Urban Forest Management Plan Update

Project Overview

The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of creating a new Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). The new UFMP will provide a roadmap for managing the community's public trees over the next decade and beyond. The UFMP will assess the condition of the 21,000 public trees shading Wake Forest’s streets and parks by analyzing on-the-ground inventory data and big-picture tree canopy data.

The core component of this plan is to work with the community and Town staff to develop a shared vision for the future of Wake Forest’s trees. The UFMP will then lay out the goals and actions needed to reach that vision. The Town’s last UFMP was developed in 2013, so this current planning effort will provide important updates on how the urban forest has evolved over the last 13 years

Wake Forest has contracted the urban forestry firm PlanIT Geo to help guide engagement, research, and development of the UFMP. The project began in early 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2027. There will be several opportunities for public input on this project through the summer and fall of 2026.

Community Workshop Public Meeting – September 22

The Town will host a virtual Community Workshop on Tuesday, September 22nd, from 6-7:15 p.m. to review the results of the community survey and gather input on goals for the new Urban Forest Management Plan. Preregistration is encouraged but not required.

Meeting Registration Link

Community Kickoff Public Meeting - July 28

The Town hosted a virtual Community Kickoff Public Meeting on Tuesday, July 28, to share the ongoing process of developing a new UFMP and solicit public input. The meeting recording and slides are available below.

Community Kickoff Recording

Community Kickoff Slides

Community Survey

A public survey on urban forest priorities collected responses from July 7 through August 14. The 310 responses are currently being summarized, and the results will be shared in a report and at the Community Workshop meeting.

Share Your Feedback

You're also invited to submit any questions or concerns you have using the "Share Your Feedback" form below.