Urban and Community Forestry

Illinois Urban and Community Forestry Program

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program is a part of a nearly 5 billion economic engine in Illinois. The state program helps assist municipalities and local units of government in developing, managing and sustaining local community forestry programs.  Illinois Citizens benefit from this program by living in and near high quality diverse managed forests within TREE CITY USA communities.  These forests are managed for citizen safety, tree health, and aesthetics.   Illinois urban and community forests provide 88% of Illinois citizen with the amenity values of shade, protection from winter winds or summer heat, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, protection from noise pollution, reduce carbon dioxide, increase property values, and they reduce the storm water infiltration rates.  For every dollar spent locally on trees by taxpayers received $4 back in public benefits. Trees PAY US BACK!

FEATURE: COMMUNITY ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CARS) MAP. Check it out!
NEW FEATURE: IMPACTS of TREES - Stories of How Urban and Community Forestry Impact Our Lives​