short-term.
Long-term
committed
partnerships are
working to
advance local
urban forestry
goals.
Forestry staff
are highly
involved in
regional
conversations
about EAB,
wood waste
utilization, and
other topics.
City
Department
and
Agency
Cooperation
All city departments and
agencies cooperate to
advance citywide urban
forestry goals and
objectives.
Conflicting
goals and/or
actions among
city
departments
and agencies.
Informal teams
among
departments
and agencies
are
communicatin
g and
implementing
common goals
on a project-
specific basis.
Common goals
and
collaboration
occur across all
departments
and agencies.
City policy and
actions are
implemented by
formal
interdepartmen
tal and
interagency
working teams
on all city
projects.
Veg Team
meets to
discuss
vegetation
across city
departments.
Partners noted
that Zoning
and Forestry
may require
closer
cooperation.
Funder
Engagement
Local funders are engaged
and invested in urban
forestry initiatives. Funding
is adequate to implement
citywide urban forest
management plan.
Little or no
funders are
engaged in
urban forestry
initiatives.
Funders are
engaged in
urban forestry
initiatives at
minimal levels
for short-term
projects.
Multiple funders
are fully
engaged and
active in urban
forestry
initiatives for
short-term
projects and
long-term goals.
Share Some
Shade and
Living Tribute
Trees
programs;
private
donation of
$50,000 per
year in 2022
and 2023.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 129
Utility
Engagement
All utilities are aware of
and vested in the urban
forest and cooperates to
advance citywide urban
forest goals and objectives.
Utilities and city
agencies act
independently
of urban
forestry efforts.
No
coordination
exists.
Utilites and city
agencies have
engaged in
dialogues
about urban
forestry efforts
with respect to
capital
improvement
and
infrastructure
projects.
Utilities, city
agencies, and
other
stakeholders
integrate and
collaborate on
all urban
forestry efforts,
including
planning, site
work, and
outreach/educat
ion.
There is some
coordination
between
Forestry and
utilities.
Additional
coordination
may be
needed for
education and
outreach to
private
property
owners.
Utilities and
Engineering/CI
P have
concerns
about
increased
mitigation
requirements
of draft Land
Use Code.
Developer
Engagement
The development
community is aware of and
vested in the urban forest
and cooperates to advance
citywide urban forest goals
and objectives.
Little or no
cooperation
from
developers in
(or awareness
of)
municipality-
wide urban
forest goals and
objectives.
Some
cooperation
from
developers and
general
awareness and
acceptance of
municipality-
wide goals and
objectives.
Specific
collaborative
arrangements
across
development
community in
support of
municipality-
wide goals and
objectives.
Developers
exhibit good
understanding
and
acceptance of
city rules. New
LUC updates
demonstrate
capacity for
city goals &
objectives.
Public
Awareness
The general public
understands the benefits
of trees and advocates for
the role and importance of
the urban forest.
Trees are
generally seen
as a nuisance,
and thus, a
drain on city
budgets and
personal
paychecks.
Trees are
generally
recognized as
important and
beneficial.
Trees are seen
as valuable
infrastructure
and vital to the
community’s
well-being. The
urban forest is
recognized for
the unique
environmental,
economic, and
social services it
provides to the
community.
The public is
generally
supportive of
the urban
forest on
public land.
Support for the
private urban
forest needs
further
assessment to
tease apart
public
sentiment
about specific
issues.
Regional
Collaboration
Neighboring communities
and regional groups are
actively cooperating and
interacting to advance the
region's stake in the city's
urban forest.
Little or no
interaction
between
neighboring
communities
and regional
groups.
Neighboring
communities
and regional
groups share
similar goals
and policy
vehicles related
to trees and the
urban forest.
Regional urban
forestry
planning,
coordination,
and
management is
widespread.
Numerous
local
communities
have indicated
an interest in
partnering.
There's an
opportunity to
share planning
and resources
and coordinate
more on
education/outr
each.
