Publicola » Blog Archive » Check out Hugeasscity’s Q&A With David Miller
Dan Bertolet over at Hugeasscity has a great post up asking city council candidate David Miller some fundamental questions about density, development, and whether Miller (a neighborhood and tree activist from Maple Leaf) supports transit-oriented development in the neighborhoods.
The questions themselves are smart (if a little looooooooooooong), but what makes the post great is that Miller answers thoughtfully and at great length—and in ways that don’t necessarily acquit him of charges that he’s a NIMBY.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Bowie UTC is 46% - study used to pursue utility for costs of ecosystem service lost to vegetation management for reliability; Bowie, MD
Tree canopy gets green thumbs up
City planning additional plantings, may offer residents vouchers
by Rachael DeNale | Staff Writer
A recent study has found the City of Bowie has better tree coverage than officials had estimated.
In the meantime, the city has begun a forest management plan to help make the tree canopy even larger.
Roughly 46 percent of the land in the City of Bowie is covered by urban tree canopy, according to a report completed in May by the University of Vermont and commissioned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the City of Bowie.
The study, done in 2008, was carried out by the Spatial Analysis Laboratory of the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Northern Research Station.
BGE utility clearing work, which is ongoing in Bowie and will remove about 15,000 trees to improve the city's electrical reliability, is expected to reduce the canopy by about 1 percent. The removal is concentrated in residential areas, where the canopy will be reduced by 20 percent. The study was completed before the work began.
City planning additional plantings, may offer residents vouchers
by Rachael DeNale | Staff Writer
A recent study has found the City of Bowie has better tree coverage than officials had estimated.
In the meantime, the city has begun a forest management plan to help make the tree canopy even larger.
Roughly 46 percent of the land in the City of Bowie is covered by urban tree canopy, according to a report completed in May by the University of Vermont and commissioned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the City of Bowie.
The study, done in 2008, was carried out by the Spatial Analysis Laboratory of the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Northern Research Station.
BGE utility clearing work, which is ongoing in Bowie and will remove about 15,000 trees to improve the city's electrical reliability, is expected to reduce the canopy by about 1 percent. The removal is concentrated in residential areas, where the canopy will be reduced by 20 percent. The study was completed before the work began.
Sticky traps, firewood bans key elements of state and local ash borer control efforts; WI
WiscNews.com : Baraboo News Republic
Emerald ash borer target of county, state efforts
By Christie Taylor / News Republic
Bug traps and firewood bans are under way this summer as state and county agencies work to detect and slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer, which has killed millions of ash trees in the Midwest since its discovery in Michigan in 2002.
The tiny green beetle, native to East Asia, was first found in Wisconsin last August near Newburg in the eastern part of the state. Infestation was also detected near Victory, in southwestern Wisconsin, this April.
'In Newburg and Victory ... we’re really not having a problem finding them,' said Jennifer Statz, program manager for the state’s emerald ash borer program. 'They’re there.'
Emerald ash borer target of county, state efforts
By Christie Taylor / News Republic
Bug traps and firewood bans are under way this summer as state and county agencies work to detect and slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer, which has killed millions of ash trees in the Midwest since its discovery in Michigan in 2002.
The tiny green beetle, native to East Asia, was first found in Wisconsin last August near Newburg in the eastern part of the state. Infestation was also detected near Victory, in southwestern Wisconsin, this April.
'In Newburg and Victory ... we’re really not having a problem finding them,' said Jennifer Statz, program manager for the state’s emerald ash borer program. 'They’re there.'
Recent risk assessment of 200 trees in park identified 29 for removal - recently failed tree not among them; Austin, TX
WATCH: Fallen Zilker Park tree not designated for removal | News for Austin, Texas | KVUE.com | Top Stories
Another tree fell at Zilker Park Tuesday morning, but officials say it was not among the original 29 that had been designated for removal.
Weeks ago, city workers inspected 200 trees in the immediate vicinity of Barton Springs Pool. The tree that fell Tuesday was just outside of that area.
Another tree fell at Zilker Park Tuesday morning, but officials say it was not among the original 29 that had been designated for removal.
Weeks ago, city workers inspected 200 trees in the immediate vicinity of Barton Springs Pool. The tree that fell Tuesday was just outside of that area.
Why do the dormice cross the road? Whatever reason, roads are found to not be obstructions to habitat for them; Cornwall, UK
BBC NEWS | UK | England | Cornwall | Dormice cross roads to make homes
The Highways Agency tracked tagged dormice
Dormice in Devon and Cornwall are crossing some of the region's busiest roads - to make their home in the central reservation.
Conservationists say the tiny nocturnal animals are happily living and breeding on verges in the middle of roads such as the A30 and A38.
To make them more comfortable, nest boxes are being placed at some sites.
Experts spotted the animals after 50 were electronically tagged for a study into their movements.
The creatures have been found on dual-carriageway reservations at several sites, including Bodmin and Okehampton, the Highways Agency study found."
The Highways Agency tracked tagged dormice
Dormice in Devon and Cornwall are crossing some of the region's busiest roads - to make their home in the central reservation.
Conservationists say the tiny nocturnal animals are happily living and breeding on verges in the middle of roads such as the A30 and A38.
To make them more comfortable, nest boxes are being placed at some sites.
Experts spotted the animals after 50 were electronically tagged for a study into their movements.
The creatures have been found on dual-carriageway reservations at several sites, including Bodmin and Okehampton, the Highways Agency study found."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Study finds British woodlands 'losing biodiversity'; Dorset, UK
BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Woodlands 'losing biodiversity'
British woodlands are less biologically distinctive than they were 70 years ago, says a team of UK researchers.
The use of fertilisers in farming had increased soil fertility, while tree canopies had grown thicker and cut light levels, they explained.
As a result, the woodlands were becoming home to the same species, resulting in the unique characteristics of individual sites being lost.
The findings appear online in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
The research was carried out by scientists from Bournemouth University, Natural England and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH).
'This study shows that increased pollution and poor countryside management have led to increasing homogenisation of biodiversity in British woodlands,' said co-author Professor James Bullock, an ecologist from CEH.
British woodlands are less biologically distinctive than they were 70 years ago, says a team of UK researchers.
The use of fertilisers in farming had increased soil fertility, while tree canopies had grown thicker and cut light levels, they explained.
As a result, the woodlands were becoming home to the same species, resulting in the unique characteristics of individual sites being lost.
The findings appear online in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
The research was carried out by scientists from Bournemouth University, Natural England and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH).
'This study shows that increased pollution and poor countryside management have led to increasing homogenisation of biodiversity in British woodlands,' said co-author Professor James Bullock, an ecologist from CEH.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Albany Technical College wins award for UTC efforts; Albany, NY
Thumbs Up!
The annual Tree Stewardship Award has been presented to Albany Technical College. Mayor Willie Adams and Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful selected ATC for its contributions 'to protect, preserve and enhance the urban tree canopy of Albany and Dougherty County.' Good choice.
The annual Tree Stewardship Award has been presented to Albany Technical College. Mayor Willie Adams and Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful selected ATC for its contributions 'to protect, preserve and enhance the urban tree canopy of Albany and Dougherty County.' Good choice.
Treeless suburbs fail carbon storage targets; removal plans may impact high UTC suburbs' successes; Canberra, Australia
Naked suburbs fail on carbon - Local News - News - General - The Canberra Times
Naked suburbs fail on carbon
BY ROSSLYN BEEBY, SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
27/07/2009 6:55:00 AM
Canberra's new suburbs are so devoid of trees and green spaces that most will struggle to store even one tonne of carbon a hectare by 2015, according to a new report.
While the leafy, tree-lined streets of older suburbs such as Yarralumla, Griffith and Deakin are estimated to soak up 22tonnes of carbon a hectare, the city's newer suburbs those built in the last 20 years average only 0.1 tonnes.
However, these older suburbs are earmarked to lose hundreds of street trees as part of an ACT program to overhaul the city's urban forest.
Despite being marketed as a suburb with purpose-built green credentials, Forde's trees and grasslands will sequester less than 0.4tonnes of carbon per hectare by 2015.
Naked suburbs fail on carbon
BY ROSSLYN BEEBY, SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
27/07/2009 6:55:00 AM
Canberra's new suburbs are so devoid of trees and green spaces that most will struggle to store even one tonne of carbon a hectare by 2015, according to a new report.
While the leafy, tree-lined streets of older suburbs such as Yarralumla, Griffith and Deakin are estimated to soak up 22tonnes of carbon a hectare, the city's newer suburbs those built in the last 20 years average only 0.1 tonnes.
However, these older suburbs are earmarked to lose hundreds of street trees as part of an ACT program to overhaul the city's urban forest.
Despite being marketed as a suburb with purpose-built green credentials, Forde's trees and grasslands will sequester less than 0.4tonnes of carbon per hectare by 2015.
Writer bemoans loss of street trees, calls for pesticide use rather than pre-emptive removal as beetle remedy; Dubuque, IA
TH - Opinion Article
Take steps to save ash trees from insect
A chemical solution can protect against the emerald ash borer and its damage.
BY KEN RESCH 2333 WHITETAIL DRIVE, ASBURY, IOWA
Recently a large number of green ash trees along Asbury Road, within the city limits of Asbury, were removed. Some of the trees had been severely pruned to keep the branches out of the overhead lines and needed removal.
Where I take issue with the city of Asbury is in the removal of healthy ash trees from the north side of Asbury Road.
To imply the roots would get in the way of the sidewalks is dubious; in fact, where sidewalks were put in, compensation for tree growth had been made.
