Urban Forestry Program
It is the goal of H-GAC's regional urban forestry program to improve the health and diversity of the region's urban forests and increase public awareness about the environmental benefits of trees in the urban setting.
The program integrates urban forestry data into H-GAC's Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and develops and implements an urban forestry blueprint that identifies and prioritizes urban forestry conservation and restoration projects across the region. The program relies heavily upon cooperation from local municipalities and governments and includes opportunities for public education and community-based volunteer opportunities
Urban Forestry Objectives
The primary objectives of the program include providing technical assistance to support the development of tree inventories, canopy cover assessments, tree planting lists, ordinances, and tree management plans; identifying and mitigating localized "hot spots"; and, reducing heat island effects.
Click here for more detailed Urban Forestry Objectives or visit the Publications page.
Click here to read about the many economic and environmental values of trees.
TreePrint - REGISTER NOW!
TreePrint is a workshop that will provide decision makers the tools necessary to quantify the economic benefits of urban forests and help foster community involvement and awareness of urban forestry programs. Click here to learn more.
For more information on the Urban Forestry or Community Trees Programs, please contact Chuck Wemple by phone (713) 993-4514 or email cwemple@h-gac.com.
Community Trees
H-GAC can provide technical and financial assistance to cities, counties and non-profit organizations seeking to increase the number and diversity of trees in their communities. The Community Trees program is designed to provide small amounts of funding to purchase trees for community-based plantings in parks, public gathering places, and community gateways.