24-03-2025
State College moves forward with first phase of Urban Forest Master Plan
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) – State College is entering the first phase of its Urban Forest Master Plan, which they hope will let them make more informed environmental decisions in the future.
The borough is currently on phase one of four in total. This first phase includes performing a tree canopy assessment, which indicates how much ground is covered by canopies when viewed from above.
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'The study helps the borough understand the distribution, the health and the density of the community's trees and how it has changed over time,' State College Borough Communications Specialist Kayla Lafferty said.
The other phases include reviewing tree-related ordinances and taking inventory of the total number of trees. Lafferty says the assessment will allow for future planning and more community education about the 'importance of the urban forest.'
'It'll also focus on sustainability, so it will enhance the borough's efforts to combat climate change, improve air quality and provide shade,' Lafferty said.
According to the borough's website, the first phase is set to be complete by the end of March – with the full plan expected in May 2026.
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