More distressing was the implication that the emerald ash borer would probably infect the trees in the near future anyway, so cut them down before they're infected.
I suggest a greener, safer, less-expensive alternative to our impending dilemma with this destructive insect.
Though many communities might choose not to deal proactively with the borer because of its cost on a large scale, individual homeowners can effectively treat their trees with both economy and reasonable assurance of success.
Take steps to save ash trees from insect
A chemical solution can protect against the emerald ash borer and its damage.
BY KEN RESCH 2333 WHITETAIL DRIVE, ASBURY, IOWA
Recently a large number of green ash trees along Asbury Road, within the city limits of Asbury, were removed. Some of the trees had been severely pruned to keep the branches out of the overhead lines and needed removal.
Where I take issue with the city of Asbury is in the removal of healthy ash trees from the north side of Asbury Road.
To imply the roots would get in the way of the sidewalks is dubious; in fact, where sidewalks were put in, compensation for tree growth had been made.
More distressing was the implication that the emerald ash borer would probably infect the trees in the near future anyway, so cut them down before they're infected.
I suggest a greener, safer, less-expensive alternative to our impending dilemma with this destructive insect.
Though many communities might choose not to deal proactively with the borer because of its cost on a large scale, individual homeowners can effectively treat their trees with both economy and reasonable assurance of success.
Help your neighbors plant street trees provided by the city, get a free fruit tree for your yard as bonus; Seattle, WA
West Seattle Blog… » City says West Seattle needs more trees - want some?
Did you know that West Seattle is one of the areas in the city with the barest residential and street tree densities? Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ (DoN) Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) is currently accepting applications for this year’s Tree Fund*. All it takes is organizing a group of your neighbors to plant street trees in your neighborhood together. You put in the volunteer time; DoN provides the trees!
Wait, there’s more! To increase local food security and expand the tree canopy on private properties, we are testing a pilot expansion this year. All NMF Tree Fund participants who plant street trees with their neighbors have the bonus option of selecting one free cherry or apple tree to plant on their private properties. You can help bring more trees to West Seattle streets and private yards!
Did you know that West Seattle is one of the areas in the city with the barest residential and street tree densities? Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ (DoN) Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) is currently accepting applications for this year’s Tree Fund*. All it takes is organizing a group of your neighbors to plant street trees in your neighborhood together. You put in the volunteer time; DoN provides the trees!
Wait, there’s more! To increase local food security and expand the tree canopy on private properties, we are testing a pilot expansion this year. All NMF Tree Fund participants who plant street trees with their neighbors have the bonus option of selecting one free cherry or apple tree to plant on their private properties. You can help bring more trees to West Seattle streets and private yards!
Trees v. houses round 2: houses win; Seattle, WA
Local News | Deal struck; houses to move in Madrona | Seattle Times Newspaper
A pair of nearly century-old houses will move this weekend from Madrona to Madison Valley after the movers reached a deal with local homeowners to trim some of the tree canopy.
By Jonathan Martin
Seattle Times staff reporter
After dark tonight, a pair of nearly century-old houses will begin a slow tango down a Madrona neighborhood street that is not quite wide enough to fit them.
Under a deal cut earlier this month with homeowners along the route, the 1,900-square-foot houses — traveling at ¼ mile per hour — will pass under a now-cut urban canopy and over a planting strip that used to be home to several trees.
The deal ended an at times tense conflict between a group of homeowners who felt pressured into giving up their parklike canopy and a house-moving company, Nickel Bros., which sought to save and resell two homes that would otherwise be demolished by today to make way for a school expansion.
A pair of nearly century-old houses will move this weekend from Madrona to Madison Valley after the movers reached a deal with local homeowners to trim some of the tree canopy.
By Jonathan Martin
Seattle Times staff reporter
After dark tonight, a pair of nearly century-old houses will begin a slow tango down a Madrona neighborhood street that is not quite wide enough to fit them.
Under a deal cut earlier this month with homeowners along the route, the 1,900-square-foot houses — traveling at ¼ mile per hour — will pass under a now-cut urban canopy and over a planting strip that used to be home to several trees.
The deal ended an at times tense conflict between a group of homeowners who felt pressured into giving up their parklike canopy and a house-moving company, Nickel Bros., which sought to save and resell two homes that would otherwise be demolished by today to make way for a school expansion.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Little blue collar Edmonston keeps up with Portland and Seattle with comprehensive Green Streets project; Edmonston, MD
Prince George's Town Aims to Pave a 'Greener' Path - washingtonpost.com
By Lisa Rein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 23, 2009
For decades, the town of Edmonston in Prince George's County has been an industrial back lot for a toxic and stinking waterway. In the suburb split in half by the Anacostia River, freight trains rumble along Route 1, factories churn out auto parts and Greyhound repairs its buses. Stormwater rolls down warehouse roofs and swells the river, flooding already threadbare homes.
Now the hamlet of 1,500 near the District line, with numerous foreclosures and many residents out of work, is trying to remake itself by joining an environmental movement more often embraced by wealthier communities.
In a few weeks, workers will start ripping up Edmonston's main road and replacing it with an environmentally friendly street of rain gardens, porous brick and a drought-resistant tree canopy designed to shade the concrete, filter rainwater before it flows into the river and put people to work.
When the work is done, Decatur Street will naturally treat more than 90 percent of the pollution from the 40 inches of rainwater that sweeps into the Anacostia each year. 'We're a town that's been beaten up by floods,' said Adam C. Ortiz, Edmonston's mayor and the firepower behind the project. 'We have to make things happen for us instead of making things happen to us.'
By Lisa Rein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 23, 2009
For decades, the town of Edmonston in Prince George's County has been an industrial back lot for a toxic and stinking waterway. In the suburb split in half by the Anacostia River, freight trains rumble along Route 1, factories churn out auto parts and Greyhound repairs its buses. Stormwater rolls down warehouse roofs and swells the river, flooding already threadbare homes.
Now the hamlet of 1,500 near the District line, with numerous foreclosures and many residents out of work, is trying to remake itself by joining an environmental movement more often embraced by wealthier communities.
In a few weeks, workers will start ripping up Edmonston's main road and replacing it with an environmentally friendly street of rain gardens, porous brick and a drought-resistant tree canopy designed to shade the concrete, filter rainwater before it flows into the river and put people to work.
When the work is done, Decatur Street will naturally treat more than 90 percent of the pollution from the 40 inches of rainwater that sweeps into the Anacostia each year. 'We're a town that's been beaten up by floods,' said Adam C. Ortiz, Edmonston's mayor and the firepower behind the project. 'We have to make things happen for us instead of making things happen to us.'
Smoky Mountains undertake unique effort world-wide - 100% inventory and classification of everything in the ecosystem; NC
Smoky Mountain News | Outdoors
Bastion of biodiversity
Life in the richest place on earth
By Becky Johnson • Staff writer
When Jim Lowe strikes out on his twice-monthly foray to check insect traps in the Smokies, he never knows just what is in store.
Lowe runs various and sundry traps — tiny cups sunk in the ground, large mesh nets draped from poles and funnels dangling in the tree canopy. As a volunteer for the All Taxa Biological Inventory, Lowe ambushes moths, spiders, millipedes, bees, flies, beetles and the whole array of insects in the name of science.
During his collection rounds, he often wonders, “Is this a new species?” It is usually months, or even years, until he knows the answer, after taxonomists get their hands on the specimens and cull through them.
But to Lowe, the ATBI is more than the thrill of the hunt, more than a laundry list of new species or bragging rights as the most diverse park.
“We are asking the fundamental question: what do each of these things do? What is their role in the ecosystem?” said Lowe, who lives outside Robbinsville. “The Smokies is a most extraordinary place. There is so much diversity.”
Bastion of biodiversity
Life in the richest place on earth
By Becky Johnson • Staff writer
When Jim Lowe strikes out on his twice-monthly foray to check insect traps in the Smokies, he never knows just what is in store.
Lowe runs various and sundry traps — tiny cups sunk in the ground, large mesh nets draped from poles and funnels dangling in the tree canopy. As a volunteer for the All Taxa Biological Inventory, Lowe ambushes moths, spiders, millipedes, bees, flies, beetles and the whole array of insects in the name of science.
During his collection rounds, he often wonders, “Is this a new species?” It is usually months, or even years, until he knows the answer, after taxonomists get their hands on the specimens and cull through them.
But to Lowe, the ATBI is more than the thrill of the hunt, more than a laundry list of new species or bragging rights as the most diverse park.
“We are asking the fundamental question: what do each of these things do? What is their role in the ecosystem?” said Lowe, who lives outside Robbinsville. “The Smokies is a most extraordinary place. There is so much diversity.”
Miami 30% UTC cover goal means free fruit trees and technical assistance for residents; Miami, FL
Miami gives away fruit trees - Central Miami - MiamiHerald.com
Miami Herald staff Report
Miami is giving away 750 fruit trees from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Robert King High Park, 7025 W. Flagler St.
The popular fruit trees retail for about $25 and up, but city residents didn't have to shell out a dime.
Residents interested in the trees that include mango, tamarind, avocado and lychee will be eligible to receive up to two 4-foot trees per household on a first-come, first-serve basis. They have to present proof of residency, such as a driver's license or ID card with a city of Miami address and a utility bill with a city of Miami address.
Tree experts will be on-site to teach hands-on how to plant and care for the trees. Educational material about avoiding ``hatracking'' (also known as improper pruning that removes more than 25 percent of the tree's canopy) will also be available.
