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Newman adopts first urban forest plan to grow greener future
urban forest
A still-young tree takes root in a Newman park as part of the city’s newly adopted Urban Forest Management Plan. Approved unanimously by the City Council on June 10, the 15-year strategy aims to grow Newman’s tree canopy from 6.9% to up to 12% by 2040, with support from a Cal Fire Urban & Community Forestry Grant. The plan marks a major step toward a healthier, more sustainable community. - photo by Sabra Stafford

NEWMAN — The Newman City Council on June 10 unanimously adopted the city’s first Urban Forest Management Plan, a strategic blueprint aimed at expanding tree canopy, improving environmental health and enhancing public spaces over the next 15 years.

Funded largely by a Cal Fire Urban & Community Forestry Grant awarded in 2022, the plan outlines goals to increase the city’s tree canopy from its current 6.9% to 10–12% by 2040. The grant provided $203,694 toward the $270,859 project cost, with the city contributing a $67,165 local match from its General Fund and Landscape and Lighting District fund.

“This plan marks a major milestone in how we care for and grow our urban forest,” said city staff in a report to council. “It’s a proactive step toward a healthier, more sustainable Newman.”

The Urban Forest Management Plan was developed in partnership with Davey Resource Group, Inc., which conducted a comprehensive tree inventory in 2024. The inventory identified 2,239 public trees across parks, medians and rights-of-way, along with 433 available planting sites. The city’s most common species include Chinese pistache, narrow-leaf ash and London plane.

City trees were found to be in fair or better condition and provide an estimated $14,428 in annual environmental benefits, including 31.3 tons of carbon dioxide sequestered, 1 ton of air pollutants removed and more than 150,000 gallons of stormwater intercepted. Across the broader urban forest, Newman’s trees contribute $47,714 in annual benefits and have stored 3,424 tons of carbon over their lifespans.

To meet canopy goals, the plan recommends planting between 17 and 125 trees annually. In December 2024, the city partnered with the California Conservation Corps to plant 200 trees in various public locations.

The plan also calls for routine maintenance, improved staffing and funding alignment, and expanded community outreach. It includes policy recommendations to strengthen tree protection and promote urban forestry education.

Replacing the city’s existing public trees with those of similar size and condition would cost an estimated $8.3 million, according to the report.

“This is more than a tree plan—it’s a community investment,” staff said. “It positions Newman to grow greener, safer and more resilient for generations to come.”