Management Plan

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.