P.G. council to review tree rules - MontereyHerald.com ::
The Pacific Grove City Council will consider taking another look at the city's 'cut-one-plant-two' tree ordinance when it meets Wednesday.
Adopted in 2007, the ordinance requires residents who get a city permit to remove a tree from their property to plant two replacements of 'comparable species.' Failure to comply is a misdemeanor.
This has been challenged as unreasonable by residents on grounds that replacing towering Monterey pines with other tall canopy trees is inappropriate in the city's current stage of development.
'A large portion of the Monterey pines in the community are reaching the ends of their expected life span,' said Celia Perez Martinez, reporting on the tree issue to the City Council.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Communities debate the costs and benefits of regulating tree removal on private property; New York metro area
When Trees Fall Next Door, Neighbors Make the Noise - NYTimes.com:
JENNIE SUNSHINE doesn’t need horror movies. She has witnessed numerous chain-saw massacres right on Ravencrest Road, her sleepy suburban block in this upper Westchester town.
“It seems like every time someone moves onto the block, they begin cutting down trees,” said Ms. Sunshine, 38, a stay-at-home mother of a 2-year-old girl. Three neighbors have deforested parts of their yards in the past two years, she said.
“I’m not a nosy neighbor, but every time I hear the saws, I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, there it is again,’ ” she said. “These trees were not sick or a safety hazard; these people just wanted to rearrange the landscape. I thought, ‘If this continues, what’s Yorktown going to look like in 30 years, the Lower East Side?’
JENNIE SUNSHINE doesn’t need horror movies. She has witnessed numerous chain-saw massacres right on Ravencrest Road, her sleepy suburban block in this upper Westchester town.
“It seems like every time someone moves onto the block, they begin cutting down trees,” said Ms. Sunshine, 38, a stay-at-home mother of a 2-year-old girl. Three neighbors have deforested parts of their yards in the past two years, she said.
“I’m not a nosy neighbor, but every time I hear the saws, I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, there it is again,’ ” she said. “These trees were not sick or a safety hazard; these people just wanted to rearrange the landscape. I thought, ‘If this continues, what’s Yorktown going to look like in 30 years, the Lower East Side?’
Closing America's Climate Gap Between Rich and Poor; USA
Closing America's Climate Gap Between Rich and Poor SolveClimate.com:
The gap between rich and poor as a result of mitigating climate change could become overwhelming if policymakers aren’t careful to evaluate the steps needed to ensure both effectiveness and social justice, a new report from the University of Southern California warns.
The analysis by USC’s Program for Environmental and Regional Equality (PERE) essentially tries to identify the impact that climate change — and its remedies — will have on people at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale.
Think of it as seeing trees in an attempt to define a forest.
The Climate Gap report focuses on human rights, public health and social justice from a climate change and climate change amelioration perspective, defining those areas most likely to impact the poor, beginning with extreme heat and ending with biofuel production.
PERE Director Manuel Pastor, a professor in USC's Geography and American Studies and Ethnicity Department, defines it as a vital domestic component of climate legislation.
The gap between rich and poor as a result of mitigating climate change could become overwhelming if policymakers aren’t careful to evaluate the steps needed to ensure both effectiveness and social justice, a new report from the University of Southern California warns.
The analysis by USC’s Program for Environmental and Regional Equality (PERE) essentially tries to identify the impact that climate change — and its remedies — will have on people at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale.
Think of it as seeing trees in an attempt to define a forest.
The Climate Gap report focuses on human rights, public health and social justice from a climate change and climate change amelioration perspective, defining those areas most likely to impact the poor, beginning with extreme heat and ending with biofuel production.
PERE Director Manuel Pastor, a professor in USC's Geography and American Studies and Ethnicity Department, defines it as a vital domestic component of climate legislation.
Mercury News editorial staff says street trees are worth the time and trouble; San Jose, CA
Editorial: Street trees are worth the time and trouble - San Jose Mercury News:
There are 242,000 street trees in San Jose, according to a recent inventory by the city arborist — and room for 90,000 more in the public right of way.
What an opportunity.
In this economy, the city has no money to invest in street trees. It's up to residents, who sometimes worry more about sidewalk damage than the need for a better tree canopy.
But trees are an excellent investment. It's no coincidence that homes on tree-lined streets sell for more than comparable homes on a barren block. Besides adding beauty, trees can lower the temperature of a neighborhood by 10 degrees, making life more pleasant and saving energy costs. You know this instinctively. Would you rather walk down a tree lined sidewalk or an unshaded one?
There are 242,000 street trees in San Jose, according to a recent inventory by the city arborist — and room for 90,000 more in the public right of way.