Miami Herald staff Report
Miami is giving away 750 fruit trees from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Robert King High Park, 7025 W. Flagler St.
The popular fruit trees retail for about $25 and up, but city residents didn't have to shell out a dime.
Residents interested in the trees that include mango, tamarind, avocado and lychee will be eligible to receive up to two 4-foot trees per household on a first-come, first-serve basis. They have to present proof of residency, such as a driver's license or ID card with a city of Miami address and a utility bill with a city of Miami address.
Tree experts will be on-site to teach hands-on how to plant and care for the trees. Educational material about avoiding ``hatracking'' (also known as improper pruning that removes more than 25 percent of the tree's canopy) will also be available.
Chestertown announces 40% UTC goal; Chestertown, MD
A New Forest for ‘Tree City’ : The Chestertown Spy
A New Forest for ‘Tree City’
Posted by John Lang on July 21, 2009
Hundreds of volunteers will soon be planting thousands of trees along the streets and in the yards of Chestertown — so that this “Tree City USA” is more deserving of the appellation and every-sweaty-body gets a lot more shade.
The ambitious plan unveiled at the Town Council meeting on Monday night: to achieve an urban tree canopy of 40 percent over Chestertown, which means increasing the number of trees by 65 percent, which translates to expanding it from 3,090 to 5,090 trees within four years.
Work starts in weeks, thanks to grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and some 500 trees are being planted in the first year.
A New Forest for ‘Tree City’
Posted by John Lang on July 21, 2009
Hundreds of volunteers will soon be planting thousands of trees along the streets and in the yards of Chestertown — so that this “Tree City USA” is more deserving of the appellation and every-sweaty-body gets a lot more shade.
The ambitious plan unveiled at the Town Council meeting on Monday night: to achieve an urban tree canopy of 40 percent over Chestertown, which means increasing the number of trees by 65 percent, which translates to expanding it from 3,090 to 5,090 trees within four years.
Work starts in weeks, thanks to grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and some 500 trees are being planted in the first year.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Homeland Security road construction could displace bald eagles; Washington, DC
Road Could Chase Off Eagle Pair, Officials Say - washingtonpost.com
The Department of Homeland Security -- an agency with a bald eagle on its seal -- might drive away a pair of bald eagles by building a road near their nest in Southeast Washington, officials with the city and the National Park Service say.
The eagles live in a thickly wooded sliver of national parkland in Anacostia, where towering trees overlook their hunting grounds on the Potomac River. When they settled there in 2000, the pair were the first bald eagles to nest in the District in a half-century.
The Department of Homeland Security -- an agency with a bald eagle on its seal -- might drive away a pair of bald eagles by building a road near their nest in Southeast Washington, officials with the city and the National Park Service say.
The eagles live in a thickly wooded sliver of national parkland in Anacostia, where towering trees overlook their hunting grounds on the Potomac River. When they settled there in 2000, the pair were the first bald eagles to nest in the District in a half-century.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Fungus carried by beetle puts 4,000 of Denver's black walnut trees at risk; Denver, CO
Denver Daily - Fungus threatens black walnut trees
Gene Davis, DDN Staff Writer
Monday, July 20, 2009
The approximated 4,000 black walnut trees in Denver face a serious threat from a newly discovered deadly fungus.
Ned Tisserat, a plant pathologist at Colorado State University, discovered “thousand cankers disease” last summer. The disease has already devastated black walnut trees in Colorado Springs and Boulder and is believed to have been active in Denver for at least three years, according to Jill McGranahan, spokeswoman for Denver Parks and Recreation.
“It’s pretty serious — it can really affect the tree canopy in the city,” she said. “It’s pretty significant if we would lose all of them.”
Thousand cankers disease is carried to trees by a tiny twig beetle that is common in Arizona walnut trees. While the beetle isn’t harmful to the Arizona walnut trees, it causes a fungus in the black walnut trees. The fungus then colonizes and kills a small area of the bark surrounding the beetle galleries, said Tisserat.
Gene Davis, DDN Staff Writer
Monday, July 20, 2009
The approximated 4,000 black walnut trees in Denver face a serious threat from a newly discovered deadly fungus.
Ned Tisserat, a plant pathologist at Colorado State University, discovered “thousand cankers disease” last summer. The disease has already devastated black walnut trees in Colorado Springs and Boulder and is believed to have been active in Denver for at least three years, according to Jill McGranahan, spokeswoman for Denver Parks and Recreation.
“It’s pretty serious — it can really affect the tree canopy in the city,” she said. “It’s pretty significant if we would lose all of them.”
Thousand cankers disease is carried to trees by a tiny twig beetle that is common in Arizona walnut trees. While the beetle isn’t harmful to the Arizona walnut trees, it causes a fungus in the black walnut trees. The fungus then colonizes and kills a small area of the bark surrounding the beetle galleries, said Tisserat.
South Dakota State University first in state to recieve Tree Campus USA recognition; Brookings, SD
Brookings Register
SDSU officially listed as 'Tree Campus USA'
Posted: Saturday, Jul 18th, 2009
BY: University Relations SDSU
The Arbor Day Foundation has named South Dakota State University as a 2009 Tree Campus USA University for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.
SDSU is the first college or university in South Dakota to be named a 'tree campus.'
SDSU officially listed as 'Tree Campus USA'
Posted: Saturday, Jul 18th, 2009
BY: University Relations SDSU
The Arbor Day Foundation has named South Dakota State University as a 2009 Tree Campus USA University for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.
SDSU is the first college or university in South Dakota to be named a 'tree campus.'
Effort to simplify tree ordinance could have major negative consequences; San Antonio, TX
SA Current - Blogs
Trees could walk their own plank
By Haylley Johnson
Simplification is key. If you take a complex idea and condense it into something comprehensible, everyone can move on with their lives just a bit easier. Yet in the effort to simplify the city’s convoluted tree ordinance, the main goal behind the Tree Canopy Preservation Ordinance revision, simplification could be considered a death warrant for San Antonio’s older trees.
Trees could walk their own plank
By Haylley Johnson
Simplification is key. If you take a complex idea and condense it into something comprehensible, everyone can move on with their lives just a bit easier. Yet in the effort to simplify the city’s convoluted tree ordinance, the main goal behind the Tree Canopy Preservation Ordinance revision, simplification could be considered a death warrant for San Antonio’s older trees.
Friday, July 17, 2009
From UTC goal implementation to urban gardening, Baltimore's Parks and People Foundation is a great green resource; Baltimore, MD
Gardening 101: How can Baltimore's Parks and People Foundation help city dwellers?
July 17, 8:07 AM Comment
Parks and People works with citizens to improve Baltimore's tree canopy.
During the summer many Baltimoreans encounter a Parks and People display at a local fair or festival. You may have seen representatives running activities like Children's Natural Play Place at events like Ecofest. This group actually has a wide variety of resources available to the urban gardener, especially those working with community gardens or in spaces like vacant lots. There are many branches to this organization but all are typically concerned with community gardening and green space, Baltimore's tree canopy, and local watersheds.
July 17, 8:07 AM Comment
Parks and People works with citizens to improve Baltimore's tree canopy.
During the summer many Baltimoreans encounter a Parks and People display at a local fair or festival. You may have seen representatives running activities like Children's Natural Play Place at events like Ecofest. This group actually has a wide variety of resources available to the urban gardener, especially those working with community gardens or in spaces like vacant lots. There are many branches to this organization but all are typically concerned with community gardening and green space, Baltimore's tree canopy, and local watersheds.
Keeping NY state green: The 17th Annual New York State ReLeaf Conference; NY
MEDIA ADVISORY: The 17th Annual New York State ReLeaf Conference
Greening the Big Apple: Forestry from the Streets
ALBANY, NY (07/15/2009)(readMedia)-- For three days, urban environmentalists from across New York State will gather at the Pratt Institute campus in Brooklyn for the 17th Annual New York ReLeaf Conference. On July 16-18, more than 150 experts, advocates, educators, and community leaders involved in the urban forestry movement will participate in a series of activities including workshops, tours, ceremonies, and a picnic.
Greening the Big Apple: Forestry from the Streets
ALBANY, NY (07/15/2009)(readMedia)-- For three days, urban environmentalists from across New York State will gather at the Pratt Institute campus in Brooklyn for the 17th Annual New York ReLeaf Conference. On July 16-18, more than 150 experts, advocates, educators, and community leaders involved in the urban forestry movement will participate in a series of activities including workshops, tours, ceremonies, and a picnic.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Charlotte tries out rubber sidewalk in effort to reduce gray and green infrastructure conflicts, enhance street-side canopy; Charlotte, NC
When the rubber meets the sidewalk - CharlotteObserver.com
Pedestrians on The Plaza will feel something softer beneath their feet as a new material gets a tryout.
By Lindsay Ruebens
lruebens@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2009
Square by square, the city of Charlotte on Wednesday laid down a new attempt at protecting its trees: rubber sidewalks.
The experimental sites are along The Plaza at Commonwealth Avenue and on West 28th Street.
Rubber sidewalks developed by the California company Rubber Sidewalks were created to be less invasive for tree roots and more flexible and porous than concrete. They're also easier to walk on. The rubber tiles, each made of recycled tires, are recyclable and can be flipped when one side gets worn.
Pedestrians on The Plaza will feel something softer beneath their feet as a new material gets a tryout.
By Lindsay Ruebens
lruebens@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2009
Square by square, the city of Charlotte on Wednesday laid down a new attempt at protecting its trees: rubber sidewalks.
The experimental sites are along The Plaza at Commonwealth Avenue and on West 28th Street.
