Wildfire-Ready Communities: Strategies for Resilience and Preparedness

May 7th | Noon MT

This webinar delves into wildfire mitigation, pre-planning, and best practices for incorporating wildfire risk into urban forest management plans. Experts from forestry, fire management, and community engagement will share proactive strategies, including fire-resistant landscaping, community education, and collaborative wildfire mitigation projects across jurisdictions. Attendees will gain valuable insights into certification programs, risk assessment techniques, and practical wildfire prevention solutions. Whether you’re a forestry professional, urban planner, or community leader, this session offers actionable strategies to strengthen wildfire resilience in urban forests and surrounding communities.

SPEAKERS:

• Matt Urmson, PlanIT Geo
• Kamie Long, Colorado State Forest Service
• Cory Ashby, Wildfire Program Administrator – Fuels Management, Colorado Springs Fire Department

Rebuilding Resilience: Post-Wildfire Recovery Strategies for Urban Forests

May 14th | Noon MT

Join us for an in-depth discussion on post-fire recovery and restoration, focusing on erosion control, stabilization, funding opportunities, and reforestation strategies. In this one-hour webinar, industry experts will share critical insights, real-world case studies, and innovative approaches to building fire-resilient landscapes and communities. Our panelists will explore key topics such as research findings, community analysis, hazard tree removal, and ongoing recovery efforts. Whether you’re involved in wildfire mitigation, land management, or community planning, this session will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical solutions for tackling the challenges of post-fire restoration.

SPEAKERS:

• Frank Frievalt, Director, The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute
• Mike Oxendine, Executive Director, Our Community Forests
• Curtis Fosnaugh, Signature Tree Solutions

What Are National Park Cities? 

Imagine a city where nature thrives alongside urban life—a National Park City!  These innovative cities aim to make urban areas greener, healthier, and wilder by enhancing biodiversity, connecting people with nature, and improving quality of life.

• London became the first National Park City in 2019, inspiring a global movement to protect urban biodiversity and create accessible green spaces.
• Chattanooga is the first US National Park City Nominee
• Did you know cities often support incredible wildlife? London, for example, is home to peregrine falcons and thousands of other species!
• These cities rely on community involvement to protect their landscapes and foster environmental stewardship.

New Post-Fire Resource Available!

 UCANR and the USDA Forest Service have released a draft of the Post-Fire Restoration and Recovery Manual for Western Urban Forests! 

Tailored specifically for Western cities, this manual delves into how urban landscapes can be restored to deliver vital ecosystem services while reducing the threat of future fires. Drawing from key research findings and the expertise of urban forestry professionals, the manual offers best management practices (BMPs), along with planning and policy guidelines, for effective post-fire restoration.

Forest Service Layoffs Threaten Urban Resilience

The recent wave of U.S. Forest Service layoffs is more than a workforce reduction—it’s a direct threat to the health, safety, and resilience of our cities. These cuts impact critical roles in wildfire prevention, urban forestry, and ecological restoration, leaving communities more vulnerable to climate challenges. With fewer resources to manage green spaces and mitigate fire risks, the long-term consequences could be devastating for both urban and rural areas.
Now more than ever, we need to advocate for sustainable investments in public lands and urban forestry programs to ensure our cities remain resilient and our ecosystems thrive. 

Atlanta's Alarming Loss of Urban Tree Canopy

Atlanta’s proposed tree ordinance has sparked controversy between city officials and developers: while the city aims to halt dramatic canopy loss by raising tree replacement fees and prioritizing preservation, developers argue these changes—especially an 800% fee increase—would make new and affordable housing projects financially unfeasible. Developers are lobbying to delay or weaken the ordinance, warning it could stall growth and drive up costs, while city leaders and advocates insist stronger protections are essential to preserving Atlanta’s identity and environmental health

The Wisdom of Trees: Urban Forestry and Black Land Ownership in the Subaltern South

At the recent African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium, participants explored how gardening connects to land ownership, cultural storytelling, and healing. From reclaiming Black ecological narratives to celebrating generational traditions, the event highlighted how gardens serve as spaces of restoration, empowerment, and community. 

New York’s Mission to Plant 25 Million Trees by 2033! 

Every tree planted can help fight climate change, improve air quality, and make your community more resilient to extreme weather. Governor Kathy Hochul’s 25 Million Trees Initiative is calling on all New Yorkers to be part of this historic effort. Whether planting one tree or a hundred, every contribution matters!

Here’s how they are encouraging Community involvement:

1️⃣ Plant a Tree: Choose the right tree for your space and start planting!
2️⃣ Track Your Tree: Use the DEC’s Tree Tracker to record your planting and see how it contributes to the statewide goal.
3️⃣ Share Your Impact: Post your tree-planting journey on social media with hashtag#25MillionTreesNY.

Visit the DEC website to learn more.

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