Michigan's urban forests are all around you. Urban and community forests (UCF) are an important component of the entire ecological system. It includes the soil, air, water, wildlife, vegetation, people and their inter-relationships.

Trees are the primary focus of urban forestry concerns, including:

• tree location (public and private lands)
• numbers of trees, tree health condition
• species diversity and distribution
• conservation and preservation
• removal/loss/ replanting
• potential for hazard
• long-term management and planning
• ongoing maintenance and monitoring

Michigan's urban forest resources provide a range of environmental benefits including: reduced energy use, carbon sequestration, oxygen production, erosion control, improved water quality, biophysical diversity (plant and animal) and reduced noise. Trees improve physical and mental health and enhance spiritual, emotional and cultural well-being.

UCF combines the science of forest management with the political, social, economic, and environmental values and attitudes of citizens. Enhancement and restoration of degraded environments can reduce demands on other natural resources and their related values. Clean-up of abandoned lots, tree planting on river corridors and improvement of parks reduce the pressure for expansion of land development by improving the quality of life within urban centers. Retaining properly positioned trees near buildings during construction and otherwise protecting natural resources during development may lower costs and increase benefits, such as reducing heating and cooling costs which reduces dependence on non-renewable resources.

The staff of the Urban & Community Forestry Program advises and assists local units of government (city/village/township/county), community-based organizations, volunteers and individuals in developing and implementing community forestry activities, including:

• Proper tree selection, planting and maintenance
• Community involvement
• Tree ordinance development
• Public awareness and education
• Insect and disease management
• Tree inventories and management planning

Kevin T. Sayers
State Urban Forestry Coordinator:
Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment
Forest Management Division
PO Box 30452
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517.241.4632
Fax: 517.373.2443
Email: sayersk@michigan.gov