WAFT – Goshen’s Urban Forest

The economic health of Goshen, as with many communities, is closely related to the ability of its municipal government to supply its residents and visitors with efficient services, safe public spaces, and properly maintained infrastructure. Trees are an integral component of the City’s infrastructure and urban environment. When properly maintained, trees return overall benefits and value to the community far in excess of the time and money invested in them for planting, pruning, protection, and removal.

Using remote sensing equipment and geographic information system (GIS) land cover data, the UTC assessment provides an understanding of the amount and distribution of existing tree cover among other land cover types within Goshen’s boundaries.

The purpose of this study is to assess current activities, resources, issues, and perspectives related to Goshen’s overall environmental context. This report provides a snapshot of our context at this particular moment to help evaluate the need and opportunities for an Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to support the Mayor’s Office, the Goshen Parks Department, and other City of Goshen bodies who provide leadership and guidance on environmental issues.

The Goshen Parks & Recreation Department shall provide high-quality and effective recreation programs and special events, facilities and parks that benefit area residents and contribute to Goshen’s economy, environment, wellness and sense of community.

Trees are a vital part of Goshen’s life and infrastructure. Trees provide everyone with some invaluable services- and they do these services more cheaply and efficiently than human designs.

The Shade Tree Board was established from 1992 to 1997 and started again in 1999 to present day. The Board consists of seven members who are residents of the City of Goshen. Four of these members are appointed by the City Council and three are appointed by the Mayor. The Board assists the City Forester, Parks and Recreation Department, elected officials, and the citizens with a variety of urban forest projects, studies, educational programs, and planning.

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department hired FiveCore Media to create a video series to promote the value and benefits of Goshen’s trees. The four videos in this series are based on research commissioned by the Goshen Tree Board and highlights the ecological, economic, social and aesthetic values of Goshen’s diverse and immense tree infrastructure.

Aesthetic values (beautification, sense of well-being, community building) of Goshen’s trees are explored and explained.

Ecological benefits and ecosystem services of Goshen’s trees are explored and explained.

Private and public economic benefits of Goshen’s trees are explored and explained.

Social benefits of Goshen’s trees are explored and explained.

Trees For Goshen is a non-profit formed by citizens of Goshen to preserve the legacy of our urban forest, to expand the benefits it provides, and to grow its capacity for generations to come.