Program on the Environment

An expanding abundance of urban forestry research acknowledges the benefits of trees on the environment, economy, public safety, as well as human health and well-being. Across the United States, many municipalities and non-profits are proactively investing in urban forestry as a form of green infrastructure to address increasing issues of population growth and climate change, including Washington state. However, despite widescale support, urban tree canopy coverage remains inequitably distributed based on race and income in the Puget Sound region. The primary aim of this study is to understand how urban tree canopy enhancement projects in the Puget Sound are addressing equity concerns in urban forestry and the barriers to do so. Formal interviews were used to obtain information from ten practitioners of various backgrounds and affiliations involved in tree canopy enhancement projects. These interviews explored the diversity of project sites, goals, approaches and outcomes of tree canopy enhancement. Four main methodologies of conducting equitable tree canopy enhancement projects were commonly cited: outreach, community involvement, education and organizational collaboration. From this emerged three major barriers to incorporating equity: funding, volunteers and maintenance. Understanding the current methodology and barriers to urban tree canopy enhancement projects is essential to improving the distribution of urban tree canopy coverage. To build a more equitable urban forest, future tree canopy enhancement projects must target underserved communities and increase community involvement at all levels of urban forestry. An equitable urban forest can help create a healthy and resilient landscape in the Puget Sound region, benefitting both nature and humans.