The city of Knoxville’s Urban Forest Master Plan is available for public comment. Find the 28-page report here.
A steering committee has worked for a year to produce this report, led by Trees Knoxville and the consultant Urban Canopy Works. Comment period closes on February 1, 2024.
Goals include:
- Growth: Increase the urban tree canopy from 38% to 40% by 2040. That doesn’t seem like much, except when you consider that the canopy was at 40% just 10 years ago.
- Better quality: A healthy diversity of native tree species.
- Equitable for all: A healthy, extensive tree canopy for all Knoxville residents.
This report is packed with interesting maps and charts. See which neighborhoods have the most and the fewest trees. Look at trends (the chart shows north Knoxville growing tree canopy slightly while east and south Knoxville are in decline).
The report notes the volunteer groups already working to increase the tree canopy. Many are involved already with the steering group. Most people recognize the health and financial benefits from healthy trees. The challenge is getting a master plan set and then getting to work.
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today Inc.