Urban Forest Master Plan

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UPDATE: The Urban Master Plan Draft is ready for review! Read draft plan →


What is the Urban Forest Master Plan project?

The city is in the process of creating its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). The UFMP will guide planning and management of Fairfax’s urban forest over the next 20 years – and we need your help. It will explore topics including tree care, planting needs, staff capacity, budget, invasive species, tree-related policy, volunteer opportunities, and other topics discovered through research, analysis, and community input.

Where are we in the process?

The project includes two phases and four community meetings. Phase 1 was completed in February 2025; Phase 2 began in February 2025 and is estimated to be completed in January 2026. See Phase 2 timeline below.

What is my role?

You are a local expert! By living in the city, you have daily opportunities to observe your neighborhood and the community’s urban forest. Your input is critical to ensure the Urban Forest Master Plan responds to the needs of residents.

Last updated: October 2025

UPDATE: The Urban Master Plan Draft is ready for review! Read draft plan →


What is the Urban Forest Master Plan project?

The city is in the process of creating its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). The UFMP will guide planning and management of Fairfax’s urban forest over the next 20 years – and we need your help. It will explore topics including tree care, planting needs, staff capacity, budget, invasive species, tree-related policy, volunteer opportunities, and other topics discovered through research, analysis, and community input.

Where are we in the process?

The project includes two phases and four community meetings. Phase 1 was completed in February 2025; Phase 2 began in February 2025 and is estimated to be completed in January 2026. See Phase 2 timeline below.

What is my role?

You are a local expert! By living in the city, you have daily opportunities to observe your neighborhood and the community’s urban forest. Your input is critical to ensure the Urban Forest Master Plan responds to the needs of residents.

Last updated: October 2025

Discussions: All (8) Open (8)

  • Introduction

    about 2 months ago
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    This section includes the following (pg. i-7):

    • Acknowledgements
    • Table of Contents
    • Introduction to the plan
    • Vision and Guiding Principles

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.

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  • What Do We Have?

    about 2 months ago
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    This section includes the following (pg. 8-22):

    • Natural history and climate of Fairfax
    • Urban forest benefits 
    • Fairfax's tree canopy cover and public tree inventory
    • Background on non-native invasive species and management
    • Current city operations review and initial recommendations
    • Current funding and potential funding opportunities

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.

    For more information on detailed findings from the project's Phase 1, see Appendices A-E.

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  • What Do We Want?

    about 2 months ago
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    This section includes the following (pg. 23-26):

    • Key themes from stakeholder input
    • Expanded explanation of the Plan's Vision, Guiding Principles, and Goals
    • Community comments, quotes, photos, and poem throughout

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.

    For more detailed information on the project's engagement process, see Appendix D.

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  • How Do We Get There? (Introduction)

    about 2 months ago
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    This section includes the following (pg. 27-29):

    • An overview of the Implementation Plan
    • A key on how to read and understand the Implementation Plan

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.

    Appendix F is a summary table of the Implementation Plan and is available as a separate discussion board for reference.

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  • How Do We Get There? (Objectives)

    about 2 months ago
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    This section includes five objectives: PROTECT (pg. 30-41), REGULATE (pg. 41-55), GROW (pg. 56-67), MANAGE (pg. 68-79), and ENGAGE (pg. 80-89). Each objective includes the following:

    • Strategies, actions, and supporting actions with timeframes
    • Key findings from "What Do We Have?"
    • Existing capacity and partners
    • Resource demands
    • Strategy metrics
    • Call out boxes with helpful background, examples, or supporting information 

    PROTECT - Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.
    REGULATE - Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.
    GROW - Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.
    MANAGE - Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.
    ENGAGE - Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board. 

    Appendix F is a summary table of the Implementation Plan and is available as a separate discussion board for reference.

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  • How Are We Doing?

    about 2 months ago
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    This section includes the following (pg. 90-94). 

    • An introduction to metrics and tracking progress
    • Key performance indicators (KPIs) and how they relate to the Plan's Goals
    • Table 6: Fairfax's KPI's, baseline, target, and current status
    • Annual tracking and reporting

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.


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  • Appendices (A-E only)

    about 2 months ago
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    The following appendices are included in this section (pg. 95-135):

    • Appendix A: Glossary
    • Appendix B: References
    • Appendix C: Non-Native Invasive Species Assessment (2024)
    • Appendix D: Community Engagement
    • Appendix E: Operations Review

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on the discussion board.

    Appendix F is available as a separate discussion board for reference to "How Do We Get There?" 

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  • Appendix F - Implementation Table

    about 2 months ago
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    This section (pg. 136-147) is a summary table to "How Do We Get There?" 

    It's a quick reference guide to the plan's objectives, strategies, actions, and timeframes, without the other details. It also assigns a lead and support role based on current city department roles and responsibilities.

    Click this link to read this section and then comment on this discussion board.


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Page last updated: 02 Dec 2025, 11:35 AM