We will establish an urban forestry program, directed by a city forester, to manage and improve the city’s tree canopy. This program’s primary function will be to preserve and manage the existing tree canopy, increase the area with tree cover, and ensure that new projects utilize landscape materials appropriate to Oklahoma City’s climate and environment. This will be accomplished by:
- Monitoring and managing the City’s “urban forest,” the trees on public lands and right-of-ways;
- Providing technical assistance and advice to private residents, businesses, and property owners; and
- Developing enforceable standards and incentives through preparation of an Urban Landscape Guide and revision of the existing landscape ordinance. Ordinance revisions should improve landscape requirements and provide both requirements and incentives for tree preservation in new projects.