Rubber sidewalks developed by the California company Rubber Sidewalks were created to be less invasive for tree roots and more flexible and porous than concrete. They're also easier to walk on. The rubber tiles, each made of recycled tires, are recyclable and can be flipped when one side gets worn.
Tree ordinance removes protection for heritage trees to allay developers' concerns, also looks to lower UTC goal for same reason; San Antonio, TX
SA Current - NEWS+FEATURES: The QueQue
Hot potato number two: the Tree Canopy Preservation Ordinance, currently being pruned by City staff and a Stakeholder Committee “to capture more trees to preserve,” according to the Planning and Development Services Department. Or, if the panicked emails flying through the internets are to be believed: to remove protections for those bothersome “significant and heritage trees” that are always in the bulldozer’s way.
The membership of the committee is one source of worry for preservationists, who feel it’s tilted toward developers, with three real-estate and construction-affiliated representatives. Representing Team Lorax: the San Antonio Conservation Society, the Citizens Tree Coalition, and the Texas Forest Service.
Hot potato number two: the Tree Canopy Preservation Ordinance, currently being pruned by City staff and a Stakeholder Committee “to capture more trees to preserve,” according to the Planning and Development Services Department. Or, if the panicked emails flying through the internets are to be believed: to remove protections for those bothersome “significant and heritage trees” that are always in the bulldozer’s way.
The membership of the committee is one source of worry for preservationists, who feel it’s tilted toward developers, with three real-estate and construction-affiliated representatives. Representing Team Lorax: the San Antonio Conservation Society, the Citizens Tree Coalition, and the Texas Forest Service.
City Council looks at tree protection ordinance, establishment of citizens' advisory commission on UTC issues; Seattle, WA
City Council discusses ways to protect Seattle trees
I think the City Council shall never see something as emotional and complicated as ordinances relating to trees.
The council's Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee discussed a resolution aimed at protecting trees on public and private property throughout the city and the creation of commission to make recommendations about the urban tree canopy.
The council will likely vote on the matter later this month.
Advocates for protecting trees obviously feel strongly about this and told the council they wanted to make sure any measure passed had teeth.
'This is about life in the city versus death in the city,' said Duff Badgley.
I think the City Council shall never see something as emotional and complicated as ordinances relating to trees.
The council's Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee discussed a resolution aimed at protecting trees on public and private property throughout the city and the creation of commission to make recommendations about the urban tree canopy.
The council will likely vote on the matter later this month.
Advocates for protecting trees obviously feel strongly about this and told the council they wanted to make sure any measure passed had teeth.
'This is about life in the city versus death in the city,' said Duff Badgley.
Select Sustainable Tree Trust to donate $1 million in trees to UGA; Athens, GA
Tree Trust to donate $1 million in trees to UGA - News
Issue date: 7/14/09 Section: News
The Select Sustainable Tree Trust has selected the University of Georgia to receive a $1 million tree donation to 're-green' and impact the University campus with large scale, sustainable shade trees.
Established by Select Trees, the leading grower of large sustainable shade trees in the southeast, the Select Sustainable Tree Trust exists to create significant long-term positive impact in the urban environment. With this donation, the Trust will provide more than 300 sustainable shade trees from Select Trees - most ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches in trunk diameter and 15-25 feet tall - each year to the university, which is known for its historic tree canopy and arboretum on its main campus in the heart of Athens, over the next ten years.
Issue date: 7/14/09 Section: News
The Select Sustainable Tree Trust has selected the University of Georgia to receive a $1 million tree donation to 're-green' and impact the University campus with large scale, sustainable shade trees.
Established by Select Trees, the leading grower of large sustainable shade trees in the southeast, the Select Sustainable Tree Trust exists to create significant long-term positive impact in the urban environment. With this donation, the Trust will provide more than 300 sustainable shade trees from Select Trees - most ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches in trunk diameter and 15-25 feet tall - each year to the university, which is known for its historic tree canopy and arboretum on its main campus in the heart of Athens, over the next ten years.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Maintaining the tree canopy - trees need love, but they need water and mulch as well; Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN
Maintaining the tree canopy | Twin Cities Daily Planet | Minneapolis - St. Paul
By Margo Ashmore , North News
July 12, 2009
Aging tree stumps disappearing, new dirt and grass appearing, boulevard trees planted and mulched, neighborhood list-serves sending out the word to residents “water the trees, it’s been such a dry season.” Bracing also for the Emerald Ash Borer attack, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Forestry division workers, with residents’ help, are busy this year getting the city’s existing tree canopy refreshed with new tree plantings.
Forestry director Ralph Sievert said about 1,000 trees were planted in Northeast Minneapolis this spring, and about 700 in North Minneapolis. An additional 100 were planted in Waite Park, a site selected for an Arbor Day celebration. These 1,800 are of about 4,000 city wide.
By Margo Ashmore , North News
July 12, 2009
Aging tree stumps disappearing, new dirt and grass appearing, boulevard trees planted and mulched, neighborhood list-serves sending out the word to residents “water the trees, it’s been such a dry season.” Bracing also for the Emerald Ash Borer attack, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Forestry division workers, with residents’ help, are busy this year getting the city’s existing tree canopy refreshed with new tree plantings.
Forestry director Ralph Sievert said about 1,000 trees were planted in Northeast Minneapolis this spring, and about 700 in North Minneapolis. An additional 100 were planted in Waite Park, a site selected for an Arbor Day celebration. These 1,800 are of about 4,000 city wide.
Hagerstown seeks grant to help grow UTC from 21% to 30%; Hagerstown, MD
Maryland: City applying for tree grant
By DAN DEARTH
July 12, 2009
dan.dearth@herald-mail.com
HAGERSTOWN — Hagerstown officials will apply for a $35,000 state grant to buy about 250 trees in an effort to make the city more green.
City Planning Director Kathleen Maher on Tuesday told the City Council that the trees would be part of a plan to increase the city’s “urban tree canopy cover” from 21 percent to 30 percent by 2050.
Maher said the canopy cover percentage is determined by satellite imagery.
At 21 percent, Hagerstown ranks well below the state average of 35 percent, Maher said.
By DAN DEARTH
July 12, 2009
dan.dearth@herald-mail.com
HAGERSTOWN — Hagerstown officials will apply for a $35,000 state grant to buy about 250 trees in an effort to make the city more green.
City Planning Director Kathleen Maher on Tuesday told the City Council that the trees would be part of a plan to increase the city’s “urban tree canopy cover” from 21 percent to 30 percent by 2050.
Maher said the canopy cover percentage is determined by satellite imagery.
At 21 percent, Hagerstown ranks well below the state average of 35 percent, Maher said.
Ash borer puts budget spotlight on foresters; St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN
Ash borer puts budget spotlight on foresters
Seven to 10 times a day, Jaeson Morrison's phone rings. Someone in Richfield is worried about a tree.
An old elm looks weird. Something horrible is growing on a hackberry. A tree has bugs -- is it emerald ash borer?
So Morrison, a tree inspector who six months from now will probably be driving a snowplow, hops into his Richfield Public Works car -- a converted police black-and-white -- and goes out to take a look.
This year's discovery of emerald ash borer in St. Paul has communities around the Twin Cities scrambling to develop plans for identification and disposal of thousands of infected ash trees. City foresters say they're busier than ever. But demand for tree expertise is coming at the same time cities are cutting budgets.
Seven to 10 times a day, Jaeson Morrison's phone rings. Someone in Richfield is worried about a tree.
An old elm looks weird. Something horrible is growing on a hackberry. A tree has bugs -- is it emerald ash borer?
So Morrison, a tree inspector who six months from now will probably be driving a snowplow, hops into his Richfield Public Works car -- a converted police black-and-white -- and goes out to take a look.
This year's discovery of emerald ash borer in St. Paul has communities around the Twin Cities scrambling to develop plans for identification and disposal of thousands of infected ash trees. City foresters say they're busier than ever. But demand for tree expertise is coming at the same time cities are cutting budgets.
Using green roof technology in combination with UTC enhancement to mitigate D.C. heat island effect; Washington, D.C.
Using green roof technology to mitigate D.C. heat island effect
Posted using ShareThis
Other than increasing D.C.’s tree canopy, another method to mitigate the heat island effect is to construct green roofs, or a vegetative layer on the roof of a building. Also known as “rooftop gardens” or “eco-roofs”, attributes include increased vegetated cover, building temperature regulation (resulting in energy savings for heating and cooling costs as well as need for insulation); enhanced rooftop durability and less maintenance needs; reduced stormwater runoff; water filtration and restoration of natural habitats, among others.
Posted using ShareThis
Other than increasing D.C.’s tree canopy, another method to mitigate the heat island effect is to construct green roofs, or a vegetative layer on the roof of a building. Also known as “rooftop gardens” or “eco-roofs”, attributes include increased vegetated cover, building temperature regulation (resulting in energy savings for heating and cooling costs as well as need for insulation); enhanced rooftop durability and less maintenance needs; reduced stormwater runoff; water filtration and restoration of natural habitats, among others.
'Teaching tree' educational tool demonstrates tree structure; Miami, FL
Tree is a teaching tool - Southeast Broward - MiamiHerald.com
Special to The Miami Herald
It is made out of wooden dowels, foam and a lot of ingenuity. Yet, a scrawny, seven-foot, man-made replica of a tree may be just the thing that helps to protect South Florida's tree canopy.
The city of Plantation has created a first of its kind ''Teaching Tree'' to help educate residents on proper tree care.