Additional
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 130
opportunities
at county level
(Larimer,
Weld), CO
State Forest
Service,
CSU/CSU
Extension, and
Poudre School
District.
The Management: MODERATE-HIGH
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Tree
Inventory
Comprehensive, GIS-
based, current inventory of
all intensively-managed
public trees to guide
management, with
mechanisms in place to
keep data current and
available for use. Data
allows for analysis of age
distribution, condition, risk,
diversity, and suitability.
No inventory or
out-of-date
inventory of
publicly-owned
trees.
Partial or
sample-based
inventory of
publicly-owned
trees,
inconsistently
updated.
Complete, GIS-
based
inventory of
publicly-owned
trees, updated
on a regular,
systematic
basis.
Current
inventory dates
from 2018-2023
Canopy
Assessment
Accurate, high-resolution,
and recent assessment of
existing and potential city-
wide tree canopy cover
that is regularly updated
and available for use across
various departments,
agencies, and/or
disciplines.
No tree canopy
assessement.
Sample-based
canopy cover
assessment, or
dated (over 10
years old) high
resolution
canopy
assessment.
High-resolution
tree canopy
assessement
using aerial
photographs or
satellite
imagery.
Current UTC
from 2021 data
with
comparison to
2011.
Management
Plan
Existence and buy-in of a
comprehensive urban
forest management plan
to achieve city-wide goals.
Re-evaluation is conducted
every 5 to 10 years.
No urban forest
management
plan exists.
A plan for the
publicly-owned
forest resource
exists but is
limited in
scope,
acceptance,
and
implementatio
n.
A
comprehensive
plan for the
publicly owned
forest resource
exists and is
accepted and
implemented.
City
demonstrates
elements of a
management
plan, such as a
proactive
pruning
program. There
is opportunity
to create a
planning
document that
can be
circulated for
support.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 131
Risk
Management
Program
All publicly-owned trees
are managed for
maximum public safety by
way of maintaining a city-
wide inventory,
conducting proactive
annual inspections, and
eliminating hazards within
a set timeframe based on
risk level. Risk
management program is
outlined in the
management plan.
Request-based,
reactive system.
The condition
of publicly-
owned trees is
unknown.
There is some
degree of risk
abatement
thanks to
knowledge of
condition of
publicly-owned
trees, though
generally still
managed as a
request-based
reactive system.
There is a
complete tree
inventory with
risk assesment
data and a risk
abatement
program in
effect. Hazards
are eliminated
within a set
time period
depending on
the level of risk.
Forestry has
noted a
decrease in risk
assessment
needs and tree
failures with
shorter pruning
rotation.
Forestry is
trying to shift
away from a
request-based
reactive system.
Maintenance
Program of
Publicly-
Owned Trees
All intensively-managed,
publicly-owned trees are
well maintained for
optimal health and
condition in order to
extend longevity and
maximize benefits. A
reasonable cyclical
pruning program is in
place, generally targeting 5
to 7 year cycles. The
maintenance program is
outlined in the
management plan.
Request-based,
reactive system.
No systematic
pruning
program is in
place for
publicly-owned
trees.
All publicly-
owned trees are
systematically
maintained, but
pruning cycle is
inadequate.
All publicly-
owned trees
are proactively
and
systematically
maintained
and adequately
pruned on a
cyclical basis.
There is
extensive
pruning taking
place, currently
on a 5–6 year
cycle. Young
trees are visited
more
frequently—
every 2-3 years
to manage
clearance.
Maintenance
Program of
Publicly-
Owned
Natural Areas
The ecological structure
and function of all publicly-
owned natural areas are
protected and enhanced
while accommodating
public use where
appropriate.
No natural
areas
management
plans are in
effect.
Only reactive
management
efforts to
facilitate public
use (risk
abatement).
Management
plans are in
place for each
publicly-owned
natural area
focused on
managing
ecological
structure and
function and
facilitating
public use.
