Des Moines targets equitable urban canopy expansion, prioritizing low-canopy neighborhoods such as Capitol East and parts of the south side, with the Climate Action Plan setting a 40% citywide canopy goal and Forestry partnering with nonprofits on planting drives.
DSM canopy currently ranges from over 50% in older neighborhoods such as South of Grand to under 20% in some south-side and east-side areas with historic disinvestment. The 2024 Climate Action Plan and Forestry Master Plan target 40% citywide canopy by 2050 with equity-prioritized planting. Trees Forever, a regional nonprofit, partners with DSM on community planting events. Federal Inflation Reduction Act urban forestry grants administered through Iowa DNR have funded recent equity planting in lower-income blocks identified by canopy mapping analysis.
Aspirational policy: no penalties on private property owners; equity planting is supported via grants rather than mandates.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines addresses urban heat islands through tree planting, cool roof incentives in new commercial construction, and equity-focused canopy expansion in lo...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Forestry Division regulates planting, pruning, and removal of trees in the public parkway between sidewalk and curb; residents must obtain a permi...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Chapter 42, Article X requires a tree removal and mitigation plan before obtaining grading permits, site plans, or subdivision approvals. Mature t...
See how Des Moines's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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