City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023) – The City of Rochester is
seeking public input as it updates its urban forest master plan. Last updated
in 2012, the master plan establishes the City’s policies for managing the care
and maintenance of the approximately 64,000 trees that are located along city
streets, and in city parks and cemeteries.
The update process began in September 2023 with an
assessment of the environmental, socio-economic, and health benefits of an
expanded urban forest by Urban Design for Health. This assessment will provide
the framework for the final master plan, which is expected to be completed by
June 2024.
The City has retained Highland Planning to undertake
community engagement, including town hall meetings, public workshops, and an
online survey.
In-person and virtual informational meetings:
- Monday, Dec. 11, 6:30
p.m. at the Water Bureau, Conference Room, 10 Felix St.
- Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6:30
p.m. at the Ibero Action League, 216 Clifford Ave.
- Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6
p.m. Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/RocUrbanForestWebinar
Passcode: 520828
Webinar ID: 857 3434 5670
For Audio Only Call:
646-931-3860
- Monday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m.
at the Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Boulevard
- Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6:30
p.m. at the Children’s School of Rochester #15, Gym, 85 Hillside
Ave.
You’re invited to complete the online survey at any time via
Instant Input by visiting https://tinyurl.com/RochesterUrbanForestSurvey The
updated plan will address issues such as environmental justice, climate change,
species inventory, recommendations on tree species to be planted in the future,
maintenance schedules, and invasive species as well as contain information
about the history of Rochester’s urban forest.
The City of Rochester’s Forestry Division, under the
supervision of City Forester Andrew Place and Department of Environmental
Services Commissioner Richard Perrin, provides tree pruning, planting,
removals, inspections, pest management, and responds to citizen requests
related to the city’s urban forest.
The City recently completed an online Forestry services
dashboard, where website visitors can learn more about City Forestry services,
view interactive maps of services provided, learn more about the history of
trees in our city, and more. For more information and to view the City Forestry
Division Dashboard, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/urbanforestmasterplan.
To contact the Forestry Division, call (585) 428-7581.
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News Media: For more information, contact Communications
Director Barbara Pierce at Barbara.Pierce@cityofrochester.gov.
The Administration of Mayor
Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and
prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.
Guided by the Administration’s Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the “Rochester
2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing
exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative
leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional
and generational growth for all who live, work or play in the city of
Rochester.