Management
plans are in
place for natural
areas by zone,
but with minor
exceptions, they
do not include
tree
management
components; in
many places,
trees are not
desired
Planting
Program
Comprehensive and
effective tree planting and
establishment program is
driven by canopy cover
goals, equity
considerations, and other
priorities according to the
plan. Tree planting and
establishment is outlined
in the management plan.
Tree
establishment
is ad hoc.
Tree
establishment
is consistently
funded and
occurs on an
annual basis.
Tree
establishment
is directed by
needs derived
from a tree
inventory and
other
community
plans and is
sufficient in
meeting
canopy cover
objectives.
Data from UFSP
can be used to
create a data-
driven planting
plan to address
priorities.
Tree
Protection
Policy
Comprehensive and
regularly updated tree
protection ordinance with
enforcement ability is
based on community
goals. The benefits derived
from trees on public and
private property are
ensured by the
No tree
protection
policy.
Policies are in
place to protect
trees, but the
policies are not
well-enforced
or ineffective.
Protections
policies ensure
the safety of
trees on public
and private
land. The
policies are
enforced and
supported by
significant
Policies are in
place to protect
trees during
development,
and a
permitting
process is in
place for public
trees. Policies
are enforced,
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 132
enforcement of existing
policies.
deterrents and
shared
ownership of
city goals.
but there are
currently no
policies to
protect trees on
private land
outside of
development
scenarios.
City Staffing
and
Equipment
Adequate staff and access
to the equipment and
vehicles to implement the
management plan. A high
level urban forester or
planning professional,
strong operations staff,
and solid certified arborist
technicians.
Insufficient
staffing levels,
insufficiently-
trained staff,
and/or
inadequate
equipment and
vehicle
availability.
Certified
arborists and
professional
urban foresters
on staff have
some
professional
development,
but are lacking
adequate staff
levels or
adequate
equipment.
Multi-
disciplinary
team within
the urban
forestry unit,
including an
urban forestry
professional,
operations
manager, and
arborist
technicians.
Vehicles and
equipment are
sufficient to
complete
required work.
City Forestry is
well staffed but
has identified
near-term
needs to scale
department
with growth of
canopy.
Equipment is in
good shape
overall, but
some
equipment
needs were
noted. City is
approaching
maximum
capacity of
existing staff.
Funding
Appropriate funding in
place to fully implement
both proactive and
reactive needs based on a
comprehensive urban
forest management plan.
Funding comes
from the public
sector only, and
covers only
reactive work.
Funding levels
(public and
private)
generally cover
mostly reactive
work. Low
levels of risk
management
and planting in
place.
Dynamic, active
funding from
engaged
private
partners and
adequate
public funding
are used to
proactively
manage and
expand the
urban forest.
Most funding is
from the public
sector, but work
is more than
reactive. Risk
management
and planting
could be
increased.
Disaster
Prepared-
ness &
Response
A disaster management
plan is in place related to
the city's urban forest. The
plan includes staff roles,
contracts, response
priorities, debris
management and a crisis
communication plan. Staff
are regularly trained
and/or updated.
No disaster
response plan is
in place.
A disaster plan
is in place, but
pieces are
missing and/or
staff are not
regularly
trained or
updated.
A robust
disaster
management
plan is in place,
regularly
updated and
staff is fully
trained on roles
and processes.
Storm response
plan in place
Communi-
cation
Effective avenues of two-
way communication exist
between the city
departments and between
city and its citizens.
Messaging is consistent
and coordinated, when
feasible.
No avenues are
in place. City
departments
and public
determine on
an ad-hoc basis
the best
messages and
avenues to
communicate.
Avenues are in
place but used
sporadically
and without
coordination or
only on a one-
way basis.
Avenues are in
place for two-
way communi-
cation, are well-
used with
targeted,
coordinated
messages.
Avenues are in
place including
the City's
Access FC
system.
Additional
points of
contact include
phone and
email to various
staff. Outside of
Access FC
system,
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 133
communication
may be one-
way and/or
harder to track.
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 134
Appendix B. Public Survey Responses
The City of Fort Collins and Davey Resource Group released a community survey that
was open to public participation from September–December 2023. Nine hundred
seventy-one (971) participants completed the survey, which included 14 questions.
