Some of the techniques and tools used in business strategic planning can be applied to urban forest planning. Many strategic planning methods include vision and mission statements. Vision and mission statements are related and may use similar language, but differ in what they describe.

The vision statement describes the desired future outcome that you wish to work towards. Separate vision statements can be developed for the urban forest and for the urban forest program.

The mission statement describes the fundamental purpose of an organization - why it exists. It may describe in general terms how the organization works to fulfill its purpose. It can also list the principles and values of the organization. Mission statements can be developed for organizations such as urban forest programs but don't apply to the urban forest itself.

Many urban forest management plans do not include vision or mission statements. However, such statements can help provide focus to the plan. The vision and mission statements ensure that developers of the plan have a common understanding of the outcome that the plan is working for.

Vision statements go near the front of the document. In some plans, the vision statement is placed before the introduction.

Example

In the examples shown below, the vision statements include elements that describe both the urban forest itself and how it is cared for and valued by the people that manage it. This includes city government departments, residents, and organizations. The City of Seattle's Urban Forest Management Plan has a brief and succinct vision statement:

Seattle's urban forest is a thriving and sustainable mix of tree species and ages that creates a contiguous and healthy ecosystem that is valued and cared for by the City and all of its citizens as an essential environmental, economic, and community asset.

City of Seattle Urban Forest Management Plan, April 2007

The City of Portland, OR, uses a more extensive vision statement. Four paragraphs are used to describe the vision of the city's urban forest in 2020.

PORTLAND’S URBAN FOREST IN 2020

The view from the eastern foothills of Mt. Hood to the ridgelines of the West Hills is a panorama of a healthy and diverse forest with groves of tall native evergreens that identify Portland as a Pacific Northwest city. The health of this urban forest, a mosaic of the planted landscape and the remnant native forest, is a reflection of the city’s health, well-being and livability. These trees and other plants are a vital part of Portland’s character, giving it a special sense of place.

The urban forest canopy is cohesive, not fragmented, because development includes trees as part of the total vision for sustainable development. The air and water are cleaner because the trees and other plants remove pollution from the air and reduce runoff. Fish and wildlife have healthy habitats. Open spaces and urban stream corridors define a sense of space in our communities while providing a quiet respite from hectic urban life. Tree-lined streets offer shade and protect us from inclement weather. Shoppers frequent shaded business districts where trees help save energy, reduce noise and soften the hard edges of structures and paved areas.

Coordinated management of the urban forest occurs because city agencies, businesses, civic organizations and residents have formed partnerships to make a place for trees in the city. Portlanders recognize trees as a vital, functioning part of the city’s infrastructure and ecosystem and provide adequate, stable funding to maintain and enhance the urban forest.

We have achieved a healthy, sustained urban forest, carefully managed and cared for, which contributes to the economic and environmental well-being of the city. Portland has made room for trees.

Portland Urban Forestry Management Plan 2004 Prepared by Portland Parks & Recreation and the Urban Forestry Management Plan Technical Advisory Committee.

The City of Ithaca, NY also uses an extended vision statement with a specific timeline:

By the year 2015, Ithaca's Community Forest will be multi-aged, fully stocked, healthy, and safe. It will contain a wide variety of appropriate species and be maintained on a low cost but regularly scheduled basis. It will contribute to the general welfare of our residents by reducing energy costs, increasing property values, providing homes for wildlife, beautifying all neighborhoods, and projecting an image of quality to visitors and prospective businesses. Care of public trees will be used as means to educate and inspire residents to care for trees on private property.

The City of Ithaca will cooperate in urban forestry research with Cornell University and other agencies to ensure that we will lead the nation in developing and utilizing better methods in our urban forestry program. The citizens of Ithaca will have an important role in community forestry by participating in programs such as Citizen Pruners and Ithaca Tree Works or by serving on the Shade Tree Advisory Committee. The City of Ithaca Forestry Program will be accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists and will be an annual recipient of the National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award.

Master Plan for Ithaca, Parks and Forestry

This example shows vision statements that pertain to the Town of Oakville's urban forest and its urban forest program:

Oakville's urban forest, an equal part of the community's infrastructure, contributes positively to the health of all residents. Oakville is a proud leader in urban forest stewardship.

The accompanying mission statement for the urban forest program is:

... protecting and enhancing the health and diversity of our urban forest to ensure the economic, environmental, and social benefits for future generations.

Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan Town of Oakville: 2008-2027. Prepared by Urban Forest Innovations Inc, and Dr. Andy Kenney, with inputs and amendments by Town of Oakville Forestry staff. March 2008

This mission statement example is for a nonprofit organization that promotes urban and community forestry programs:

Our mission is to enhance quality of life by promoting the benefits of trees and development of sustainable community forests through education, outreach, and partnerships.

Arkansas Urban Forestry Council

Work plan

Outline

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