Special Meeting: Urban Forestry Commission (In-Person) (Jun 25, 2026)

Asheville Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Recap: Shaping Our City's Trees for the Future (June 25, 2026)

On June 25th, the Asheville Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) held a full-day special meeting focused on charting a course for the future of our city’s trees. This was a significant day, with discussions ranging from how the commission operates to setting goals for a comprehensive plan that will guide tree care and preservation in Asheville for years to come. Here's a breakdown of what happened and why it matters to you:

New Leadership & Streamlined Operations: The meeting kicked off with the election of Karen McNeil as Chair and Ed Macy as Vice-Chair, marking a transition in leadership. The commission also formally approved its “Rules of Procedure,” laying the groundwork for more efficient and transparent operations moving forward. This means clearer processes for making decisions and engaging with the community.

Investing in Our Trees: A New Fee & Lieu Policy is Coming: A major focus of the day was developing a plan for how to best utilize funds collected when developers choose to pay a fee instead of planting trees on their properties. Currently, there isn’t a formal policy for how these funds are spent. The commission is forming a working group (comprising commissioners, representatives from the People & Environment Recovery Board and development community, and city staff) to create a clear policy that prioritizes tree preservation and planting within specific areas of Asheville. This is important because it ensures these funds are directly benefiting our urban forest and helping us achieve our tree canopy goals.

Understanding Our Canopy: Data & Discrepancies A presentation revealed that Asheville currently has 47% tree canopy cover, but raised questions about the accuracy of this data. Discrepancies were noted between SkyTech’s findings (the company that conducted the assessment) and the city's internal data. The commission decided to use SkyTech’s analysis as a baseline, but requested further clarification on their methods and how waterways are factored into the calculations. This highlights the ongoing effort to accurately assess our tree canopy and inform future planning decisions.

Setting Goals: Equity & Community at the Heart of the Plan: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to brainstorming goals for the Urban Forestry Master Plan. Commissioners emphasized a shift away from simply aiming for a specific percentage of tree canopy city-wide, and instead focusing on targeted interventions within neighborhoods. A key theme was prioritizing equity – ensuring that all communities benefit from improved tree canopy and green spaces, addressing historical disparities in access to these resources. The commission is exploring landscape-scale canopy goals for specific neighborhoods, drawing inspiration from successful models in cities like Boston and Tallahassee.

Your Voice Matters: Community Concerns & Next Steps: The meeting included a period for public comment, with residents raising concerns about chemical usage (particularly Roundup) and the need for accessible tree services. A specific case of potential non-compliance with tree protection regulations at a construction site was brought to the commission’s attention. The UFC acknowledged these concerns and committed to addressing them within the Master Plan and future planning efforts.

What Happens Next? The UFC has several key action items:

• The Fee in Lieu Working Group will develop a detailed policy, aiming for completion by late fall.
• Commissioners will review case studies from other cities to inform their policy recommendations.
• City staff will provide clarification on data discrepancies and investigate the construction site issue.
• A draft of potential goals will be presented to the People & Environment Recovery Board for feedback.

Why This Matters to You: The Urban Forestry Commission’s work directly impacts the quality of life in Asheville. Healthy trees provide cleaner air, reduce stormwater runoff, offer shade during hot summers, and enhance our city’s natural beauty. By prioritizing equity, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making, the UFC is working to ensure that all residents benefit from a thriving urban forest. Stay informed by visiting ashevillenc.gov/trees for updates on the Urban Forestry Master Plan and future opportunities to participate in shaping our city’s green spaces.