Public survey questions and responses (971 participants)
QUESTION RESPONSES*
Q1- Trees are an important part of Fort
Collins.
Strongly agree (94%)
Agree (5%)
Neutral (0.2%)
Disagree (0%)
Strongly disagree (0.5%)
Q1- Having trees is worth the financial cost
of maintaining them.
Strongly agree (86%)
Agree (11%)
Neutral (2%)
Disagree (0.2%)
Strongly disagree (0.5%)
Q1- Public street trees seem well cared for
in Fort Collins.
Strongly agree (37%)
Agree (48%)
Neutral (11%)
Disagree (3%)
Strongly disagree (0.7%)
Q2- Across Fort Collins there are…
Too few trees (50%)
The right amount of trees (49%)
Too many trees (0.6%)
Q2- In my neighborhood there are…
Too few trees (39%)
The right amount of trees (60%)
Too many trees (2%)
Q3- Trees in the urban environment
provide many known benefits to the
community, some of which are listed
below. To help us understand how to best
maximize these benefits to meet
community needs, please rank the benefits
below from most important to yo...
Average rankings:
Help reduce crime (9.2)
Increase my property value (7.5)
Reduce flooding/run-off
(basement/property) (6.6)
Screen and provide privacy from my
neighbors (6.6)
Protect us from noisy roads and highways
(6.5)
Help landscape and beautify my property
(6.1)
Improve my mental and physical health
(6)
Provide habitat for wildlife (4.8)
Improve air quality (reduce air pollution)
(4.5)
Prevent the city from becoming a hotter
and drier place (3.9)
Shade to help reduce temperatures and
keep my house cool (3.8)
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 135
Q4- Where is it most important to plant
trees in Fort Collins? Please select your top
five.
Parks (88%)
Private property (52%)
Retail/commercial areas (i.e., parking lots)
(71%)
Schools (78%)
Streets (parkways and medians) (79%)
Trails (65%)
Other (6%)
Strongly agree (84%)
Agree (13%)
Neutral (2%)
Disagree (0%)
Strongly disagree (1%)
Q5- Public trees are those which are grown
between the curb and sidewalk, in street
medians, in parks, cemeteries, golf courses,
and other City facilities, and are maintained
by the City. These public trees seem:
Well cared for (55%)
Somewhat cared for (40%)
Poorly cared for (3%)
Neglected (0.5%)
No opinion (2%)
Q6- How do you feel about the City of Fort
Collins Forestry Division's response to tree-
related requests in the community?
Very responsive (21%)
Responsive (29%)
Neutral (46%)
Responsive, but not in a timely manner
(3%)
Not responsive (1%)
Q7- The City of Fort Collins is exploring a
Heritage Tree Program. Heritage Tree
Programs are developed to protect and
maintain trees on both public and private
property in the community that may be of
special species, sizes, or have cultural or
horticu...
I am in support of a Heritage Tree
Program (54%)
I am not in support of a Heritage Tree
Program (9%)
I don’t know enough to decide (37%)
Q8- As part of planning for the urban
forest, the City of Fort Collins is assessing
the need to preserve canopy on private
property. Examples of preservation tactics
include adding tree removal guidelines to
the building permit process, home
expansion,...
Required tree removal permits for tree
removal over a certain size of diameter
(46%)
Required mitigation standards to apply -
which means requiring replacement or
payment in the amount of the trees'
appraised value (38%)
Increasing education around tree
protection standards during
construction on private property (75%)
I don't support stronger policies on private
property trees (19%)
Q9- What is your hope for the future of the
urban forest in Fort Collins? Open response (see below)
Q10- Do you live, work, or play in Fort
Collins? Please select all that apply.
I own a home here (77%)
I rent a home/apartment here (16%)
I am visiting (2%)
I work or go to school here (32%)
I own a business here (10%)
Other (5%)
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 136
Q11- What zip code do you live in?
