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INTRODUCTION <br /> Trees growing within cities and towns form a forest, an urban forest that softens the <br /> rough edges of concrete communities. City trees provide shade, beauty and wind <br /> protection. Trees filter air, muffle noises, protect soil, and create habitat for birds. <br /> Trees increase property values, screen between buildings and camouflage blighted <br /> areas. Many city- dwellers take great pleasure in the trees which grace their <br /> communities. <br /> To ensure that these benefits continue, the urban forest must be managed with the same <br /> skill and diligence as any stand of timber. "Eugene's Urban Forest: A Guide to <br /> Preservation and Development" describes the elements of a successful urban <br /> forestry program for the City of Eugene. <br /> The urban forest includes native or introduced trees and related vegetation that grow <br /> along streets, in parks, around homes, in natural areas, and on other private and public <br /> properties. These areas support a variety of land -uses and withstand a variety of <br /> stresses associated with the human environment, such as vandalism, pollution, neglect <br /> and the pressure of development. <br /> Eugene, like most cities, desires economic development. Quality of life is one <br /> important factor in attracting new business. Sound tree preservation and planting <br /> policies can increase the chances that the urban environment will remain healthy and <br /> attractive. This guide can be, therefore, an important tool for economic development. <br /> Urban forestry programs strive to enhance human environments to make living and <br /> working in the city healthy, pleasant and productive. Though there is not a single "right <br /> way" to design and implement an urban forestry program, this guide describes several <br /> components necessary for a successful program: 1) educating the public on tree care, <br /> 2) establishing policies that guide the urban forestry program, 3) obtaining the <br /> funding to support the program, 4) developing a master plan to set priorities for work <br /> and to identify spaces available for trees, 5) managing ongoing operations, such as <br /> planting, maintaining and replacing trees. <br /> This guide describes these components of an urban forestry program in a simple <br /> manner for use by city staff, active citizens, and the City Council. The goal is to assist <br /> this team of city staff, local citizens and community leaders in developing and <br /> maintaining an ongoing urban forestry program. <br />