City exceeds UTC goal by getting better data rather than by planting more trees; Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center: Forest Management Plan presented to Council; Updated data shows City already exceeds its tree canopy goal
Forest Management Plan presented to Council; Updated data shows City already exceeds its tree canopy goal
Charlottesville Tomorrow
By Julia Glendening
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
On June 15, 2009, Brian Daly, Charlottesville’s Acting Parks and Recreation Director, and Chris Gensic, the Park and Trail Planner, presented the Urban Forest Management Plan to Charlottesville City Council. The plan would enhance and preserve forested areas in the City through monitoring existing trees, planting new trees, and improving public education about the benefits of urban forests. The 2007 Comprehensive Plan established a goal of 40% canopy coverage throughout the City. Gensic said the City has exceeded this overall goal, but some forested areas still need to be expanded in order to have consistent canopy coverage in all areas of the City. The Council approved of the Plan and said they looked forward to seeing how the program could improve Charlottesville’s urban forests.