80526 (29%)
80525 (26%)
80521 (20%)
80524 (17%)
80528 (7%)
80523 (0.3%)
80527 (0.1%)
80522 (0%)
80523 (0%)
Decline to specify (0.5%)
Q12- How do you identify your race and/or
ethnicity? Please select all that apply.
White (798)
Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish Origin (38)
Asian/ Asian American (19)
American Indian/Alaska Native (13)
Middle Eastern/ North African (6)
African American/ Black (4)
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (3)
African (0)
Decline to specify (113)
Prefer to self-identify (10)
Q13- What is your age?
75 and older (5%)
65-74 (21%)
55-64 (19%)
45-54 (14%)
35-44 (18%)
18-34 (17%)
12-17 (0.1%)
Under 12 (0%)
Prefer not to say (5%)
Q14- How would you prefer to receive
information from the City regarding the
urban forest? Please select all that apply.
Email (650)
City website (372)
Social media (@ParksandRecFC) (282)
Community events (253)
Volunteer opportunities (209)
Training or workshops (177)
Mail (153)
Public survey write-in comment themes and specific examples. Percentages reflect the proportion of
comments that related to a theme out of 655 total comments. Comments could be categorized as
fitting with more than one theme.
COMMENT THEME EXAMPLES
Healthy/resilient/diverse/ben
eficial urban forest; Grow &
maintain the urban forest
(15.7%)
“Resilient, diverse and thriving trees across Fort Collins.”
“We can continue to have a beautiful, well managed, resilient
urban forest that will help us cool the city and combat
climate change.”
“Keep maintaining the trees we have, while still advocating
for more cover.”
Species (11.5%) “More and more trees. Especially ones that have natural
defenses against disease and infestation in this particular
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 137
climate (as well as a good guess on what our climate will be
in the future).”
“Wider diversity of tree species to guard against loss of
canopy trees from pests or disease.”
More trees (10.8%)
“Adding more trees to new construction neighborhoods and
city parks.”
“Protection of existing trees and encourage and support new
tree growth.”
Financial & educational
support for residents (8.4%)
“More trees become available to residents at reduced costs,
especially to new neighborhoods where there are no trees.”
“Informing public of their responsibility to care for trees.”
“I hope to educate more people about the value of trees and
be sure that when any development happens, trees and
animal habitats are given much more consideration than
seems to be the case in recent years.”
Maintenance/ Preservation
(6.5%)
“In general, I think trees are a good thing and should be
maintained, preserved, and that more trees should be
planted in areas where they are appropriate. When this
becomes an issue of nuisance, private property rights, or
detriment to public use, all factors should be considered
(including value of the trees) before planting or removing
trees. I hope that Fort Collins can continue to beautify our city
by maintaining healthy trees, both public and private, and
adding more in the right places.”
“For Fort Collins to have more trees, all of the trees well taken
care of and the city be cleaner and habitants breathing
fresher air and the city looking prettier and enchanting. For
trees and nature areas to be preserved and taken care of and
not destroyed and not for people to keep destroying them for
construction. Protect prairie areas of the city too!”
Development (6.1%)
“I would love to see new developers put more thought in
their landscaping- they put trees right up next to house and
windows for curb appeal but don’t take into consideration
the size at maturity- so beautiful trees have to be removed.”
“When large trees are removed for redevelopment of a
property, the city, the developer and landowner must take
responsibility for the adequate care of young replacement
trees. I see too many dying young trees in new developments
in the city.”
Private land policy (4.7%)
“..I love trees in our community, but dislike too much policy as
that can often complicate things and create resentment
between citizens and City departments. I'll support more
carrots than sticks for tree issues.”
“I am all for increasing the canopy of Fort Collins, as long as
the city is able to maintain the trees. I am concerned with our
warming climate, that increased canopy without proper
maintenance, could lead to future potential fire hazards. I'm
also concerned about private homeowners that don't
maintain their trees causing that same issue. I'd like to see
the city MORE involved in declaring dead private trees
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 138
hazardous, and forcing homeowners to deal with the
situation. Easier said than done I realize however.”
