The Valley Chronicle - California invites public input on statewide urban forest canopy plan

Sacramento – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is inviting residents, local governments, nonprofits, and other partners across California to participate in upcoming public comment opportunities for Greening the Golden State: Urban Forest Canopy Plan for California — a strategic plan to expand urban tree canopy 10 percent by 2035.

The public comment process includes opportunities to review draft concepts and provide feedback through an online engagement platform. Input gathered during this process will directly inform the development of the final plan. The public comment session will close at 5:00 PM PST on April 30, 2026. Community members can learn more about the plan, view materials, and submit comments here.

The California Urban Forest Canopy Plan will guide coordinated action among state agencies, regional partners, and local jurisdictions to equitably increase tree canopy where it is needed most while maintaining existing urban forests for future generations.

“Trees are not a luxury. They are our best and most cost-effective defense on the local level to protect humans from extreme heat, and we must treat them as critical infrastructure,” said Walter Passmore, CAL FIRE State Urban Forester. “The California Urban Forest Canopy Plan is an opportunity to make lasting, equitable investments in our communities, and meaningful public input is essential to ensure the plan reflects local priorities, addresses real challenges, and delivers benefits where they are needed most across the state.

Urban tree canopy plays a critical role in reducing extreme heat, improving air quality, managing stormwater, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting community well-being.

The plan will establish a shared vision and strategic framework to expand and sustain tree canopy in communities statewide, improving climate resilience, public health, and quality of life.

Through Assembly Bill 2251, the CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forest Program has been tasked to draft a strategic plan to increase tree canopy cover in urban areas statewide by 2035. CAL FIRE is coordinating the plan in collaboration with California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.

The California Urban Forest Canopy Plan aligns with California’s Climate Commitment goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban forest health, and enhancing the quality of life in urban areas. Funding for this plan is provided by the California Natural Resources Agency. For more information about CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, visit the program page at fire.ca.gov.