In May 2012, the City of Edmonton approved a 10-year plan for urban forestry. All trees within city limits are included as part of the urban forest for the Edmonton area; modeling programs indicate that the existing urban forest removed 531 tonnes of pollutants in one year.
The Plan has 3 objectives, each with corresponding short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies:
- Effectively manage, monitor, sustain and ensure the health and growth of Edmonton's urban forest
- The general public, other city agencies, neighbouring communities and partners are informed of the importance and benefits of the urban forest, relevant forestry issues and best management practices
- Protect native forest and tree stands in conjunction with the Office of Biodiversity
