Welcome: Parks & Recreation: Forest Commission

Forest Commission

Why a tree?

The Fairfield Community Forest Commission is asked on occasion, "What are the real benefits of trees in our community?"

We enjoy such questions because there are many benefits and much value to having trees.

Besides the aesthetic beauty of the many different species, trees have helped mankind throughout the ages with everything from shelter to transportation, and the benefits continue today.

Many times communities overlook the valuable benefits of how trees help people. Here are just a few of the benefits trees provide us:

Trees moderate and reduce extreme summer temperatures in cities by reducing urban heat islands.
Trees help us use less energy in cooling buildings.
Trees reduce pollution from electricity-generating plants by reducing their demand.
Trees reduce noise pollution of cars.
Trees help moderate ozone levels by reducing elevated temperatures.
Trees help moderate storm water runoff and associated city management costs.
Trees help provide for a variety of wildlife habitats.

Planting trees maximizes the environmental, the economic and the aesthetic benefits of an urban forest. So help everyone by planting a tree this spring in our Fairfield community!

The City of Fairfield Community Forest Commission advises the City for the purpose of maintaining and increasing the amount of tree cover on public and private land in Fairfield. The Commission coordinates, initiates and publicizes activities that affect the community forest by:

Educating the public about the ecological, economic and aesthetic benefits of forests in general and Fairfield's forest in particular.
Enlisting the support of civic groups who can contribute time and/or money to the community forest.
Encouraging property owners to register backyard wildlife habitats.
Reviewing the City's comprehensive tree and planting plan, chapters 901 and 1129 of the codified ordinances of the City of Fairfield, and make recommendations regarding the same.
Pursuing recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation as a "Tree City."

Forest Commission meetings

The Forest Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are held in the Community Room at the Fairfield Community Arts Center.

View Forest Commission agendas and minutes.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Members

The City of Fairfield Community Forest Commission consists of seven members appointed for three year terms by council (except that beginning April 1, 2002, two of the members will have one-year terms; two shall have two-year terms; three shall have three-year terms; and thereafter all members shall have three-year terms).

The members shall be appointed by Fairfield City Council as follows:

Six members to be selected and appointed by the Fairfield City Council.
One member nominated by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and appointed by council.A

All members of the Fairfield Community Forest Commission are required to be qualified electors of the City of Fairfield. In addition, the City manager designates one City staff person to attend meetings of the Community Forest Commission. The staff person is not a voting member of the Community Forest Commission.

Last updated: 1/11/2008