Missouri Community Forestry Council

WHO WE ARE

The Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) is committed to urban and community forestry issues in Missouri. The Council meets regularly to advise the State of Missouri on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve our urban and community forests.

Six active regions make up the State Council.  Members meet bi-monthly in each region to discuss local tree management and carry out projects.  Representatives from each region then attend the State meetings to share ideas and problems on a larger scale.  Because many entities are interested in and advocate for Missouri's community forests, a number of them are also represented on MCFC as "at-large members."  You can find a list of all officers, representatives and at-large members below. 

"Stewardship for Missouri's Community Forests" is a mission held true by the Missouri Community Forestry Council.  Hosting an annual education and networking conference, acknowledging good community forestry programs with the Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence, and supporting the efforts of other pro-active tree organizations are a few of the outstanding efforts by the Missouri Community Forestry Council.

The duty of MCFC is to seek the broadest possible involvement of representatives from entities and persons involved in community forestry matters, and after thorough discussion and study, to arrive at consensus on matters relating to good urban forestry policies.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Missouri Community Forestry Council, contact the regional representative for your area.  ALL ARE WELCOME!

Missouri Community Forestry Council recognizes that trees are a vital component of our towns and cities.  Trees have the unique ability to provide these benefits:  Increased property value, improved air quality, energy savings, protection for watersheds, wildlife habitat, green balance for hard surfaces and individual identity for each community.

Creating a healthy urban forest takes planning, good management and public support, but the result is well-worth the effort.  The rise in Tree City USA communities throughout the state is a sign that Missouri is working hard for urban and community forestry.

Surveys show that our community trees are in decline nationwide.  Trees are being lost in our towns faster than they are being planted.  Many trees receive no care or improper care, such as topping.  Some trees become hazardous; newly planted trees are often neglected and die; some trees will cause future problems because they were planted in the wrong place. 

Communities must be dedicated to their urban forests.  MCFC offers much assistance with this; from recommending certified arborists to promoting a nationwide anti-topping campaign.