Residents of Norman have been invited to have their say in the future of the city's green infrastructure. A public meeting to discuss the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is slated for this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Norman Adult Wellness and Education Center. The City of Norman, alongside the DAVEY Resource Group consultants, aims to engage the community in conversation about urban forestry efforts.
The UFMP, as presented by the Parks & Recreation Department's Forestry Division, is a blueprint intended to steward the city's arboreal assets for the long haul. Crucial to the, program is an ongoing tree inventory and a reevaluation of tree maintenance responsibilities across public and private lines. The aim is to bolster Norman's legacy as a "Tree City, USA", an honor they've held for over two decades, as mentioned on the City of Norman website.
Colin Zink, the City Forester, emphasized the value the urban forest adds to Norman. "Trees improve our lives by making Norman a cooler, cleaner, more beautiful place to live," Zink said in a statement obtained by the City of Norman news. The upcoming meeting will showcase interactive presentations and solicit direct feedback from Norman residents on their experiences and suggestions for tree growth and maintenance.
The Urban Forest is a collective of all the trees that canopy the city – a verdant blanket draped over yards, parks, and byways of Norman. Norman's standing as a beacon of environmental consciousness continues to grow, just like the trees that shade its streets and parks. The UFMP is envisioned as a crucial piece in this ecological tapestry, ensuring tree health remains a facet of the community's wellbeing.
For individuals interested in contributing their voice to the UFMP's formation, details about the meeting as well as the plan are available at the City of Norman website.
