Effective and sustained stewardship of the urban forest can be accomplished only on the basis of a comprehensive urban forest plan.
(A) The Urban Forester, with the advice and assistance of the Board and the City Department of Public Works, shall prepare the Covington Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) for adoption by the City Commission. The process for developing the UFMP shall:
(1) Include an assessment of the current condition of the urban forest;
(2) Create a vision and goals that incorporate community values;
(3) Consider and reference existing plans that relate to trees, including the city’s landscape regulations; and
(4) Include strategies and activities for achieving the envisioned urban forest, i.e., specific guidance to agencies and the public by developing education programs, establishing continuous and consistent tree care practices, identifying funding priorities and opportunities, and assuring that all needs of the urban forest are recognized and addressed.
(B) The UFMP, or any amendments thereto, shall be forwarded to City Commission for review and recommendations before adoption.
(C) The Urban Forester, with the advice and assistance of the Public Works Department, shall collect and maintain all records and data necessary to objectively evaluate progress in attaining stated goals of the UFMP.
(Ord. O-20-20, passed 9-15-2020)