# Whittier Urban Forest Management Plan | District 4 Workshop | September 17, 2026

The City of Whittier held a District 4 community workshop on September 17, 2026, to begin public engagement for its Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) and associated California Environmental Quality Act review. The plan will address the city’s roughly 22,000 public trees, including planting priorities, maintenance, tree removal and replacement, safety, and long-term funding. City staff said the Parkway Tree Manual had been suspended in October 2025 and identified a $7.5 million settlement as a catalyst for developing a broader citywide approach. Michael Baker is assisting with the plan and environmental review; the city manager cited the firm’s experience as the basis for recommending it to the City Council. No contract amount or number was stated, and no procurement vote or award took place at this workshop.

Residents emphasized preserving mature trees, expanding shade and canopy equity, improving maintenance and transparency around removals, and balancing tree preservation with sidewalk accessibility, public safety, and fire risk. Staff described a five-year grid-based trimming cycle and said tree-removal information and documentation would be made available online. The planning and environmental review are still at an early stage, with draft documents anticipated around late 2026 or early 2027 and public hearings tentatively expected in fall 2027. Three additional community workshops were announced.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Environment
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Sources
- [Whittier Urban Forest Management Plan | District 4 Workshop | September 17, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdtO4vyY52M) - City of Whittier