YAKIMA, Wash. – The City of Yakima has released an urban forestry management plan, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in 2023.
The plan, developed by ArborPro, addresses key tree-related issues such as maintenance, tree inventory and pruning. A public survey gathered insights on Yakima’s urban forest condition and improvement ideas.
Focusing on public trees within city limits, ArborPro analyzed existing data, finding about 90% of Yakima’s trees are in average or good condition. The city has 95 different tree species and aims to diversify to prevent disease spread.
The plan highlights the economic value of Yakima’s urban forest, with a replacement cost estimated at $23.2 million. The forest prevents significant runoff and generates oxygen annually.
Recommendations include improving maintenance cycles, updating the tree inventory and implementing a tree planting plan with 20 to 60 new trees annually. Community engagement through educational outreach and planting events is also advised.
“This management plan serves as a foundational document, designed to guide the City’s efforts in nurturing and expanding its green infrastructure,” the document stated.
Find the full document on the City’s website.
