The City of Yakima’s urban forestry management plan is available for viewing –
In July 2023, the City of Yakima received a $20,000 Washington State Department of Natural Resources grant to develop an urban forestry management plan for the City’s Public Works Department. In 2024, the City hired consultant ArborPro of Yorba Linda, California to develop the plan.
The plan addresses tree-related issues such as maintenance, tree inventory, assessing tree condition, and pruning. A survey was conducted to gather input from the public about the condition of Yakima’s urban forest and how it can be improved.
The management plan specifically focuses on public trees, which includes trees within City rights-of-way, trees in parks, and on other publicly-owned land within city limits.
ArborPro used existing public tree inventory data that was previously collected by the City to analyze Yakima’s urban forest, of which approximately 90 percent of the trees are in average or good condition. While Yakima is home to 95 different species of trees, it was recommended to diversify the distribution of species in order to maintain a resilient urban forest and prevent disease or other problems from spreading to other trees across the city.
Using the i-Tree Eco application to calculate the monetary value of Yakima’s urban forest, it was determined that the estimated total replacement cost for all public trees is estimated at $23.2 million, based on replacing each tree with one of the same size. On an annual basis, Yakima’s urban forest helps to prevent approximately 273,400 gallons of runoff and produces approximately 162.3 tons of oxygen.
The plan’s recommendations include improving tree maintenance cycles and keeping the tree inventory up to date. It also recommends implementing a comprehensive tree planting plan by assessing potential planting sites with a suggested minimum planting schedule of 20 to 60 trees per year, which could include partnering with local organizations. The planting plan could also include standards for planting, maintenance, and tree removal.
It was recommended that engagement with the community be expanded through educational outreach and public planting events.
As stated in the document, “This management plan serves as a foundational document, designed to guide the City’s efforts in nurturing and expanding its green infrastructure, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.”
The City of Yakima has been a member of Tree City USA since 2017. Visit Yakima Tree Board | Planning Division for information about the Yakima Tree Board and the city’s Public Tree Ordinance.
Contact Senior Planner Eric Crowell at 509-576-6736 for more about the City’s Forestry Management Plan.