FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152

Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Community Invited to Participate in the Urban Forest Management Plan

The City of Tacoma’s goal is to grow a healthy and sustainable urban forest that is properly cared for and managed. An urban forest is comprised of all the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation within parks, along streets, in private yards, on empty lots and in urban natural areas.

To achieve a healthy system, the City is developing an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) and is inviting the community to join in its creation. From September through November of this year, a series of community meetings are being held that will provide an overview of the UFMP process and how to get involved.

The first of these meetings is on Wednesday, September 18, from 6 – 7 p.m. at NEW LOCATION Washington Elementary School (2615 N. Adams St.). Attendees will learn more about Tacoma’s urban forest and the programs, projects, and efforts that help with its management. Participants are encouraged to bring their thoughts and ideas to engage in the UFMP visioning exercises and join in an open discussion on all things tree-related.

Those who are not able to attend the meeting are encouraged to take the UFMP survey available at TacomaTreePlan.org/surveys. This initial survey is open now through Thursday, September 26, 2019. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card to a local restaurant.

Visit the project site at TacomaTreePlan.org for more information or contact the Urban Forestry Program at (253) 502-2138 or trees@cityoftacoma.org.

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