Tree Restoration Plan

Taking Care of Our Campus Trees

No matter the season, the Fresno State campus arboretum is a source of pride for many of us, including students, faculty, staff and alumni.

That’s why, as the University shifts toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future thanks to the Central Utility Plant Replacement (CUPR) project, we are committed to minimizing the project’s effects on our campus trees.

How will some campus trees be affected by construction?

• The University’s Arboretum Committee and Arborist Plan ensure a thoughtful approach is taken in maintaining the health and vitality of the  campus arboretum.
  
  All trees (except large ones, as explained below) removed for construction will be replanted. The majority of these trees will be replanted near their current location. If there is a placement conflict with the new underground infrastructure, some of the trees removed may need to be relocated to another location on campus.
  
  Further, we are working with the CUPR contractor to minimize the need to remove large trees (defined as 10-inch or greater diameter, at chest height).
  
  For every large tree that does need to be removed, the University commits to planting two new trees of the same species.
  
  No “heritage” (i.e., unique, significant and/or rare) trees will be removed.

What is the Arborist Plan and were any campus community members consulted while it was developed?

• The Arborist Plan, which was finalized in April 2022 after consultation with the Arboretum Committee, a subgroup of the Campus Planning Committee, provides general instructions and guidance on tree protection (and restoration where possible) during excavation and construction.
  
  Facilities Management has shared the plan with the CUPR general contractor and subcontractors, to ensure careful adherence.

How many trees may be impacted by the CUPR project?

• Currently, due to efforts with the contractor to protect even more trees, the number of trees scheduled to be removed has dropped from 225 to 175, including approximately 44 large trees. This amounts to less than 3% of the approximately 6,000 trees on campus.

Whom may I contact if I have questions or concerns?

• We are committed to proactively and transparently notifying campus community members who may be affected by tree-removal activity, before such activity is scheduled to begin.
  
  Those with further questions may contact Mike Mosinski, Senior Special Projects Manager in Facilities Management.

Click here to learn more about the Central Utility Plant Replacement project and related benefits, including sustainability and energy conservation.