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.
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. Over the next several months, the Town will offer several opportunities for public input beginning with a Community Kickoff and community survey.
The Town will host a virtual Community Kickoff Public Meeting on Monday, July 28, from 6-7 p.m. to explain the process of developing a new UFMP and solicit public input. Preregistration is encouraged but not required at https://engagewakeforest.org/urban-forest-management-plan-update.
Community members are also invited to provide their input via an online survey at https://engagewakeforest.org/urban-forest-management-plan-update. Available through Friday, Aug. 14, the survey takes less than five minutes to complete. After gathering input and assessing data, more specific strategies and actions will be developed and shared for feedback.
For more information, visit https://engagewakeforest.org/urban-forest-management-plan-update or email Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores at ldevores@wakeforestnc.gov.