HELENA, Mont. – On June 26, 2023 the City of Helena Commission approved a resolution of intention to re-create the City’s Urban Forest District. The vote was the first step in a public process to evaluate the district and determine if it will be re-established. The Commission will consider approving re-creation of the district at a meeting on Aug. 24, 2023.
The City of Helena established an Urban Forest program in the 1990s. The Commission re-created the district in its current format in 2010, allowing the City to hire two arborists for the first time. On July 10, the district’s annual assessment on properties within City-limits funds three full-time Arborists and a three-quarter time Arborist, plus seasonal staff, and equipment needed for their operation. The division is responsible for tree maintenance and management in City parks, boulevards, as well as commercial and downtown shopping areas.
For Fiscal Year 2024, the Urban Forest District assessment is proposed to be $39.00 per tax parcel.
As a result of the district, City staff manages over 11,000 trees within the City. The crew prunes trees on a rotational schedule, tending to 300-400 mature trees and 700-900 young trees each year. Typically, an additional 200-300 trees are planted by Urban Forestry each year. The division responds to concerns about tree health and can remove and replace dead or hazardous trees as necessary. They also help clean up debris following storms.
Finally, the Urban Forest Division serves as a resource for Helena residents and other City departments that are dealing with new trees or tree-related issues. Property owners are responsible for watering boulevard trees and the Urban Forest team is available to help provide recommendations on caretaking of these trees. The Urban Forest team has also led the City’s efforts to prepare for the Emerald Ash Borer and the anticipated impact it will have when it reaches Helena.
When the City Commission approved the creation of the current district in 2010, there was no end-date designated. During the 2021 State of Montana Legislative Session, a bill was passed that requires re-creation of all special districts after 13 years.
More information on the City’s Urban Forest division, and the district, can be found at www.helenamt.gov/urban-forestry/.
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