''It is a model tree that shows some of the typical problems we see on trees in a typical landscape,'' said Keith Shriver, an urban forester with the city.
Special to The Miami Herald
It is made out of wooden dowels, foam and a lot of ingenuity. Yet, a scrawny, seven-foot, man-made replica of a tree may be just the thing that helps to protect South Florida's tree canopy.
The city of Plantation has created a first of its kind ''Teaching Tree'' to help educate residents on proper tree care.
''It is a model tree that shows some of the typical problems we see on trees in a typical landscape,'' said Keith Shriver, an urban forester with the city.
Local advocate presses city government to honor policy of replacing trees at two times the rate of removal; Pelham, Ontario, Canada
Pining for more trees in Pelham - Welland Tribune - Ontario, CA
Posted By WAYNE CAMPBELL/Tribune Staff
Posted 3 days ago
PELHAM — For more than 30 years Mike Jones has enjoyed the trees along Emmett St. in Fonthill.
It was a reason he bought a home there.
It was a reason why he got into the thick of a fight 10 years ago to preserve the high canopy over the street by joining the Pelham Tree Conservation Society.
It was the reason he sat on a committee to help the town create a protocol, Urban Forestry Guidelines of 2000, for replacing trees that had to be cut down because of age, damage or illness.
One tree in particular stood across the street from his home. It was a home to birds, squirrels and other small wildlife.
Earlier this year it became one of 57 trees the town had to cut down because of disease or damage in a major tree-cutting program that extended through last fall and winter.
Posted By WAYNE CAMPBELL/Tribune Staff
Posted 3 days ago
PELHAM — For more than 30 years Mike Jones has enjoyed the trees along Emmett St. in Fonthill.
It was a reason he bought a home there.
It was a reason why he got into the thick of a fight 10 years ago to preserve the high canopy over the street by joining the Pelham Tree Conservation Society.
It was the reason he sat on a committee to help the town create a protocol, Urban Forestry Guidelines of 2000, for replacing trees that had to be cut down because of age, damage or illness.
One tree in particular stood across the street from his home. It was a home to birds, squirrels and other small wildlife.
Earlier this year it became one of 57 trees the town had to cut down because of disease or damage in a major tree-cutting program that extended through last fall and winter.
Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved; Seattle, WA
Local News | Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved | Seattle Times Newspaper
If a small group of Madrona homeowners don't agree to whack back an unusually large and soothing urban canopy, a pair of nearly 100-year-old Craftsman homes might be demolished — possibly sending around 100 trees' worth of lumber to a landfill.
By Jonathan Martin
Seattle Times staff reporter
The interior of the 1912 home has oak floors with mahogany inlays and a box-beamed ceiling in the dining room.
If there is anything more Seattle than its passion for recycling, it is the city's love of tree-lined neighborhoods.
But on one tiny street in the Madrona neighborhood, there has not been enough room for both.
A small group of homeowners must agree by July 24 to whack back an unusually large and soothing urban canopy. If not, a pair of nearly 100-year-old Craftsman homes might be demolished, potentially sending more than 100 trees' worth of lumber to the landfill.
The conflict has featured dueling arborists, nasty anonymous blog postings, historic houses put on wheels, and enough hard feelings to spoil the potato salad at the next neighborhood block party.
If a small group of Madrona homeowners don't agree to whack back an unusually large and soothing urban canopy, a pair of nearly 100-year-old Craftsman homes might be demolished — possibly sending around 100 trees' worth of lumber to a landfill.
By Jonathan Martin
Seattle Times staff reporter
The interior of the 1912 home has oak floors with mahogany inlays and a box-beamed ceiling in the dining room.
If there is anything more Seattle than its passion for recycling, it is the city's love of tree-lined neighborhoods.
But on one tiny street in the Madrona neighborhood, there has not been enough room for both.
A small group of homeowners must agree by July 24 to whack back an unusually large and soothing urban canopy. If not, a pair of nearly 100-year-old Craftsman homes might be demolished, potentially sending more than 100 trees' worth of lumber to the landfill.
The conflict has featured dueling arborists, nasty anonymous blog postings, historic houses put on wheels, and enough hard feelings to spoil the potato salad at the next neighborhood block party.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Memorial tree planted to honor slain victim of domestic violence; Honesdale, PA
Tree planted for Lisa... & all victims of domestic violence - Honesdale, PA - Wayne Independent
By Peter Becker
Wayne Independent
Wed Jul 08, 2009, 05:19 PM EDT
Honesdale, Pa. -
The weather cooperated at the dedication of a memorial tree, Tuesday evening, with a brief downpour. As someone in the crowd said who gathered to remember Lisa A. Cronin, the rain drops were “tears.”
Lisa worked as a waitress at Trackside Grill in downtown Honesdale, when she was murdered at her home, July 7, 2007- by her husband. On the second anniversary of her death, her boss and owner of the Trackside, Jeffrey Hiller, arranged the planting of a tree in her honor.
Lisa, who was 42, worked at the same location when it was Maple City Restaurant and started with Hiller when Trackside Grill opened in April 2007. Hiller recalled that she had a “kind and giving heart though she suffered more than most of us.” She left behind five children. She was also a social worker at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
By Peter Becker
Wayne Independent
Wed Jul 08, 2009, 05:19 PM EDT
Honesdale, Pa. -
The weather cooperated at the dedication of a memorial tree, Tuesday evening, with a brief downpour. As someone in the crowd said who gathered to remember Lisa A. Cronin, the rain drops were “tears.”
Lisa worked as a waitress at Trackside Grill in downtown Honesdale, when she was murdered at her home, July 7, 2007- by her husband. On the second anniversary of her death, her boss and owner of the Trackside, Jeffrey Hiller, arranged the planting of a tree in her honor.
Lisa, who was 42, worked at the same location when it was Maple City Restaurant and started with Hiller when Trackside Grill opened in April 2007. Hiller recalled that she had a “kind and giving heart though she suffered more than most of us.” She left behind five children. She was also a social worker at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Is tree protection law creating danger?; Washington, DC
Danger in Our Tree Canopy - washingtonpost.com
Like most others, I could not help but be moved to tears by the deaths of Kelly and Sloane Murray after a tree branch crushed their car during a summer storm ['With the Crash of a Branch, They Lost Their Supermom,' front page, July 4]. I didn't know the Murrays, but the circumstances of their untimely deaths weigh on me.
In Northwest Washington, as in Chevy Chase, Md., where the Murrays lived, there are many older trees towering over our densely populated community. Overhead electrical wires are precariously strung around or sometimes through these trees. Three days after my husband and I moved to Barnaby Woods, lightning struck a tree down the street, taking out power for three days and causing an electrical fire. My first thought: What did we get ourselves into?
Like most others, I could not help but be moved to tears by the deaths of Kelly and Sloane Murray after a tree branch crushed their car during a summer storm ['With the Crash of a Branch, They Lost Their Supermom,' front page, July 4]. I didn't know the Murrays, but the circumstances of their untimely deaths weigh on me.
In Northwest Washington, as in Chevy Chase, Md., where the Murrays lived, there are many older trees towering over our densely populated community. Overhead electrical wires are precariously strung around or sometimes through these trees. Three days after my husband and I moved to Barnaby Woods, lightning struck a tree down the street, taking out power for three days and causing an electrical fire. My first thought: What did we get ourselves into?
Are cap and trade, portfolio standard paths towards UTC enhancement? Washington, DC
Steve Offutt, Environmental Consulting. Transform to Sustainability:
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
More Urban Canopy Using Market Mechanisms
I have been asked to present this idea at the 2009 Policy Greenhouse being sponsored by DC Councilmember Mary Cheh and hosted at George Washington University on Friday, July 10. I am pleased that my idea was accepted as one of eleven innovative ideas for achieving high impact environmental solutions.
The premise is simple: apply the concept of a Portfolio Standard (a kind of Cap and Trade) with market-price trading to the issue of urban canopy.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
More Urban Canopy Using Market Mechanisms
I have been asked to present this idea at the 2009 Policy Greenhouse being sponsored by DC Councilmember Mary Cheh and hosted at George Washington University on Friday, July 10. I am pleased that my idea was accepted as one of eleven innovative ideas for achieving high impact environmental solutions.
The premise is simple: apply the concept of a Portfolio Standard (a kind of Cap and Trade) with market-price trading to the issue of urban canopy.
Tree removal begins in Galveston; Galveston, TX
Tree removal begins in Galveston | Houston | Texas News | Texas Cable News | TXCN.com | News for Texas:
08:32 PM CDT on Wednesday, July 8, 2009
By Kevin Peters and Kevin Reece / 11 News
GALVESTON, Texas—Work crews began cutting down dying and dead trees in Galveston Wednesday morning. The trees, which are in public spaces like right-of-ways and in parks, are being removed as part of the city’s plan to dispose of vegetation damaged during Hurricane Ike. Previous estimates put that number around 10,800 trees.
08:32 PM CDT on Wednesday, July 8, 2009
By Kevin Peters and Kevin Reece / 11 News
GALVESTON, Texas—Work crews began cutting down dying and dead trees in Galveston Wednesday morning. The trees, which are in public spaces like right-of-ways and in parks, are being removed as part of the city’s plan to dispose of vegetation damaged during Hurricane Ike. Previous estimates put that number around 10,800 trees.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
UGA grads form New Urban Forestry tree care firm, donate time to preserve landmark trees; Athens, GA
UGA grads donate time to preserve local landmarks | News | OnlineAthens.com
By BLAKE AUED | blake.aued@onlineathens.com | Story updated at 11:31 pm on 7/7/2009
A registry of landmark trees in Athens has grown to nearly 1,000 in four years, and a new local forestry service is looking to push the number even higher.
