Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly has been awarded a contract to develop California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, in collaboration with Cal Fire and driven by Assembly Bill 2251. As reported by Emily Slater, this ambitious initiative aims to increase statewide tree canopy cover by 10% by 2035, addressing climate change, improving air quality, and fostering equity in green space access. The project, led by Cal Poly’s Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute (UFEI) and spearheaded by biological sciences professor Jenn Yost, leverages cutting-edge data and tools like SelecTree to guide urban forestry management. The plan focuses on expanding canopy cover in disadvantaged communities most affected by extreme heat and limited access to shade.

UFEI’s expertise in urban forestry, backed by advanced neural network-powered mapping techniques that have identified 40 million trees statewide, will inform policies and strategies to ensure equitable distribution of urban forest benefits. The strategic plan emphasizes resilience through biodiversity, actionable goals for cities, and stakeholder engagement to maximize community impact. According to UFEI director Matt Ritter, addressing California’s status as the most urbanized state with the lowest per capita canopy cover is critical to reversing environmental disparities and preparing for climate challenges.

This yearlong effort involves coordination with tribal nations, nonprofits, local governments, and tree professionals to create a comprehensive and inclusive plan. By June 2025, the final roadmap will be delivered to the state legislature, offering data-driven strategies to promote canopy growth and enhance urban forest resilience. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, Cal Poly is poised to deliver transformative solutions to improve urban ecosystems and foster thriving, equitable communities across California.