Media Contact Only:  John A. Stokes for DPR at (202) 673-2195; Karyn Le Blanc for DDOT at (202) 671-3490

WASHINGTON, DC — The Urban Forestry Administration (UFA), located within the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT), in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has begun significant tree maintenance work this month to promote and protect the District's trees at DPR facilities across the city.

Tree work began in August and will continue into the fall. In addition to trimming and pruning work, dead, unhealthy, and hazardous trees will be removed. Any tree that is being removed has been previously identified through a professional assessment by UFA as dead, dying, diseased, or posing a risk to DPR patrons and the public. This work enhances the District's tree canopy through proper care and maintenance and improves the conditions and grounds of DPR parks and facilities.

“DPR is proud to see the urban forestry experts from DDOT’s UFA in our parks working hard to protect and promote the health of all of our trees,” said Clark E. Ray, DPR Director. “DPR works hard everyday to maintain all of our facilities, which also means a commitment to proper maintenance of our trees.”

UFA maintains and provides a regular schedule of tree maintenance for DPR. Significant tree maintenance — including removal of dead, dying, diseased, or dangerous trees — is performed every seven years.  During other years, trees are planted, inventoried, and protected through other regular care and maintenance.

“UFA works to protect, promote, and enhance the tree canopy throughout the District,” said John P. Thomas, DDOT Associate Director and the District’s Chief Arborist.  “As stewards of the District’s trees, DDOT takes the removal of any tree seriously. Tree removal is never the first or easiest decision but sometimes it is necessary for the safety and protection of District residents and the overall health of the tree canopy. We always work to make the best decision for the health of our trees, our parks, and our residents.”

About DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration
The Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) is located within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). UFA’s mission is to establish a full population of public and street trees within the District and to assure that those trees are maintained in a healthy and safe condition. Learn more at www.trees.ddot.dc.gov.

About the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) presents quality urban recreation and leisure services to residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. The agency supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, and neighborhood recreation centers as well as coordinates a wide variety of programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, child care services, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.