New Urban Forestry, started last year by two University of Georgia graduates, has volunteered this year to do free preservation work on five trees listed on the Athens-Clarke government's official registry of landmark trees.
'Having this designation allows folks to see these trees in a different light,' New Urban Forestry co-founder Kevin Hamman said.
Hamman and business partner John Ritzler said they spend most of their time caring for and managing nonlandmark trees for profit. But along the way, they encourage tree owners to register their unusually large or otherwise noteworthy trees with the county and work to ensure future generations can enjoy them.
By BLAKE AUED | blake.aued@onlineathens.com | Story updated at 11:31 pm on 7/7/2009
A registry of landmark trees in Athens has grown to nearly 1,000 in four years, and a new local forestry service is looking to push the number even higher.
New Urban Forestry, started last year by two University of Georgia graduates, has volunteered this year to do free preservation work on five trees listed on the Athens-Clarke government's official registry of landmark trees.
'Having this designation allows folks to see these trees in a different light,' New Urban Forestry co-founder Kevin Hamman said.
Hamman and business partner John Ritzler said they spend most of their time caring for and managing nonlandmark trees for profit. But along the way, they encourage tree owners to register their unusually large or otherwise noteworthy trees with the county and work to ensure future generations can enjoy them.
Officials set up traps in state campground, hope to not catch ash borer; Starbuck, MN
Two emerald ash borer traps set up in Starbuck
Chad Koenen
While an emerald ash borer is no larger than a common sunflower seed, it is powerful enough to take out an entire species of tree.
The small beetle which was first discovered in Southeastern Michigan in 2002, has left a path of destruction across its mostly unimpeded track across the upper Midwest. Earlier this year the question of when the destructive beetle would finally be discovered in Minnesota was answered when it was found in St. Paul and near Houston County in southeastern Minnesota. In its trek across Michigan over the past few years, the emerald ash borer has taken out nearly every ash tree in its path, which has some in the Minnesota DNR and Department of Agriculture, including State Invasive Species Specialist Daniel Pasche worried that the emerald ash borer could be more deadly and destructive than the famed Dutch Elm Disease of the early to mid 20th century.
Pasche explained that Dutch Elm Disease didn't necessarily kill every elm tree in its path, some were spared and some overcame the disease. However, this time around ash trees don't appear to be so lucky as Pasche said early-on it appears 'emerald ash borer seems to take every single ash in its path.'
Chad Koenen
While an emerald ash borer is no larger than a common sunflower seed, it is powerful enough to take out an entire species of tree.
The small beetle which was first discovered in Southeastern Michigan in 2002, has left a path of destruction across its mostly unimpeded track across the upper Midwest. Earlier this year the question of when the destructive beetle would finally be discovered in Minnesota was answered when it was found in St. Paul and near Houston County in southeastern Minnesota. In its trek across Michigan over the past few years, the emerald ash borer has taken out nearly every ash tree in its path, which has some in the Minnesota DNR and Department of Agriculture, including State Invasive Species Specialist Daniel Pasche worried that the emerald ash borer could be more deadly and destructive than the famed Dutch Elm Disease of the early to mid 20th century.
Pasche explained that Dutch Elm Disease didn't necessarily kill every elm tree in its path, some were spared and some overcame the disease. However, this time around ash trees don't appear to be so lucky as Pasche said early-on it appears 'emerald ash borer seems to take every single ash in its path.'
Brunswick UTC compares well with other Maryland cities; Brunswick, MD
The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper
Brunswick tree canopy measured VIA Study
Originally published July 07, 2009
By Karen Gardner
News-Post Staff
Brunswick -- Tree canopy cover in Brunswick is good compared to Frederick, and even when compared with the cities of Baltimore and Washington.
It stands at 38 percent, according to a recent study by the University of Vermont. That means 38 percent of land area in Brunswick has shade provided by trees, known as urban tree canopy.
But Brunswick officials would like it to be better. More trees means lower temperatures in the summer, lower energy costs, less pollution and better property values, according to the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which funded the Urban Tree Canopy analysis.
Brunswick tree canopy measured VIA Study
Originally published July 07, 2009
By Karen Gardner
News-Post Staff
Brunswick -- Tree canopy cover in Brunswick is good compared to Frederick, and even when compared with the cities of Baltimore and Washington.
It stands at 38 percent, according to a recent study by the University of Vermont. That means 38 percent of land area in Brunswick has shade provided by trees, known as urban tree canopy.
But Brunswick officials would like it to be better. More trees means lower temperatures in the summer, lower energy costs, less pollution and better property values, according to the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which funded the Urban Tree Canopy analysis.
You say diameter, I say cirumference - you say private, I say public - let's call the tree bill off; Sonoma, CA
sonomanews.com > News
Council cool to tree law
By David Bolling
INDEX-TRIBUNE EDITOR
Mon, July 6, 7:09 PM
A proposed city ordinance to regulate removal of trees on private property got a chilly reception from Sonoma City Council members on July 1, and was postponed for further consideration until vacationing Councilmember Joanne Sanders returns.
The idea of an expanded tree ordinance was originally sent to the city's Community Services and Environment Commission (CSEC) last year to develop language and rules governing the removal of trees on single-family lots or in family-yard areas. The rationale for the request was, according to the staff report, that 'careless treatment and arbitrary removal of trees detracts from scenic beauty, causes erosion, increases risks of landslides, reduces property values, increases construction costs and drainage costs, and thereby further reduces the attractiveness of an area. According to the report, 'A purpose of the City Council acting under the authority of its power to protect the health, welfare and safety of its citizens in enacting the following regulations is to protect certain trees, and to promote the concept of tree protection, but to keep governmental regulation to a minimum as far as practicable.'
Council cool to tree law
By David Bolling
INDEX-TRIBUNE EDITOR
Mon, July 6, 7:09 PM
A proposed city ordinance to regulate removal of trees on private property got a chilly reception from Sonoma City Council members on July 1, and was postponed for further consideration until vacationing Councilmember Joanne Sanders returns.
The idea of an expanded tree ordinance was originally sent to the city's Community Services and Environment Commission (CSEC) last year to develop language and rules governing the removal of trees on single-family lots or in family-yard areas. The rationale for the request was, according to the staff report, that 'careless treatment and arbitrary removal of trees detracts from scenic beauty, causes erosion, increases risks of landslides, reduces property values, increases construction costs and drainage costs, and thereby further reduces the attractiveness of an area. According to the report, 'A purpose of the City Council acting under the authority of its power to protect the health, welfare and safety of its citizens in enacting the following regulations is to protect certain trees, and to promote the concept of tree protection, but to keep governmental regulation to a minimum as far as practicable.'
Homeowner sees more than red after utility tree-trimming; Shreveport, LA
Homeowner sees more than red after tree-trimming | shreveporttimes.com | The Times
Gary Jaynes' backyard is an oasis. Shade-loving plants stand watch as chickadees, cardinals, the occasional woodpecker and others nibble on birdseed left on the Shreveporter's South Highlands driveway.
Until recently, a live oak gracefully spread its branches over the entire yard, providing protection for plants and respite for wildlife. The tree also offered Jaynes a shady spot to watch nature at work and afforded him the privacy he craves.
'The trees to me are what makes this whole area,' Jaynes said. 'They give it its whole character.'
But since tree crews working for Southwest Electric Power Co. chopped some 15 feet of the tree's branches away from nearby power lines, Jaynes not only has a view of his plants wilting in the sunlight that now floods the backyard but also of unsightly equipment once obscured by the tree's branches.
Gary Jaynes' backyard is an oasis. Shade-loving plants stand watch as chickadees, cardinals, the occasional woodpecker and others nibble on birdseed left on the Shreveporter's South Highlands driveway.
Until recently, a live oak gracefully spread its branches over the entire yard, providing protection for plants and respite for wildlife. The tree also offered Jaynes a shady spot to watch nature at work and afforded him the privacy he craves.
'The trees to me are what makes this whole area,' Jaynes said. 'They give it its whole character.'
But since tree crews working for Southwest Electric Power Co. chopped some 15 feet of the tree's branches away from nearby power lines, Jaynes not only has a view of his plants wilting in the sunlight that now floods the backyard but also of unsightly equipment once obscured by the tree's branches.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Emerald ash borer: A "ticking time bomb" in Twin Cities - 20% of trees at risk; Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN
Emerald ash borer: A "ticking time bomb" in Minneapolis, St. Paul | Twin Cities Daily Planet | Minneapolis - St. Paul
The Park Board has hung traps for the emerald ash borer — like this one at Brackett Park — in hopes of reducing the amount of damage to the city’s trees. Photo by Scott RussellBy Scott Russell , Bridgeland News
July 05, 2009
Minneapolis, a city known for its trees, has approximately 210,000 ash trees; that’s more than 20 percent of the total number of trees in the city. The emerald ash borer, recently detected in St. Paul near the Minneapolis border, threatens them all. Minneapolis has approximately 38,000 ash trees growing on boulevards, but most ash are on private property, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (Park Board).
Park Board President Tom Nordyke says all the information the Park Board had received suggested the ash borer wouldn’t arrive for three years — optimistically five years. It has not crossed the Minneapolis border but it is clearly ahead of schedule. “We don’t’ have a plan,” Nordyke says. “We will have to figure it out. It will be in the context of a statewide solution.”
