Urban Forestry Commission: June 25, 2026

The City of Asheville Urban Forestry Commission held a special meeting on June 25, 2026, focusing primarily on urban forestry policy development and planning. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the development of an administrative policy for the city's tree canopy fee in lieu funds, which currently total about $500,000. Staff outlined the policy framework, including guidelines for fee collection, land acquisition, tree planting, and preservation, with references to similar policies in other cities. The commission discussed the formation of a working group to develop the policy further, including members from the commission, community, and development sectors, with plans to complete the policy before the city council considers the urban forestry master plan. Additionally, the meeting included a detailed presentation of recent urban canopy assessments by SkyTech, highlighting canopy loss due to storm damage and development, and the challenges of accurate canopy measurement. Public comments emphasized the importance of restoring the Urban Forestry Commission's role, community engagement, and equitable tree canopy distribution. The meeting concluded with a work session on setting urban forestry goals, emphasizing equity, quality of tree planting, community engagement, and treating trees as critical infrastructure. The commission expressed a desire for ongoing involvement in policy development and clearer communication regarding meeting procedures and quorum rules.