Urban Forestry Program Evaluations for a Thriving Urban Forest

February 12, 2025 | Chris Peiffer, Director of Urban Forestry Strategy | PlanIT Geo, Inc.

Urban forestry programs are as diverse as the trees they manage; Some are towering giants of efficiency, while others are still saplings finding their footing, however, one thing rings true for all: program evaluations are the secret sauce to maximizing impact. Think of it as an arborist’s check-up for your urban forest program – a way to assess its health, identify areas for growth, and ensure it thrives for generations to come.

As urban forest management planning consultants, we’ve seen it all. We’ve completed (or are in the thick of) over 60 planning projects, and the vast majority involve program evaluations, assessments, gap analyses, and audits. No matter the name, they have helped us cultivate a deeper understanding of what makes a program thrive (or struggle) and how to help communities avoid or close the gaps. We apply these lessons to each new project and community we serve, from sprawling metropolises to cozy towns, we’ve helped communities across North America dig deep, analyze their programs, and develop data-driven plans, programs, and policies that actually work.

Urban Forestry Program Evaluation

What patterns have we uncovered in the urban forest landscape? Several significant trends have quickly become apparent. Many programs boast dedicated staff (a key indicator of a good score for your evaluation!), clear lines of authority, and established community frameworks. The struggle is real when it comes to funding, long-term planning (especially for disasters), effective and enforced tree ordinances, and proactive maintenance. Sound familiar?

Our evaluations paint a clear picture: high-scoring programs typically have dedicated staff, a living and working management plan, proactive tree care, and supportive policies. Lower-scoring programs often lack a formal structure, a dedicated budget, effective and inclusive community engagement, or a clear work plan. We’ve seen programs so overwhelmed with competing demands they don’t know where to start or how to target efforts when there are limited resources.

Unlock You Urban Forest’s Potential

To deliver services that result in these outcomes, we’re constantly refining our tools and protocols, staying on top of the latest advancements, and implementing them to effectively evaluate programs and identify strategies.

Our resources range from foundational works to the very latest resources including:

• A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability (Clark et al., 1997)
• U.S. Forest Service’s, Urban Forest Sustainability and Management Audit System (Abbot et al., 2016)
• Criteria and Indicators for Strategic Urban Forest Planning and Management (Kenney et al., 2011)
• Vibrant Cities Lab’s Community Assessment and Goal-setting Tool
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) Urban and Community Forestry Sustainability Standard (UCFSS). The UCFSS offers a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving urban forest sustainability, and grant funds are currently available to support communities in conducting a UCFSS assessment through SFI’s Urban Forest Improvement Grant. You can find more information about the Urban Forest Improvement Grant here.

The Right Approach for You and Your Urban Forestry Program

Because every program is unique, our approach is tailored to your specific needs. Are you:

1. Starting from scratch? We’ll help you conduct an initial assessment, explore funding opportunities, build your evaluation team, and identify priority actions to take.
2. Dealing with an outdated evaluation? We’ll help you update your data, reassess your program, document progress, and zero in on key areas using the latest frameworks and best practices.
3. Do you have a recent evaluation? Let’s dive deeper, benchmark against best practices, develop strategies for continuous improvement, and ensure your program is sustainable and provides even greater positive impacts in your community.

Don’t let your urban or community forestry program just exist – let it flourish. Contact us today to discover how a program evaluation can maximize your resources to cultivate a greener, healthier, and more resilient community. We can even help you apply for the SFI Urban Forest Improvement Grant to start you on the right path. Let’s grow together!