Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Florida’s Laws are Not Always Sunny: Lessons learned on state vs. city tree policy

June 27, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT

Join us for a UCFS Learning Series webinar!

Every day, laws are passed all over the world that impact local municipalities. When Florida lawmakers passed Florida Statute 163.045 it created waves across the urban forestry community. Passed in 2021, this statute brought unforeseen challenges to the tree care industry, reshaping both its practices and ethical considerations. As originally written, the law stated:

“A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property if the owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property.”

In this webinar we will to take an in depth look at how vague laws can lead to unforeseen outcomes and impacts on the urban canopy. From navigating regulatory compliance to grappling with ethical dilemmas, we’ll explore the multifaceted impact of how state policy has impacted local municipalities and other tree care professionals in Florida.

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Describe and explain the unintended and negative impacts of state laws on local municipalities.
2. Identify and explain how laws can be improved with industry input.
3. Describe various ethical dilemmas experienced by arborists once laws go into effect.

This webinar is approved for one ISA CEU.

 

Click here to register today!

Details

Date:
June 27, 2024
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT

2025 UCFS Pre-Conference Tour

Climate Resilience Through Smarter Landscapes

Monday, November 17 from 1:00-4:00pm

To join us, add the tour with your registration!

Join the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) and the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation for a half-day bus tour exploring how urban forestry practices are evolving to meet the challenges of a hotter, drier climate. This tour is designed for practitioners, planners, and policymakers interested in practical, replicable strategies for building climate-resilient urban landscapes with limited water resources.

Throughout the tour, we’ll explore how cities can proactively adapt to aridification by redesigning public spaces, rethinking irrigation systems, and collaborating across departments and with community partners. Expect a balance of big-picture strategy and actionable detail.

Featured Tour Stops and Highlights:

🌿 Turf Removal & Tree Replacement at Community Parks
See how traditional grass lawns are being replaced with water-smart landscapes by the City of Henderson. At one park site, learn how a communication challenge over tree removals evolved into a model of public engagement, resulting in more—and better—trees planted with long-term resilience in mind.

🦉 Bird Preserve and Partnership with Audubon Society
Explore a vibrant bird preserve developed through a partnership between the City of Henderson and the local Audubon Society. Discover how external collaborations can unlock funding (including grants) and expand habitat while boosting urban canopy goals.

🚧 Street Diet and Green Infrastructure
Visit a transformed urban street where pavement removal made way for tree planting pits and green infrastructure. This site demonstrates how every tree in Henderson is planted with a sustainable irrigation plan—and how all cities can innovate in the right-of-way.

💧 Irrigation Systems & Incentive Programs
Get practical insights on installing and maintaining efficient irrigation systems in challenging settings. Learn how internal and external partnerships (including with the Southern Nevada Water Authority) are creating incentives that drive real change toward water-wise tree planting and landscaping.

What You’ll Take Home:

  • Practical tips for managing urban forests with less water
  • Strategies for working across departments and building collaborative teams
  • Lessons from real-world partnerships with nonprofits, utilities, and the public
  • Inspiration to rethink green infrastructure in your community

Special Guests:

We’ll be joined on the tour by guest speakers from the, local Audubon Society, City of Henderson Sustainability Office and the Southern Nevada Water Authority, who will share insider perspectives on interagency collaboration and the mechanics of water incentive programs.