DATA SOURCES
The UFMP development process included a substantial amount of data analysis, including analyses of tree canopy cover, public tree inventory data, and review of policies and plans already in place.
Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment
An urban tree canopy (UTC) assessment is an analysis of the amount of tree canopy that covers an area, as seen from aerial photos during summer months (when leaves are on the trees). UTC is expressed in a percent coverage of total land. The first full UTC done for Columbus was completed in 2015 using 2013 aerial imagery. This data, though dated, was analyzed and utilized to help inform the public of existing conditions.
City Inventory of Public Trees
The City of Columbus maintains a complete inventory of all public trees, including street and parks trees. This information is collected by physically visiting each tree on public land and collecting multiple data on that tree and is stored and regularly updated in a GIS-based tree management software. In 1998, the City of Columbus completed an inventory of the city-managed street and park trees.
Plans, Policy & Regulations Review
Existing plans and initiatives already in place, as well as city codes, regulations and policies impacting tree canopy in Columbus were reviewed as part of this project.
Urban Forestry Operations Review
A review of internal city operations related to trees and tree work was completed to identify areas of improvement and increase efficiencies.
Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment
An urban tree canopy (UTC) assessment is an analysis of the amount of tree canopy that covers an area, as seen from aerial photos during summer months (when leaves are on the trees). UTC is expressed in a percent coverage of total land. The first full UTC done for Columbus was completed in 2015 using 2013 aerial imagery. This data, though dated, was analyzed and utilized to help inform the public of existing conditions.
City Inventory of Public Trees
The City of Columbus maintains a complete inventory of all public trees, including street and parks trees. This information is collected by physically visiting each tree on public land and collecting multiple data on that tree and is stored and regularly updated in a GIS-based tree management software. In 1998, the City of Columbus completed an inventory of the city-managed street and park trees.
Plans, Policy & Regulations Review
Existing plans and initiatives already in place, as well as city codes, regulations and policies impacting tree canopy in Columbus were reviewed as part of this project.
Urban Forestry Operations Review
A review of internal city operations related to trees and tree work was completed to identify areas of improvement and increase efficiencies.
Community Engagement
The UFMP project began in Fall 2019 /Winter 2020, with the creation of a Project Team to serve as a steering committee, as well as the development of an engagement plan to reach as many for input as possible. Public input was collected through three Advisory Group workshops, multiple one-on-one interviews, a public meeting, and online comments through the project website.
An Advisory Group of 100+ organizations, agencies, departments, neighborhood representatives, etc. was created and be led through a series of workshops to explore existing conditions, challenges in the community and ideas for solutions, partnerships and more. The presentations and notes from these workshops can be found below.
An Advisory Group of 100+ organizations, agencies, departments, neighborhood representatives, etc. was created and be led through a series of workshops to explore existing conditions, challenges in the community and ideas for solutions, partnerships and more. The presentations and notes from these workshops can be found below.
First Advisory Group Workshop - The Trees - January 30, 2020 Second Advisory Group Workshop - The Players - March 5, 2020 Third Advisory Group Workshop - The Management Approach - April 2, 2020 (VIRTUAL MEETING)
A key piece of the Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) process began in December 2019: a public outreach campaign to engage Columbus residents in the future of the city’s urban forest. The goals were to learn about the public’s priorities related to tree canopy, as well as current challenges in Columbus and potential solutions.
A city-wide open house was held on March 4th to provide an avenue to hear from Columbus residents. Input was also collected via an online comment form, open for comment form. The full public engagement summary report here.
A city-wide open house was held on March 4th to provide an avenue to hear from Columbus residents. Input was also collected via an online comment form, open for comment form. The full public engagement summary report here.
The team also put on presentations to small groups across the city. UFMP Project Lead Rosalie Hendon met with a number of small groups throughout the city during the Discovery Phase of this project, on request. Presentations included:
- Ohio State University CFAES Career Expo, February 11th
- State of the City, February 13th
- Sustainable Columbus External Advisory Board, February 20th, approximately 20 attendees
- Greenspot Advisory Board, February 21st, approximately 20 attendees
- Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Sustainability 2050 - Virtual presentation on March 27th, approximately 40 attendees
