2026 Tree Canopy Assessment

Background
The City of Vancouver is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals for consulting services to develop and produce an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment. The mission of the Urban Forestry program is to maximize the aesthetic, environmental, and economic benefits that trees provide to city residents and visitors. This assessment is part of a strategic plan to track changes in tree canopy over a five-to-ten-year cycle, supporting watershed management and water quality improvement activities required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit.

Work Details
The Contractor will provide tree canopy data from 2024 or more recent data if available, including GIS boundary layers. The scope of work includes:

1) Project Kickoff Meeting to discuss data availability;
2) Land Cover Mapping to classify tree canopy, impervious surfaces, and other vegetation types;
3) Urban Tree Canopy Assessment including calculating tree canopy by land use categories; identifying potential tree planting locations; setting urban tree canopy goals; and conducting an Ecosystem Services Analysis using i-Tree tools.

Deliverables include GIS layers with 95% accuracy, a draft report, and a final report structured with an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

Period of Performance
The contract will commence upon award and is expected to be completed within a specified timeframe as outlined in the proposal timeline. Key dates include proposal submission by April 8, 2026.

Place of Performance
The assessment will be conducted within the geographic boundaries of the City of Vancouver.

Bidder Requirements
Proposers must demonstrate qualifications relevant to urban forestry assessments and have experience working with governmental agencies. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the City’s Procurement Portal. The City encourages participation from Minority, Women-owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.