The LA County Community Forest Management Plan and OurCounty Sustainability Plan target a 50 percent canopy increase in low-canopy unincorporated communities by 2045. DPW, Parks, and Public Health prioritize free plantings in Southeast LA and Antelope Valley equity zones.
LA County's Community Forest Management Plan, adopted alongside the 2019 OurCounty Sustainability Plan, sets equity-driven canopy goals. Heat Equity Zones — including Florence-Graham, Walnut Park, East LA, Willowbrook, Palmdale-adjacent unincorporated tracts, and Antelope Valley low-canopy pockets — are prioritized for free street and yard tree planting through partnerships among Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Public Health, TreePeople, and North East Trees. The plan targets a 50 percent canopy increase by 2045 in low-canopy areas (currently 5-12 percent canopy versus 30 percent county average). The county also funds 3-year establishment care, mulch, and watering during drought years, removing the cost barrier that typically suppresses canopy in renter-heavy and lower-income tracts.
The canopy initiative is a planning and grant program, not regulatory. No fines apply to residents. Property owners may decline a planted tree at the planning visit. Damage to county-funded trees during 3-year establishment voids program participation.
See how Santa Monica's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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