The City of Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation Forestry Section is currently conducting a citywide Urban Tree Canopy Assessment in tandem with developing Saint Paul’s first data-driven Urban Forest Management Plan. Supported by funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2025 ReLeaf Grants Program, the City has partnered with a consulting team led by PlanIT Geo alongside American Forests and Goff Public to complete this assessment and planning effort.
Utilizing high-resolution aerial imagery and artificial intelligence classification, this updated assessment will evaluate current canopy coverage, analyze ecosystem services, and quantify canopy changes since the City's baseline 2010 analysis. The study directly evaluates losses driven by Emerald Ash Borer management, major storms, drought, and development pressure, while establishing a transparent, equity-centered framework to prioritize future tree plantings across all 17 District Councils and City Wards. Community engagement opportunities, public open houses, and draft plan updates will take place throughout the project, leading up to final plan completion in mid-2027.