Urban Forest Master Plan

What is the 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. We are about halfway through Phase 1. Phase 1 emphasizes research, analysis, and community input. We held Public Meeting #1 in July, the Public Survey is live, and there are ongoing tabling events and stakeholder discussions. Public Meeting #2 is upcoming (see "Upcoming Meeting" tab). Phase 2 of the project will include the UFMP Outline, several Draft UFMP Reports, and additional public meetings and engagement opportunities. Phase 1 is estimated to complete in February 2025 and Phase 2 is estimated to completed late 2025. See Phase 1 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 UFMP responds to the needs of both the City and its residents.

Help give our community forest a voice. Please use the tools on this page to participate and provide feedback. Sign up to receive updates and notifications for upcoming events and other ways to get involved.

Phase 1 Timeline (July 2024 - February 2025)

Creating the urban forest master plan is a SPROUT program initiative. SPROUT (Stewarding, Planting, Restoring Our Urban Trees) was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature.