Community Forestry Survey
Community Forestry Survey
The Town of Jackson wants your input about taking care of our Urban Forest. The Town's urban forest is made up of trees growing on private property, along Town streets, and in parks and public spaces. Parks and Recreation is working with the Town of Jackson to update the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) and related Ordinance about Protection and Care of Trees. The goal: To sustain a healthy urban forest and use as a guide for Town and tree care professionals to manage the community’s trees proactively and effectively. The success of the UFMP relies on the public's input. Please complete the survey below to help us shape the future of community's forest.
SURVEY
Urban Forest
Management Plan
(UFMP)
The goal of the program is to help guide the planting, care, protection, and sustainability of the Town’s urban trees. To ensure this program considers and incorporates resident priorities, the following survey is provided for your voice to be heard. We want to know where focus should be placed as the program is continually improved. We also want your input on the value of a vigorous and engaged urban forestry program in meeting the Town's commitment to sustain a healthy urban forest which impacts water quality, air quality, urban temperature, erosion control, wildlife habitat, property values and so much more.
Town of Jackson Urban Forest facts:
- There are nearly 5,500 trees currently in Parks Departments Tree Inventory software (TreeKeeper). This number includes only public trees inside the Town of Jackson limits.
- The current estimated Eco value of the Town Urban Forest is approximately $2,000,000. This number accounts for things like Greenhouse Gas benefits, water benefits, energy benefits, air quality benefits and property benefits. It does not include the value of the tree itself; this number is closer to $10,000,000-$12,000,000.
- Prior to the settlement of the Town of Jackson there were no trees on the valley floor except for a few golden willows along Cache and Flat Creek. Every tree in the Town of Jackson was planted by someone.
- Currently the Town and County’s “Forestry” Department (Administered through Parks & Recreation) is staffed with 2 full time employees, one of which is a Certified International Society of Arborist (ISA) Arborist and are tasked with Landscaping around Town/County Facilities and all other public spaces.
Definitions:
Street trees: “Street trees” are herein defined as trees, shrubs, bushes, and all other woody vegetation on land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues, ways or alleys within the Town.
Park trees: “Park trees” are herein defined as trees, shrubs, bushes, and all other woody vegetation in parks and all areas owned by the Town or to which the public has free access.
Public (Urban) Community Forest: Public (Urban) community forest is defined as all street and park trees and other trees owned by the Town as a total resource.
Community Forest Manager: The community forest manager is defined as the official (public employee) representative of the Town of Jackson and the Town Urban Forest Council and as such is responsible for administration of the community forest program. The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department Park Planner shall be the Community Forest Manager.