The Park Board has hung traps for the emerald ash borer — like this one at Brackett Park — in hopes of reducing the amount of damage to the city’s trees. Photo by Scott RussellBy Scott Russell , Bridgeland News
July 05, 2009
Minneapolis, a city known for its trees, has approximately 210,000 ash trees; that’s more than 20 percent of the total number of trees in the city. The emerald ash borer, recently detected in St. Paul near the Minneapolis border, threatens them all. Minneapolis has approximately 38,000 ash trees growing on boulevards, but most ash are on private property, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (Park Board).
Park Board President Tom Nordyke says all the information the Park Board had received suggested the ash borer wouldn’t arrive for three years — optimistically five years. It has not crossed the Minneapolis border but it is clearly ahead of schedule. “We don’t’ have a plan,” Nordyke says. “We will have to figure it out. It will be in the context of a statewide solution.”
Roseville block, in danger of losing 60% of its canopy to ash borer, gives snapshot of concerns at neighborhood level; Roseville, MN
In-Depth: Protect Your Ash
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota has one of the largest concentrations of Ash trees in the country, estimated at 900 million. Every one of them is in danger of being killed by this pest. There are treatments available but homeowners need to be careful or they could lose a lot of money along with their trees.
A neighborhood in Roseville is on edge.
One woman says she would like to do something before it spreads too much.
Sixty percent of the shade on this block comes from the lush green canopy of its ash trees. Nobody wants to see the trees cut down. But now that the Emerald ash borer invasion is under way it’s only a matter of time before this menace marches through thousands of neighborhoods and kills millions of trees.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota has one of the largest concentrations of Ash trees in the country, estimated at 900 million. Every one of them is in danger of being killed by this pest. There are treatments available but homeowners need to be careful or they could lose a lot of money along with their trees.
A neighborhood in Roseville is on edge.
One woman says she would like to do something before it spreads too much.
Sixty percent of the shade on this block comes from the lush green canopy of its ash trees. Nobody wants to see the trees cut down. But now that the Emerald ash borer invasion is under way it’s only a matter of time before this menace marches through thousands of neighborhoods and kills millions of trees.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Dunsmuir goes to the dogwoods; Dunsmuir, CA
Dunsmuir embarks on tree-planting campaign by Redding Record Searchlight
DUNSMUIR - This historic railroad town is getting out the dogs in an attempt to beautify its streets.
Dogwood trees are being planted along Sacramento Avenue.
The trees, which bloom in the spring, also will be planted along Dunsmuir Avenue.
'They will be planted in time to be blooming next year. It will be like the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.,' Dunsmuir resident Ana Mulvaney said.
DUNSMUIR - This historic railroad town is getting out the dogs in an attempt to beautify its streets.
Dogwood trees are being planted along Sacramento Avenue.
The trees, which bloom in the spring, also will be planted along Dunsmuir Avenue.
'They will be planted in time to be blooming next year. It will be like the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.,' Dunsmuir resident Ana Mulvaney said.
'Lady Liberty' tree's final Fourth - bring me your sidewalks and sewers yearning to be free of roots...; Santa Ana, CA
'Lady Liberty' tree's final Fourth | porter, tree, trees, down, city - News - OCRegister.com
Artist paints a mural on giant ficus slated for destruction on Monday.
By JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER
The Orange County Register
HUNTINGTON BEACH – Lori Porter always thought the giant tree shading her porch swing was reminiscent of Lady Liberty.
The long branch stretching upward represents Liberty's arm holding a torch and the twisted roots are her flowing gown.
The ficus tree towering over Porter's home has been a favorite of her family for nearly 20 years. She would read to her granddaughter under its shade, listen to chirping birds nestled in its branches or stare up at its canopy while swinging on her porch.
But come Monday, her Lady Liberty will be gone.
The city of Huntington Beach will cut down the Porters' ficus tree, along with their neighbor's tree, because the roots have caused problems with the sidewalks and sewers, Porter said.
Artist paints a mural on giant ficus slated for destruction on Monday.
By JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER
The Orange County Register
HUNTINGTON BEACH – Lori Porter always thought the giant tree shading her porch swing was reminiscent of Lady Liberty.
The long branch stretching upward represents Liberty's arm holding a torch and the twisted roots are her flowing gown.
The ficus tree towering over Porter's home has been a favorite of her family for nearly 20 years. She would read to her granddaughter under its shade, listen to chirping birds nestled in its branches or stare up at its canopy while swinging on her porch.
But come Monday, her Lady Liberty will be gone.
The city of Huntington Beach will cut down the Porters' ficus tree, along with their neighbor's tree, because the roots have caused problems with the sidewalks and sewers, Porter said.
Tarpon Springs votes to begin UTC enhancement project; Tarpon Springs, FL
Tarpon to expand tree canopy
BY MARK SCHANTZ
THE SUNCOAST NEWS
Published: July 4, 2009
TARPON SPRINGS - A proposal by parks division staff to add to the city's tree inventory really grew on city commissioners during a work session Tuesday night.
Under the plan the city workers will plant at least 116 trees in various public areas.
Commissioners informally endorsed the tree planting plan, giving City Manager Mark LeCouris a green light to implement it.
BY MARK SCHANTZ
THE SUNCOAST NEWS
Published: July 4, 2009
TARPON SPRINGS - A proposal by parks division staff to add to the city's tree inventory really grew on city commissioners during a work session Tuesday night.
Under the plan the city workers will plant at least 116 trees in various public areas.
Commissioners informally endorsed the tree planting plan, giving City Manager Mark LeCouris a green light to implement it.
Dead Galveston trees may held refurbish world's only remaining wooden whaling ship in Mystic, CT; Galveston, TX
Dead Galveston trees may branch out into ship repair | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
GALVESTON — Instead of a date with a dump, live oaks killed by Hurricane Ike in Galveston may get an unusual second lease on life.
Some of the trees might be used to refurbish the world’s only remaining wooden whaling ship. The Mystic Seaport maritime museum is hoping to haul six to eight truckloads — about 176 tons — of live oak from Galveston to the museum in Mystic, Conn., where it is rebuilding the 1841 whaling ship Charles W. Morgan, said Quentin Snediker, director of the museum shipyard.
As much as the city welcomes the museum’s interest in taking away the wood, the 176 tons will barely make a dent in the estimated 40,000 dead trees killed by Ike that must be cut down and disposed of by Sept. 12 to qualify for federal reimbursement.
The city is struggling to find ways to dispose of the mountains of wood that will be cut down, but options are few. Another problem is convincing property owners that their dead trees — victims of saltwater storm surge — must be cut before they become a safety hazard.
GALVESTON — Instead of a date with a dump, live oaks killed by Hurricane Ike in Galveston may get an unusual second lease on life.
Some of the trees might be used to refurbish the world’s only remaining wooden whaling ship. The Mystic Seaport maritime museum is hoping to haul six to eight truckloads — about 176 tons — of live oak from Galveston to the museum in Mystic, Conn., where it is rebuilding the 1841 whaling ship Charles W. Morgan, said Quentin Snediker, director of the museum shipyard.
As much as the city welcomes the museum’s interest in taking away the wood, the 176 tons will barely make a dent in the estimated 40,000 dead trees killed by Ike that must be cut down and disposed of by Sept. 12 to qualify for federal reimbursement.
The city is struggling to find ways to dispose of the mountains of wood that will be cut down, but options are few. Another problem is convincing property owners that their dead trees — victims of saltwater storm surge — must be cut before they become a safety hazard.
Contest reveals Cedar Rapids as hotspot for state champion trees; Cedar Rapids, IA
Seven Cedar Rapids trees may be tops in Iowa | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
By Rick Smith
The Gazette
rick.smith@gazettecommunications.com
Cedar Rapids' just-completed championship tree contest may provide Sherrie Nelsen her greatest defense against the frightful march of the ash-tree-killing emerald ash borer.
The towering black ash in Nelsen’s backyard at 1612 Maplewood Dr. NE is the city’s champion tree of its species and, according to a preliminary comparison with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources champion tree list, ranks as the state’s champion black ash, too.
The city’s contest also has identified six other Cedar Rapids champion trees — Amur corktree, arborvitae, Ponderosa pine, red pine, American Larch and scarlet red oak — that appear to top Iowa’s list of champion trees for their species, reports City Arborist Daniel Gibbins. He says another 23 of 77 contest entries rank in the state’s top 10 of their species.
By Rick Smith
The Gazette
rick.smith@gazettecommunications.com
Cedar Rapids' just-completed championship tree contest may provide Sherrie Nelsen her greatest defense against the frightful march of the ash-tree-killing emerald ash borer.
The towering black ash in Nelsen’s backyard at 1612 Maplewood Dr. NE is the city’s champion tree of its species and, according to a preliminary comparison with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources champion tree list, ranks as the state’s champion black ash, too.
The city’s contest also has identified six other Cedar Rapids champion trees — Amur corktree, arborvitae, Ponderosa pine, red pine, American Larch and scarlet red oak — that appear to top Iowa’s list of champion trees for their species, reports City Arborist Daniel Gibbins. He says another 23 of 77 contest entries rank in the state’s top 10 of their species.
Tree warden helps the elm rise again; Stamford, CT
Tree warden helps the elm rise again - The Connecticut Post Online
Stamford has many trees, so few people would notice that the elm is missing.
It's a mighty tree that grows more than 80 feet tall with a 60-foot canopy, and lives 200 to 300 years.
Its history is as impressive as its measurements.