What an opportunity.
In this economy, the city has no money to invest in street trees. It's up to residents, who sometimes worry more about sidewalk damage than the need for a better tree canopy.
But trees are an excellent investment. It's no coincidence that homes on tree-lined streets sell for more than comparable homes on a barren block. Besides adding beauty, trees can lower the temperature of a neighborhood by 10 degrees, making life more pleasant and saving energy costs. You know this instinctively. Would you rather walk down a tree lined sidewalk or an unshaded one?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
iPhone and iPod Touch users can help TreeLink with new NTRconnect Remote access; World
iPhone and iPod Touch Users Log In and Branch Out With New NTRconnect Remote Access to Business and Home Computers Linux: "DALLAS and BARCELONA, Spain, November 24 /PRNewswire/ -- NTRglobal today introduced NTRconnect Remote Access for the iPhone and iPod touch (www.ntrconnect.com). The application is available on the iTunes App Store for US$1.99 and at the NTRconnect Website. With every download, NTRglobal will donate US$1.00 to TreeLink, an organization devoted to raising awareness for healthy urban and community forests. The accumulated donations from NTRglobal will help create TreeBanks, which are online accounts that fund local urban reforestation organizations.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081111/NTRGLOBALLOGO)
'Now, Apple iPhone and iPod touch users around the world can remotely access and control their home or work computers by simply logging in and branching out with NTRconnect Remote Access. Today's mobile and connected lifestyle require the ability to take care of business anytime, anywhere,' said Luis Font, CEO of NTRglobal. 'Our customers gain secure remote access to all of their work and home-based computers, files and applications, and they are also helping urban reforestation groups grow and branch out in their own backyards.'"
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081111/NTRGLOBALLOGO)
'Now, Apple iPhone and iPod touch users around the world can remotely access and control their home or work computers by simply logging in and branching out with NTRconnect Remote Access. Today's mobile and connected lifestyle require the ability to take care of business anytime, anywhere,' said Luis Font, CEO of NTRglobal. 'Our customers gain secure remote access to all of their work and home-based computers, files and applications, and they are also helping urban reforestation groups grow and branch out in their own backyards.'"
Monday, November 23, 2009
Executive Director of Trees Atlanta warns that cities sometimes overlook value of trees; Atlanta, GA
Cities overlook value of trees ajc.com:
As we move through our day, it is hard to miss the beauty of the fall tree canopy. It is, after all, that time of year when we witness the annual splendor of fall leaves changing from green to gold, orange and auburn, as they dazzle us one last time before the cold weather sets in and trees slip into their winter slumber.
Following a three-year drought where trees struggled to survive, no one could have predicted 2009 would bring 54 inches of rain, or the disastrous flooding in September that claimed lives, ruined property and devastated communities.
Mother Nature is unpredictable. Indeed, the National Weather Service, quoted in the AJC, said some locations recorded 20 inches of rain in 24-hour period beginning Sept. 20, pegging the chances of such a deluge at 1 in 10,000.
As we move through our day, it is hard to miss the beauty of the fall tree canopy. It is, after all, that time of year when we witness the annual splendor of fall leaves changing from green to gold, orange and auburn, as they dazzle us one last time before the cold weather sets in and trees slip into their winter slumber.
Following a three-year drought where trees struggled to survive, no one could have predicted 2009 would bring 54 inches of rain, or the disastrous flooding in September that claimed lives, ruined property and devastated communities.
Mother Nature is unpredictable. Indeed, the National Weather Service, quoted in the AJC, said some locations recorded 20 inches of rain in 24-hour period beginning Sept. 20, pegging the chances of such a deluge at 1 in 10,000.
Rehoboth Beach set to revise tree ordinance to support goal of maintaining 44% canopy coverage; Rehoboth Beach, DE
CapeGazette.com - Rehoboth Beach set to revise tree ordinance:
Three years after its passing, Rehoboth Beach’s groundbreaking comprehensive tree ordinance is in the first stages of a revision. Four changes have been proposed to the ordinance, which regulates trees and tree plantings on public and private land:
• Clarifying and changing the role of the Parks and Shade Tree Commission
• Updating the section on definitions
• Updating the list of preferred and acceptable trees on private lands
• Initiating a community forestry management plan.
Three years after its passing, Rehoboth Beach’s groundbreaking comprehensive tree ordinance is in the first stages of a revision. Four changes have been proposed to the ordinance, which regulates trees and tree plantings on public and private land:
• Clarifying and changing the role of the Parks and Shade Tree Commission
• Updating the section on definitions
• Updating the list of preferred and acceptable trees on private lands
• Initiating a community forestry management plan.
