Ensure that shade and a climate-appropriate, healthy community tree canopy are equitably distributed

The community forest—made up of trees on both public and private lands—is an essential part of a healthy neighborhood. Spread equitably and supported by other greening measures, a well-managed community forest throughout LA County can deliver healthier soils, biodiversity, habitats, shading from heat, and greater community health and well-being. As a part of this strategy, the County will focus on implementing Room to Grow, the County’s first ever Community Forest Management Plan, which prioritizes resilient, climate-appropriate trees and shade equity. The plan also supports conserving mature trees and properly managing resources to ensure that trees thrive in our communities. In addition to expanding tree canopy, the County will pursue the strategies detailed in the forthcoming County Heat Action Plan to implement other types of street-level shade infrastructure, such as canopies and shade structures, to provide a variety of effective and equitable cooling solutions.