Urban Forest Management Project

Help Shape the Future of Ellensburg’s Urban Forest

The City of Ellensburg is launching a major initiative to plan for the future of our urban forest! With grant funding from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service, this project will improve tree health, expand our canopy, and ensure that all neighborhoods benefit from the beauty and value of a thriving urban forest.

Through a comprehensive Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) and a major update to our Tree Ordinance and Development Standards, we’re building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and community-driven vision for how we care for Ellensburg’s trees.

What’s This All About?

The Urban Forest Management Project is a citywide effort to make sure Ellensburg’s trees are healthy, resilient, and thoughtfully managed for generations to come. Trees improve our air and water quality, reduce energy costs, support wildlife, and make our community more vibrant and livable.

The project has five key components:

• Park Tree Inventory
  • A GIS-based survey of approximately 6,000 trees in City parks and public facilities, assessing species, condition, size, and more.
• Urban Forest Management Plan
  • A long-term strategy to protect, maintain, and grow Ellensburg’s tree canopy, focused on equity, climate adaptation, and community goals.
  • Includes public engagement, a historic district tree plan, and future management strategies.
• Municipal Tree Ordinance Update
  • A complete rewrite of the existing ordinance to reflect modern best practices in urban forestry, sustainability, and community engagement.
  • Includes stakeholder meetings, legal review, and council adoption.
• Street Tree Standards
  • A new section of the City’s Public Works Development Standards will provide guidance on approved street trees, planting details, and infrastructure offsets.
• Outreach & Education Materials
  • Bilingual brochures, field guides, and more will help residents learn about tree care and get involved in Ellensburg’s urban forestry efforts.

Project Timeline

This is a multi-year project that will take place over 2025 and 2026. This page will be updated regularly as events, engagement opportunities, and milestones are finalized.

How You Can Get Involved

We want to hear from you! Your input will help shape the plan and guide decisions on tree care, planting, and priorities.

Online Survey (CLOSED - August 31st)

The public survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared input! We are now reviewing feedback and drafting the Urban Forest Management Plan.

Community Events

Stop by our booth and chat with staff at upcoming events:

• June 19th   Touch-A-Truck
• July 12th    Ellensburg Farmers Market
• August 2nd    Youth Gladiator Dash
• August 5th    National Night Out 
• August 28th & 29th    Kittitas County Fair (4-H Building)

Questions? Reach Out!

Together with our community, we are excited to grow a healthier, stronger urban forest.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (509) 962-7230.

Funding Acknowledgment:
Funds for this project were provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, administered through the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program.