WAKE FOREST, NC – The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of creating a new Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). By assessing the condition of the 21,000 public trees shading Wake Forest’s streets and parks by analyzing on-the-ground inventory and big-picture tree canopy data, the new UFMP will provide a roadmap for managing the community's public trees over the next decade and beyond.
Community input is the cornerstone of this initiative aimed at encouraging community members and Town staff to develop a shared vision for the future of Wake Forest’s trees. The UFMP will then lay out the goals and actions needed to reach that vision. The Town’s last UFMP was developed in 2013, so the current planning effort will provide important updates on how Wake Forest’s urban forest has evolved over the last 13 years.
The Town will host a virtual Community Workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6-7:15 p.m. to review the results of the recent community survey and solicit public input on the goals of the new UFMP. Preregistration is encouraged but not required at https://engagewakeforest.org/urban-forest-management-plan-update.
Wake Forest has contracted the urban forestry firm PlanIT Geo to help guide engagement, research, and development of the UFMP. The project began in early 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2027. For more information, visit https://engagewakeforest.org/urban-forest-management-plan-update or email Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores at ldevores@wakeforestnc.gov.