Whittier Urban Forest Management Plan | District 2 Workshop | October 1, 2026

The City of Whittier held a District 2 community workshop on October 1, 2026, to gather input for a citywide Urban Forest Management Plan, which officials and consultants said is at the information-gathering stage and has not yet been drafted. Michael Baker consultants described the plan’s scope, including tree inventory and canopy data, maintenance and safety, planting priorities, equity, implementation, and possible grant opportunities. The workshop also covered the related California Environmental Quality Act review, including a forthcoming initial study and scoping period, later draft review, and public hearings. No vote or procurement approval occurred at the workshop. The city manager stated that the plan contract was approximately $195,000 and communications support was about $350,000; participants raised questions about a previously authorized EIR contract of roughly $369,000 and how it relates to the plan. The city also discussed pursuing future CalFire grants, a prior unsuccessful $150,000 request, and its use of outside arborists, including West Coast Arborist, while recruiting for city arborist positions.

Public feedback focused on preserving mature and historically significant trees, particularly on Greenleaf and Painter, providing advance notice and an appeal process before removals, improving inspection and maintenance, minimizing root damage to sidewalks and utilities, and prioritizing canopy investments in underserved areas. Participants also requested public progress reports, accessible tree-inventory information, and stronger community involvement. City staff said tree removals are currently reviewed by an arborist and that removal records and reports are available through the city’s online map; the workshop did not establish new policy or make spending decisions.