Fort Lauderdale advances development of the Urban Forestry Master Plan to guide the city toward a greener and healthier future

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale is putting down roots for a greener tomorrow with the development of its first comprehensive Urban Forestry Master Plan, an effort designed to expand the city’s tree canopy and improve the quality of life for residents. City leaders have set an ambitious goal of reaching 33 percent tree cover by the year 2040, a target that officials say will mean cleaner air, more shade, and a more vibrant environment across neighborhoods.

The Urban Forestry Master Plan is currently in draft form, shaped by months of community feedback gathered through public meetings and surveys earlier this year. Residents, businesses, and local organizations weighed in on what they would like to see in their city’s urban forest, with their input helping to identify both priorities and challenges.

Read also: Families invited to enjoy fall fun at the town of Davie’s free Celebrate Davie community event

City officials emphasized that the Master Plan is not just about planting more trees—it is about creating a long-term strategy for managing and maintaining them. The framework will assess the current health of Fort Lauderdale’s tree canopy, outline areas where coverage needs to increase, and establish guidelines for ongoing care, maintenance, and regulation. “Your input is essential as we develop an Urban Forestry Master Plan to achieve this,” city leaders explained in a statement, stressing that the project depends on active involvement from the community.

The timeline for the plan’s rollout is already in motion. In late September and early October 2025, a draft version will be published online for the public to review and comment on. On Monday, September 29, the city’s consultant, RES, is scheduled to present the draft to the Sustainability Advisory Board. Feedback collected during this stage will be used to revise the plan further in October, with a final version expected to go before the City Commission in November during a Commission Conference meeting.

Read also: Fort Lauderdale residents warned about flooding tides expected between August 20 and 24

The city has already received valuable insight from residents who participated in a survey earlier this spring. Survey responses, now available for review, have been folded into the plan’s goals and recommendations. Officials note that these results highlighted broad support for increasing greenery throughout the city, particularly in areas that currently lack adequate shade and tree coverage.

City planners say the benefits of reaching the 33 percent canopy goal extend well beyond aesthetics. More trees mean reduced urban heat, better stormwater management, improved air quality, and greater resilience against climate impacts. For residents, it also means cooler sidewalks, shaded parks, and greener streets that enhance daily life in a rapidly growing city.

Fort Lauderdale’s Urban Forestry Master Plan is expected to serve as a guide not just for the next few years, but for decades to come. Officials hope that by engaging the public throughout the process, the final version will reflect a shared vision for a healthier and more sustainable future.