Albuquerque's Climate Resiliency Action Plan and Parks and Recreation Heritage tree program target canopy growth in low-tree neighborhoods, prioritizing equity in tree planting near ART, schools, and East Central where heat exposure is highest.
Albuquerque has lower canopy than peer Sun Belt cities and uneven distribution, with the International District and Southeast Heights showing the largest deficits. The Climate Resiliency Action Plan funds neighborhood-scale planting, partnering with Tree New Mexico and Parks and Recreation. The Heritage tree program protects designated specimen trees on public and qualifying private land, requiring permits before pruning or removal. Bosque cottonwoods receive additional protection. Equity scoring directs city and grant resources toward heat-vulnerable neighborhoods identified in the resiliency plan.
Removing or substantially damaging a Heritage-designated tree without permit triggers replacement requirements, restoration fees, and code enforcement penalties scaled to tree size and ecological value.
See how Albuquerque's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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