The urban forest provides a wealth of benefits to neighborhoods and residents through the reduction of energy consumption, the removal of pollutants from the air and water, reduction in stormwater flows, increased valuation of private property, increased worker productivity, reduction in stress and violent crime, as well as providing recreational opportunities and aesthetic diversity. The Natural Resources Planning Department fosters scientific-based studies to maximize the beneficial interactions between citizens and nature.
Residents Needed for City of Tampa's Tree Preservation Committee
The City of Tampa is seeking to fill eleven positions on the newly formed Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC), representing a variety of roles, including engineer, builder, certified arborist and more. The committee stems from the City of Tampa’s Urban Forest Management Plan, which optimizes and protects the benefits of our urban forest. Members of the committee, who must be City of Tampa Residents, will provide periodic guidance and input through the Plan’s process.
Requirements:
- Must be a City of Tampa Resident
- Must meet the minimum qualifications of the designated role
- Embody the values of the community with respect to natural resources conservation and protection
- Represent the interests of all stakeholders in an objective manner
- Have no conflicts that would interfere with participating on the Committee
The membership of the committee will consist of 11 individuals, representing the roles listed below.
Role | Appointing Authority | |
1 | Certified Arborist | Mayor |
2 | Developer/Builder | Mayor |
3 | Engineer | Mayor |
4 | Professional Scientist | Mayor |
5 | Landscape Architect | Mayor |
6 | Real Estate Professional | Mayor |
7 | Neighborhood Representative | Council |
8 | Neighborhood Representative | Council |
9 | Neighborhood Representative | Council |
10 | Neighborhood Representative | Council |
11 | Neighborhood Representative | Council |
The NRAC will have a minimum of two meetings annually. Meeting frequency and schedule will be determined based on the update to the plan and the need for continued guidance from the NRAC throughout the subsequent implementation and monitoring period. Additional meetings may be scheduled based on need and available resources.
If you are interested in applying for one of these available positions, please click the link below to access the City’s application portal. The application period will remain open until January 15, 2025.
To Apply Click Here and choose Initial and Reappointment Online Form.
Urban Forest Economic Benefits
- Each year, Tampa’s urban forest:
- Reduces 808 tons of air pollutants that cause respiratory problems — eliminating an estimated $4.5 million in health care costs
- Reduces residential building air conditioning (shading) and heating (wind break) costs by $7 million
- Reduces 50 million cubic feet of stormwater runoff (valued at $3.4 million)
- Stores 865 million tons of carbon in trees and woody shrubs (valued at $112 million)
- Sequesters 62,000 tons/year of atmospheric carbon by trees and shrubs (valued at $8 million)
- In addition to the $134.9 million dollars in ecosystem services listed above, an investigation into home prices and tree cover conducted as part of this assessment found:
- The sale price of single-family homes increased between $155 to $164 for every 1% increase in tree canopy within the 500-foot neighborhood surrounding the house lot.
- With 32% canopy coverage citywide, Tampa’s urban forest increases home values by $5,248 on average.
For questions or inquiries regarding natural resources planning, please contact:
Brian Knox - Senior Forester Examiner, City Planning Department
City of Tampa - 1400 N. Boulevard - Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 274-3187
Email: brian.knox@tampagov.net