City identity (4.1%)
“I hope that Fort Collins will become known as the leader in
urban forestry and sustainability in the US.”
“The trees is Fort Collins are incredible. I moved here only 2
years ago and they’re one of my favorite parts of the city.”
Other (3.9%)
“It is not natural for a forest, urban or otherwise to exist on
the land Fort Collins covers. At least recently (last 10000
years). That said, trees are great.”
“The city needs to be aware that due to the policy of
suppressing small natural fires along the Poudre trail and not
removing fallen trees but piling them up on the side of the
trail, has created a potential for a huge fire hazard that would
likely burn entire neighborhoods that are near by, such as
Pateros Creek.”
General positive (3.7%)
“We’re new here and think this city is doing an incredibly
good job at keeping trees and nature integrated into the city.
Thank you.”
“Thanks for the forward thinking efforts from the city!”
Heat/shade (2.5%)
“More trees/shade along certain trails (like power and Cathy
fromme) and sidewalks to encourage walking/biking and
reduce car use.”
“More shady places to walk in summer.”
Climate change (2.4%)
“Maintain a diverse urban forest w an eye toward climate
change.”
“Increased tree canopy throughout the city. Focus on trees
that are only the best climate-wise for the next 50+ years. This
is an investment in our community to avoid big and costly
problems due to climate change-induced heatwaves,
droughts, floods, etc. We have a great start, but we must
continue to prepare.”
Emerald Ash Borer (2.1%)
“I'm very worried about the 70K ash trees and their future in
light of the emerald ash borer invasion. I'd like to see a
concerted effort to have them all inoculated against this
destructive bug.”
“That we can keep up with planting trees to replace those
which need to be removed, i.e., emerald ash borer and other
pests which need to be proactively addressed.”
Benefits/value of trees (2.1%)
“That trees will be valued for all that they contribute towards
improved quality of life.”
“Science supports the following 1) Trees reduce temperatures
2) Trees increase mental health 3) Trees support more wildlife
I hope we are able to develop a sustainable urban forest to
help with the listed issues.”
Funding/staffing (2%)
“That the forestry department continues to lead the way in
the municipal arborist field with implementation of the
highest quality and knowledgeable tree care providers in the
state.”
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 139
“That we continue to support and fund good care for our
trees!”
Equity (2%)
“Our underresourced neighbors are gifted more trees!!!”
“More trees all around town but especially in lower income
areas and areas that are largely developed (lots of concrete
i.e. Parking lots, malls, etc.).”
Tree planting (1.8%)
“I hope that the city can fill in any gaps that exist, by
convincing property owners to plant more trees where there
are currently too few. I also hope that the program continues
indefinitely, or until there is some other self-sustaining
program.”
“Support for young/growing trees. Continued planting.”
Maintenance (1.7%)
“More trees and good maintenance.”
“Continued strong maintenance of trees especially larger
sizes..”
Xeriscape/ water (1.5%)
“A canopy of trees that do well in this area and true xeriscape
landscape throughout the city to replace turf and eliminate
landscape with high water needs. Education to the general
public about how to xeriscape and what trees to plant in this
area of Colorado.”
“Probably the largest threat to our current city trees is the
high cost of city water. I've seen many trees doing poorly or
that have died because residents choose not to water their
trees-likely because of the high cost of water. This will only
become a larger problem as climate warms and dries.”
Community gardens/ fruit
trees (1.5%)
“That a park with numerous trees is added, perhaps fruit for
public to harvest. This would be great on Precision and
Cinquefoil instead of more apartments.”
“More urban fruit trees for urban foraging!”
Streets/ medians (1.2%)
“..And some trees between streets and sidewalks need to be
pruned.”
“More trees along larger roads and in public shopping places.
More trees between sidewalks and the road (including
adding a buffer between sidewalks and roads to make
pedestrians feel safer and make sidewalks more inviting).”
