LAKE FOREST PARK — Driving through Lake Forest Park, it’s easy to see why “Forest” is the city’s middle name.

The city, however, is losing a significant number of trees — more than one a day over the last year alone — even though there is a section of municipal code designed to preserve the forested character of the city.

The Urban Forest Task Force, appointed by Mayor Dave Hutchinson, is holding a first public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, at Third Place Commons, to gather input about possible changes to the tree ordinance and other ideas to preserve and manage trees in the community more effectively.

The task force was formed in February in response to concerns about tree loss associated with the subdivision of building lots and other development pressures. The Mayor directed the group to study what changes may be necessary to the city’s tree code and to identify other activities that could help reverse the city’s declining tree population.

The task force has been collecting input via surveys and recently conducted a citizen focus group to get initial input on tree issues.

“One of the findings from the focus group is that, although the tree ordinance has been on the books over five years, a lot of people still don’t know it exists, or what it requires,” said task force member Steve Plusch. “For example, a tree permit must be obtained to remove any significant tree, generally defined as six inches or larger in diameter.”

Issues the focus group identified and which will be discussed at the public meeting include:

• Is the current tree code effective? Should it be more flexible? Should enforcement be improved? How can the tree code be made easier to understand?

• How can the current tree cover be maintained or improved?

• How can education play a role?

Residents can send comments to forest@cityoflfp.com.