Wichita Park and Recreation leaders say more trees are needed in at-risk areas around town.
Using surface and air temperature data, along with tree canopy information, and combining it with census tracks, the project would focus on 17 at-risk areas where the effects of urban heat exposure and a vulnerable population intersect.
The city purchases between 1300 and 1800 trees per year but say they are removing 3000 to 5000 per year, with many more simply dying.
Gary Farris with the city says the project is a long-term, 30 to 50-year investment. It would start in November, with a goal of protecting, expanding and diversifying the tree canopy around town. The policy would only apply to public projects on city property and city rights of way.