Preservation (1.1%)
“I hope that trees are watered more frequently to account for
the higher temperatures that have become the norm during
seasons when it hasn't been hot in the past, and that there
are more efforts to save much older trees that are unhealthy,
like the cottonwoods down by the river. I also hope that there
will be more effort by developers to save as many trees as
possible on lands that are slated to be razed.”
“For them to maintain the beauty of this town, and it's many
trees, esp the older and more mature ones downtown on
Oak, mountain, etc.
And when clearing land to build new neighborhoods and
homes, making it more difficult to remove existing trees too.”
Sidewalks (0.9%) “I think planting trees along the roadways, sidewalks and
other paved area big mistake and just leads to unhealthy
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 140
trees and root issues along cement walkways, path,
roadways.”
“Trees between the sidewalk and street, and trees in medians
are high priority because they are enjoyed by all citizens.”
Cycling (0.6%)
“Important that trees are planted back from roads so that
they have room to grow but don’t present obstacles to seeing
cars, bicyclers and animals. They should be properly trimmed
for these reasons, too.”
“Plant trees along bike trails.”
Solar (0.5%)
“Current and future rooftop solar panel owners should have
their solar rights protected from encroaching shade from
trees and from new development encouraged by changing
city policies.”
“I would love to see more trees, but the type of trees should
match the size of the property they are planted on. Fort
Collins is blessed with a sunny climate which is good for
home solar projects. Since we do not control the size of trees
that people have, many home owners do not have enough
sun to justify any type of solar improvement. Fort Collins is
trying to reduce its carbon footprint, poorly placed large trees
reduce individuals ability to contribute.”
Volunteering (0.2%)
“I am passionate about trees and would love to volunteer
with the city to help with our forest canopy.”
“Home owners have the right to have none to many trees on
their property. The city should not dictate what home owners
do. Educating people on the benefits of having trees which
are obvious to most people would help most. Providing
saplings to plant or a volunteer group to plant trees on
people's property that want them would also be helpful.
Educating on the importance of deep watering at least once
a month even through winter is crucial. A lot people do not
take care of trees during the winter.”
Meta (0.2%)
“Question #3 malfunctioned. Some replies didn’t offer all the
way up to 11 choices.”
“This survey is not only well conceived but so easy to use!!!”
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 141
Appendix C: Ordinance Review
TOPIC ADDRESSED CHAPTER &
SECTION COMMENTS
Credentials
Requires certified arborist for paid private tree work
Requires Certified Arborist for public tree work (X) CO 27-17
This is included in the Tree
Management Standards and
BMP document. CO 27-17
allows for the City Manager to
implement written rules. A
recommended improvement
is to mention this document
within city code.
Requires licensing of private tree care firms X CO 27-34–40
Defines official authority for public tree management X CO 27-17
Public Tree Management and Protection
Establishes/Authorizes City Forester to regulate public trees X CO 27-17
Establishes/Authorizes City position (e.g. Mayor, City Administrator, DPW
Director) to regulate public trees X CO 27-17
Establishes a community Tree Board or Commission
Defines public trees
Requires annual community tree work plans
Identifies formula for determining monetary tree value (X) LUC 3.2.1 I-7 Applies only to development
Establishes responsibility for public tree maintenance (e.g. City, adjacent
property owner) X CO 24-42, 27-
17, 27-57
Responsibility for public trees
is implied but not directly
stated
Requires regular public tree maintenance X CO 27-57
Requires particular types of maintenance (e.g., pruning) X CO 27-58
Requires adherence to ANSI A300 standards and best management
practices (X) CO 27-17 Tree Management Standards
and BMPs
Establishes permit system for work on public trees X CO 27-33