An elm was the first tree planted to shade a town square in what would become the United States. The colonists who planted it in Boston in 1646 named it the liberty tree. A century later, they met beneath it to plan how to fight British rule. It became such a symbol of resistance that, when the Revolutionary War began in 1775, the British chopped it down.
Stamford has many trees, so few people would notice that the elm is missing.
It's a mighty tree that grows more than 80 feet tall with a 60-foot canopy, and lives 200 to 300 years.
Its history is as impressive as its measurements.
An elm was the first tree planted to shade a town square in what would become the United States. The colonists who planted it in Boston in 1646 named it the liberty tree. A century later, they met beneath it to plan how to fight British rule. It became such a symbol of resistance that, when the Revolutionary War began in 1775, the British chopped it down.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
State of the Urban Forest Report reveals UTC extent, dollar benefit of ecosystem services; Lake Oswego, OR
Report puts annual benefit of trees to Lake Oswego at $3 million - OregonLive.com
Trees provide Lake Oswego with an annual benefit estimated at $3 million, according to a city report released last week.
The city-sponsored State of the Urban Forest Report also revealed that trees cover about 44 percent of the city, giving Lake Oswego one of the highest-density tree canopy covers in the metro area.
The report, discussed at last week's council meeting, was intended to inform future policy and fund allocations related to the urban forest.
Using data from both field surveys of the city's trees and satellite imagery of the city's canopy, the report highlighted the urban forest's economic returns, as well as the environmental benefits. Such benefits include storm water interception, energy conservation, carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement.
Trees provide Lake Oswego with an annual benefit estimated at $3 million, according to a city report released last week.
The city-sponsored State of the Urban Forest Report also revealed that trees cover about 44 percent of the city, giving Lake Oswego one of the highest-density tree canopy covers in the metro area.
The report, discussed at last week's council meeting, was intended to inform future policy and fund allocations related to the urban forest.
Using data from both field surveys of the city's trees and satellite imagery of the city's canopy, the report highlighted the urban forest's economic returns, as well as the environmental benefits. Such benefits include storm water interception, energy conservation, carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement.
Natural Lands Trust Fund buys 22 acres of habitat in most urban state to protect endangered tree frog; Ocean Township, NJ
Ocean County to preserve habitat for Pine Barrens tree frogs - pressofAtlanticCity.com : Breaking News
OCEAN TOWNSHIP - With a few slivers of sunlight piercing the clouds and the canopy above, Mark Villinger hiked through thick brush toward an oasis hidden between the hills off Brookville Road.
He stopped at the banks of a small pond, obscured by trees and filled with vegetation. Birds chirped overhead, while a chorus of croaks came from the understory.
'I think that's it,' he said, turning his ear toward the water, listening for the Pine Barrens tree frog.
The unseen pool is a sanctuary for these endangered amphibians, which is partly why on Wednesday afternoon the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the acquisition of the 22.3-acre parcel that encompasses it.
OCEAN TOWNSHIP - With a few slivers of sunlight piercing the clouds and the canopy above, Mark Villinger hiked through thick brush toward an oasis hidden between the hills off Brookville Road.
He stopped at the banks of a small pond, obscured by trees and filled with vegetation. Birds chirped overhead, while a chorus of croaks came from the understory.
'I think that's it,' he said, turning his ear toward the water, listening for the Pine Barrens tree frog.
The unseen pool is a sanctuary for these endangered amphibians, which is partly why on Wednesday afternoon the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the acquisition of the 22.3-acre parcel that encompasses it.
Not all love trees - man pushes city for removal rather than ongoing pruning; Meriden, CT
www.MyRecordJournal.com - Swain Ave. man wants troublesome trees gone
MERIDEN - The three massive oak trees overshadowing George Stringer's property have branches the length of a car. Looking up through the leafy canopy, past where the power lines pass underneath, large dead branches can be made out.
Stringer's two children, Michael and Kaitlin, walk under those branches on their way from their home at 410 Swain Ave. to school, and joggers and automobiles pass under them regularly, Stringer said, and he's not really comfortable with the situation.
When one of the branches falls onto his property, the city - which is responsible for trees within 10 feet of most roads- quickly sends a truck to pick it up, he said, but he'd like all the dead branches taken down or the trees removed.
MERIDEN - The three massive oak trees overshadowing George Stringer's property have branches the length of a car. Looking up through the leafy canopy, past where the power lines pass underneath, large dead branches can be made out.
Stringer's two children, Michael and Kaitlin, walk under those branches on their way from their home at 410 Swain Ave. to school, and joggers and automobiles pass under them regularly, Stringer said, and he's not really comfortable with the situation.
When one of the branches falls onto his property, the city - which is responsible for trees within 10 feet of most roads- quickly sends a truck to pick it up, he said, but he'd like all the dead branches taken down or the trees removed.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
American Chestnut's Revival May Combat Climate Change; USA
American Chestnut's Revival May Combat Climate Change - NYTimes.com
The American chestnut tree, which towered over eastern U.S. forests before succumbing to a deadly fungus in the early 20th century, appears to be an excellent sponge for greenhouse gases, according to a new study.
If scientists can develop a fungus-resistant version of the tree, the chestnut could play a key role in the battle against climate change, Purdue University scientists say.
'Maintaining or increasing forest cover has been identified as an important way to slow climate change,' said Douglass Jacobs, whose chestnut tree study appears in the June issue of Forest Ecology and Management.
The American chestnut tree, which towered over eastern U.S. forests before succumbing to a deadly fungus in the early 20th century, appears to be an excellent sponge for greenhouse gases, according to a new study.
If scientists can develop a fungus-resistant version of the tree, the chestnut could play a key role in the battle against climate change, Purdue University scientists say.
'Maintaining or increasing forest cover has been identified as an important way to slow climate change,' said Douglass Jacobs, whose chestnut tree study appears in the June issue of Forest Ecology and Management.
Debate over candidate's green positions highlight complexities of green decision making in urban jurisdictions; Seattle, WA
Strains in the green-growth coalition
The battle for candidate endorsements reveals some ideological divides between local environmentalists, developers, and independent thinkers who wonder if all urban growth is good.
By Knute Berger
People in Seattle are green green green. We're a leader on Kyoto, we hate plastic bottles and shopping bags, and our politicians often jockey over who is more green than the other. Candidates for office vie for key endorsements from groups like the Cascade Bicycle Club, Washington Conservation Voters, and the Sierra Club.
But candidates also need business support too, and Mayor Greg Nickels has led the way over the years in forging a lamb-and-lion coalition of green and development interests. You'd think these two would be more at odds, but part of the secret to Nickels' success has been exploiting an urban green paradigm that essentially equates urban development with the true green agenda.
Making Seattle into a denser city will save undeveloped outlying lands from growth; in-fill is more carbon-friendly than sprawl. In this world, high-rise office and residential towers are the way to save the planet. Density, walkability, transit-friendly, and sustainability are the watchwords. Whether a bigger, denser, light-railed Seattle will actually result in less sprawl in our region is still mostly theory, but it's accepted as gospel by many. A pro-development stance pleases greens, business, and the labor unions. And politicians."
The battle for candidate endorsements reveals some ideological divides between local environmentalists, developers, and independent thinkers who wonder if all urban growth is good.
By Knute Berger
People in Seattle are green green green. We're a leader on Kyoto, we hate plastic bottles and shopping bags, and our politicians often jockey over who is more green than the other. Candidates for office vie for key endorsements from groups like the Cascade Bicycle Club, Washington Conservation Voters, and the Sierra Club.
But candidates also need business support too, and Mayor Greg Nickels has led the way over the years in forging a lamb-and-lion coalition of green and development interests. You'd think these two would be more at odds, but part of the secret to Nickels' success has been exploiting an urban green paradigm that essentially equates urban development with the true green agenda.
Making Seattle into a denser city will save undeveloped outlying lands from growth; in-fill is more carbon-friendly than sprawl. In this world, high-rise office and residential towers are the way to save the planet. Density, walkability, transit-friendly, and sustainability are the watchwords. Whether a bigger, denser, light-railed Seattle will actually result in less sprawl in our region is still mostly theory, but it's accepted as gospel by many. A pro-development stance pleases greens, business, and the labor unions. And politicians."
Value of city’s street trees counted and growing; New Haven, CT
Value of city’s street trees growing- The New Haven Register - Serving Greater New Haven, CT
By Mary E. O’Leary, Register Topics Editor
NEW HAVEN — As the city looks at different ways to measure how sustainable it is, Chris Ozyck of the Urban Resources Initiative Tuesday would add the goal of increasing its tree canopy.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the New Haven Urban Design League, Ozyck said there are now ways to calculate the contribution of trees in dollars and cents for those not convinced that more trees should be planted simply for their beauty.
The league also presented Ozyck with the Urban Angel Award for his many contributions to environmental projects.
Ozyck and others at the Urban Resources Initiative have determined what the 30,508 street trees in New Haven save in terms of energy conservation, air quality improvement, carbon dioxide reduction and storm water control.
By Mary E. O’Leary, Register Topics Editor
NEW HAVEN — As the city looks at different ways to measure how sustainable it is, Chris Ozyck of the Urban Resources Initiative Tuesday would add the goal of increasing its tree canopy.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the New Haven Urban Design League, Ozyck said there are now ways to calculate the contribution of trees in dollars and cents for those not convinced that more trees should be planted simply for their beauty.
The league also presented Ozyck with the Urban Angel Award for his many contributions to environmental projects.
Ozyck and others at the Urban Resources Initiative have determined what the 30,508 street trees in New Haven save in terms of energy conservation, air quality improvement, carbon dioxide reduction and storm water control.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)