MORENCI — The city of Morenci is developing a long-term Urban Forestry Management Plan and is seeking input from residents to help shape it.
Thanks to funding from the Michigan DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry IRA Grant, the project will begin with a city-wide inventory and health assessment of all trees in public spaces. Certified arborists will be surveying Morenci’s streets, assessing and mapping trees located in parks, cemeteries, public rights-of-way, and other city-owned properties.
No information will be collected from private property, as this effort is focused solely on trees in public spaces.
The information gathered will guide the creation of a comprehensive 20-year Forestry Management Plan. This plan will support future tree planting efforts, improve care for the existing tree canopy, and explore opportunities for new programs to help sustain and protect this valuable community resource.
Residents’ input is an important part of this process. The city invites residents to share what they value about Morenci’s trees, their views on current tree management, and ideas for the future. This feedback will help shape a plan that reflects the community’s vision and priorities.
A community open house will be held with the city’s forestry consultant and certified arborist on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 4-6 p.m. at the Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St. This informal, drop-in style meeting will have no formal presentation, allowing residents to stop by at their convenience to ask questions, review materials, and provide input.