Hermiston Community Forest Project

About the Project

The City of Hermiston is transforming our community through a $1 million USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry grant. This initiative, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, focuses on enhancing urban forest health and biodiversity in Hermiston’s disadvantaged communities, as identified by the EPA’s Disadvantaged Communities Mapper (Version 1.0). Our goal is to create a sustainable community forest that promotes environmental justice, improves community health, and fosters long-term resilience.

Aligned with the US Forest Service’s 2016–2026 National Ten-Year Action Plan, this project addresses tree equity, supports community education, and enhances our urban canopy in Hermiston’s arid climate, where trees require dedicated care to thrive.

Our Objectives

• Urban Forestry Plan and Tree Inventory: Developing a comprehensive plan to guide tree planting and maintenance, with a completed inventory of public trees by our partner, ArborPro.
• Plant 2,500 Trees: Planting approximately 2,500 trees in targeted disadvantaged areas during spring and fall 2025, with community volunteer involvement.
• Tree Maintenance and Hazardous Tree Mitigation: Maintaining existing trees and addressing hazardous trees in disadvantaged areas to ensure safety and preserve our urban canopy.
• Community and Youth Education: Partnering with Umatilla Electric Cooperative and local schools to deliver education on tree care and value, reaching over 3,000 students and 10,000 residents.

Current Progress

We’re making great strides! With our partner ArborPro, we have completed the public tree inventory and are actively working on the Community Forestry Management Plan. Tree maintenance efforts are underway to ensure the health of our existing canopy. We’ve also begun sharing information about our community forest through flyers, events, and partnerships with local organizations. Stay tuned for updates as we develop ordinances and expand our outreach!

Project Timeline

Budget Overview

The $1 million grant supports the following key activities:

• Urban Forestry Plan and Inventory
• Tree Planting
• Tree Maintenance and Hazardous Tree Mitigation
• Community and Youth Education
• Project Coordination and Marketing
• Personnel and Indirect Costs

All activities are focused on disadvantaged communities to ensure equitable access to a healthier urban environment.

Get Involved

Join us in building a greener Hermiston! Volunteer for tree planting, attend our community events, or learn more about tree care through our educational materials. Together, we can enhance our community’s health and resilience.

Acknowledgment: This project is funded by a USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry grant through the Inflation Reduction Act and partnering with River Network.