Requires payment of fees for the removal of public trees
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 142
Establishes provisions for penalties for non-compliance X CO 27-59–62
Restricts tree removal on public property Permit required; see next line
Permit or approval required for tree removal, pruning or excavating near
public trees X CO 27-31–32
Requires protection of public trees during construction, repairs or utility
work X LUC 3.2.1 G
Prohibits damage to public trees (e.g. attaching ropes, signs, wires,
chemicals, storing materials, excavation etc.) X CO 27-19
Establishes provisions for trimming for overhead utility line clearance
Restricts burning of solid wood waste
Establishes a wood utilization program Recommended Improvement
Establishes an insect/disease control strategy Recommended Improvement
Prohibits tree topping (X) CO 27-17 Tree Management Standards
and BMPs
Regulates abatement of hazardous or nuisance trees on private property (X) CO 27-18(c)
Regulates removal of dead or diseased trees X CO 27-58
Tree Fund Recommended Improvement
Tree Planting
Regulates tree species which may or may not be planted on private
property (approved tree list) X
CO 27-18
LUC 3.2.1 D-4,
I-2, I-8
Requires tree planting around and within parking lots X LUC 3.2.1 D,
E-4–5
Requires replacement of removed publicly owned trees X LUC 3.2.1 D-2-d Applies only to development
Permits public tree planting - beyond the right-of-way X LUC 3.2.1 D-2-b
Requires tree plantings around new developments (see also trees in
parking lots) X LUC 3.2.1 D,
D-1-c
Regulates tree species which may or may not be planted on public
property (approved tree list) X
CO 27-18
LUC 3.2.1 D-1-c,
I-8
Private Tree Protection and Preservation
Restricts tree removal on private property
Permit or approval required for tree removal on private property
Requires preservation of trees during development on private property X LUC 3.2.1 F
Prohibits damage to preserved/protected trees Recommended Improvement
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 143
Prohibits damage or removal of trees on another person's property
Inventory of trees on site required X LUC 3.2.1 F
Identification of forests/woodlands required
Specific species and/or size tree regulated (e.g. heritage/significant trees) (X) LUC 3.2.1 F Applies only to development
Location of Critical Root Zone/Dripline required X LUC 3.2.1 G-7
Minimum canopy cover requirement set
Identification of riparian buffers, natural areas, preservation zones X LUC 3.2.1 A, M
Tree protection/preservation plan required X LUC 3.2.1 C
Identification of prohibited activities in dripline/critical root zone X LUC 3.2.1 G-3
Tree protection fencing required X LUC 3.2.1 G-3
Location/type of other tree protection measures (e.g. root pruning,
aeration, vertical mulching, trunk protection, soil protection, irrigation,) on
development plans (e.g. site plans, construction plans, etc.)
X LUC 3.2.1 G, G-
7, J-2
Provide credits/incentives for tree preservation Recommended Improvement
Landscape plan with proposed landscaping and mitigation trees to be
planted (X) LUC 3.2.1 C
Requires Grading plan to include protected/preserved trees
Utility plan with trees to include protected/preserved trees X LUC 3.2.1 K
Tree planting requirements for removal of regulated trees X LUC 3.2.1 F, F-1
Fee in Lieu of planting mitigation trees X LUC 3.2.1 F
Tree mitigation survival requirements X LUC 3.2.1 I-4–6
Fine for removal of regulated trees Recommended Improvement
Penalties established for damage and removal of preserved/saved trees Recommended Improvement
Bonding to ensure required trees are planted X LUC 3.2.1 I-4
Bonding utilized to discourage tree removals
Other Ordinances of Note
Defining 'City Forester' X CO 27-16
Alley ROW maintenance X CO 27-31
Right of entry X CO 27-56
Tree spacing X LUC 3.2.1 D-1-c
Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan 144
Visual clearance X LUC 3.2.1 L
Requirement of ROW planting X LUC 3.2.1 D-2-a,
D-2-c
ROW tree spacing from infrastructure X LUC 3.2.1 D-2-a,
D-2-c, K
Minimum species diversity for development plans X LUC 3.2.1 D-3
Minimum sizes for trees planted X LUC 3.2.1 D-4–5
Buffering requirements X LUC 3.2.1 E-1
Water conservation requirements X LUC 3.2.1 E-3
Required maintenance for development landscape X LUC 3.2.1 I-5