Urban Forest Master Plan

On August 19, you may notice this greehill truck driving around Bloomington. This innovation is part of our Urban Forest Master Plan project which will be conducting a tree inventory. Learn about the tree inventory in this short video.

The trees throughout Bloomington are an asset that bring value and benefits to the community. The City recognizes this asset and is working to ensure it continues bringing value and benefits to its residents for generations to come. The urban forest provides environmental benefits, adds to property values, and contributes to an enhanced quality of life for all Bloomington residents and visitors. Stressors such as invasive pests like EAB, diseases, the changing climate, air and water pollution, compacted soils, limited growing spaces, and limited resources are all factors to consider when planning for the healthy growth of an urban forest.These trees will be planted at parks across Bloomington.

Davey Resource Group is a nationally recognized leader in innovation, research and development of creative solutions for urban forestry. With this project they will conduct an operational assessment, review tree related ordinances/policy engage other staff, stakeholders and the community to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan to guide the future of Bloomington’s Forest canopy. The plan consists of four parts

1. Urban Tree Canopy Assessment utilizing GIS to map tree canopy, conduct analyses, and understand the extent and location of tree canopy.
2. Right of Way Tree Inventory to locate, identify and assess an estimated 35,000 trees located within the public right-of-way.
3. Urban Forest Master Plan document will be a shared vision through public engagement, merged with data collected during inventory and canopy analysis phases to develop a roadmap for the future management of Bloomington’s Urban Forest. Identify what strategies and level of service the public desires as it pertains to forestry operations.
4. Treekeeper Canopy is a versatile software service that helps you observe, prioritize, and share your tree canopy assessment data. Users can interact with tree inventory and canopy assessment data in a variety of helpful ways. It can be used to coordinate work for City crews or outside contractors or sharing information with the public such as Eco-Benefits, Inventory, Urban Forestry Value and Canopy Coverage.

The Park System Master plan (PSMP) goals for natural resources are foundational to this project. Specifically: Develop an urban forest inventory to understand and increase the park system’s resiliency by diversifying the species composition.

The process will explore opportunities to advance our forestry operations to a higher level. Including an expanded program to increase canopy cover through boulevard tree planting. This project will help us target with greater accuracy and efficiency what neighborhoods are in the greatest need for reforestation projects, required resources, and an action plan to implement. Having a more current and comprehensive tree inventory along with an inclusive management plan will help us move into a more proactive Urban Forest regime.

The approximate timeline for data collection, stakeholder/community engagement is expected to take place throughout 2025 with final plan delivery expected in Q1 2026.