Urban Forest Management Plan Urban Forest Management Plan

Growing a Healthier Monte Vista:

The City of Monte Vista is proud to continue investing in the future of our community through urban forestry. Thanks to a grant from the UDA Forest Service called the Urban Canopy Forrest Grant, the City is taking important steps to protect, enhance, and expand our community tree canopy, creating lasting benefits for current and future generations.

Trees are much more than a beautiful addition to our streets and parks. They are essential community infrastructure that improves our quality of life, strengthens our environment, supports our local economy, and promotes healthier neighborhoods.

A Project Rooted in Community

The City's primary goal is to protect, enhance, and expand an equitable urban tree canopy so that every neighborhood can experience the environmental, social, economic, and health benefits trees provide—particularly areas with lower tree canopy coverage and limited access to parks and natural spaces.

Through this grant, Monte Vista will assess its existing tree canopy, develop a plan to plant 500 trees over the next two years, ending in 2027, and establish a long-term maintenance plan to ensure those trees remain healthy for generations to come.

Planting Trees Where They Are Needed Most

Trees planted on private property are available to property owners who submit an application and are approved through the program.

All other trees are planted within the City Right-of-Way (ROW). These planting locations were selected using a comprehensive study completed by Super Trees, which identified areas experiencing drought stress and locations where additional tree canopy would provide the greatest environmental and community benefit.

This data-driven approach ensures that new trees are planted where they will have the greatest positive impact on neighborhood health, cooling, stormwater management, and long-term sustainability.

Why Trees Matter

Every tree planted today provides benefits that last for decades.

Lower Energy Costs

Properly placed trees provide shade during the summer and protection from winter winds, reducing household energy costs by up to 25 percent.

Cleaner Water

Trees intercept rainfall, reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and help prevent soil erosion.

Better Physical and Mental Health

Green spaces encourage outdoor activity while reducing stress, anxiety, and heat-related health risks. Access to trees has been shown to improve both physical and mental well-being.

Quieter Neighborhoods

Trees naturally absorb sound and can reduce traffic noise by up to 40 percent, creating more peaceful neighborhoods.

Cooler Streets

Neighborhoods with healthy tree canopies are typically 7 to 9 degrees cooler than those without trees, helping reduce the urban heat island effect during the summer.

Increased Property Values

Healthy, mature trees enhance curb appeal and can increase residential property values while making neighborhoods more attractive places to live.

Cleaner Air and Healthier Wildlife

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, filter air pollutants, release oxygen, and provide essential habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife that contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

Growing Monte Vista Together

The success of this program depends on community involvement. Whether you apply for a tree on your property, request a street tree, or simply help care for the trees in your neighborhood, your participation contributes to a healthier, cooler, and more beautiful Monte Vista.

Every tree planted is an investment in cleaner air, lower energy costs, improved public health, stronger neighborhoods, and a more resilient community. Together, we are growing an urban forest that will benefit Monte Vista for generations to come.

How You Can Receive a Tree

Residents have two opportunities to participate in the City's tree planting program.

Option 1 – Apply for a Tree on Private Property

Property owners may apply to have a tree planted on their private property through the City's tree program. Applications will be reviewed to ensure the location is suitable and supports the goals of the grant.

Option 2 – Sign Up for a Street Tree

Residents may also request a tree to be planted within the City Right-of-Way adjacent to their property, where appropriate.

In some cases, residents may qualify for both a private property tree and a street tree.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact:

Abby Miles
amiles@ci.monte-vista.co.us

DJ Enderle
denderle@ci.monte-vista.co.us