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Our metropolitan forest takes many forms:
- wild pristine tree colonies,
- hammocks and prairies,
- residential and public street trees,
- the treescapes along our beaches,
- rivers and lakes,
- the trees of our parks,
- commercial districts,
- government facilities,
- and even oasis trees of the islands in our parking lots.
They form a valuable and appreciating bio-asset, one that
provides tangible benefits in a clearer environment, reduced
energy consumption and habitat for a diversity of wildlife. The
capacity of our urban forest to fulfill its potential relies on
a practical strategy that balances social desires with
ecological and financial potential.
The Forestry Division of Sarasota County is developing an
adaptive Urban Forestry Management Plan, designed to adjust
continuously and incorporate emerging research, technology and
management practices.
The final plan will reflect input of all relevant government
agencies, public foundations and organizations, citizens’ groups
and professional associations, as mutual stakeholders in a
healthy, well-managed urban forest. Its preference shall be for
advocacy and education over regulation. Its underlying
philosophy is to define the urban forest as part of a
community’s infrastructure, and to promote convergence of
organic and man-made urban elements. Its ultimate goals are to
foster positive public and private forestry, and to develop a
collaborative stewardship for a productive and sustainable urban
forest.
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Forestry Links