Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan

Columbus, Ohio

Why

Falling short of its peer cities, the City of Columbus has an urban canopy coverage rate of only 22%. This results in numerous social and environmental impacts such as increased urban heat island effect, reduced property values, and disparities in social equity between Columbus neighborhoods. This project works to diagnose the problem and to determine potential solutions to increase the urban canopy on both publicly and privately-owned property.

How

A multi-disciplinary consultant team is currently completing a public engagement and background research process that will serve as the basis for the development of recommendations and action steps.

Designing Local is providing visual communication design services and public engagement support. Several educational pieces have been produced including an info-graphic packet, presentation boards, slideshow presentation, and a website.

What

The first phase of the process will result in a ‘State of the Urban Forest’ report that will describe in detail various strengths and weaknesses of the urban canopy. This will be used as a starting point for the second phase of the project which will establish creative policy and design solutions.

Client

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department

Team

Urban Canopy Works (Co-Lead)

Davey Resource Group (Co-Lead)

Designing Local

Services

Community Planning

Landscape Architecture

Public Engagement

People

Matt Leasure