To accomodate construction, trees removed, then replanted, then removed - will be replanted; East Aurora, NY
Main Street Trees Re-Replanted
by Jeremy Morlock
When many trees along East Aurora’s Main Street were cut down in June 2008 as part of the State Department of Transportation’s reconstruction project, many local residents were sad to see them go, and shocked at the bareness of the street. When contractors started planting trees along the repaved roadway this month, passersby commented that they were glad to see the plants in place. When villagers notice that some of the new trees have since been removed, they may be puzzled.
In all, 17 newly planted trees between the Olean Street and Riley Street intersections of Main Street were to be uprooted. However, they have since been replaced with other trees. The reason is that the new trees were of the wrong species and didn’t fit with the most up-to-date plans for Main Street.
by Jeremy Morlock
When many trees along East Aurora’s Main Street were cut down in June 2008 as part of the State Department of Transportation’s reconstruction project, many local residents were sad to see them go, and shocked at the bareness of the street. When contractors started planting trees along the repaved roadway this month, passersby commented that they were glad to see the plants in place. When villagers notice that some of the new trees have since been removed, they may be puzzled.
In all, 17 newly planted trees between the Olean Street and Riley Street intersections of Main Street were to be uprooted. However, they have since been replaced with other trees. The reason is that the new trees were of the wrong species and didn’t fit with the most up-to-date plans for Main Street.
CA Board of Forestry puts forth new streamside forest buffer rules in bid to bring back salmon; CA
Bid to rejuvenate salmon will protect trees near streams - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento
Little-known Honcut Creek is the one place where imperiled California salmon might be able to make a comeback.
It's also where new logging rules soon will restrict how many trees can be cut on private land along this Feather River tributary, even though there aren't any salmon in its forested reaches.
The goal is to protect potential salmon habitat by preserving shade along the creek – to keep the water cool – and to prevent erosion that could destroy spawning gravels downstream.
The new logging rules were approved last month by the California Board of Forestry in a rare unanimous vote.
Little-known Honcut Creek is the one place where imperiled California salmon might be able to make a comeback.
It's also where new logging rules soon will restrict how many trees can be cut on private land along this Feather River tributary, even though there aren't any salmon in its forested reaches.
The goal is to protect potential salmon habitat by preserving shade along the creek – to keep the water cool – and to prevent erosion that could destroy spawning gravels downstream.
The new logging rules were approved last month by the California Board of Forestry in a rare unanimous vote.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Take Root helps increase UTC in urban core, seeks to double UTC; Chattanooga, TN
11/21/2009 - Great Things Are Happening At Battle Academy - Opinion - Chattanoogan.com:
Saturday morning, students, parents and staff members planted eight beautiful trees on our campus. Take Root donated the trees and offered help and instruction with the planting. Take Root's mission, to increase the tree canopy in the urban core, directly affects our students; kids who live in areas with dense urban forests, for instance, have a lesser prevalence of asthma. In addition, trees have been shown to decrease crime and litter as well as to slow vehicular traffic. For a school in the heart of the city at the corner of Main and Market Streets, these benefits are priceless.
Saturday morning, students, parents and staff members planted eight beautiful trees on our campus. Take Root donated the trees and offered help and instruction with the planting. Take Root's mission, to increase the tree canopy in the urban core, directly affects our students; kids who live in areas with dense urban forests, for instance, have a lesser prevalence of asthma. In addition, trees have been shown to decrease crime and litter as well as to slow vehicular traffic. For a school in the heart of the city at the corner of Main and Market Streets, these benefits are priceless.
Columnist gives post-op on failed "baby grand" tree protection bill; Sarasota, FL
Ernst: All-or-nothing stance doesn't help the trees HeraldTribune.com Sarasota Florida Southwest Florida's Information Leader:
The news often depicts public debate as a battle between two sides. One recent example is Sarasota County's discussion over how to save trees through the so-called baby grand tree ordinance, which the county commissioners scrapped last week.
While we could generalize that the proposed ordinance pitted environmentalists against developers, builders and the business community, the reality was more nuanced. That's the trouble with labels. Within each camp, plenty of individuals either supported or opposed the ordinance for varying reasons and with varying fervor.
As part of the political theater on the environmental 'side,' we had an exchange between Dan Lobeck, slow-growth land-use attorney, and Jono Miller, former director of environmental studies at New College.
In well-circulated e-mails, Miller actually opposed the ordinance and offered several other suggestions for conserving the county's tree canopy.
The news often depicts public debate as a battle between two sides. One recent example is Sarasota County's discussion over how to save trees through the so-called baby grand tree ordinance, which the county commissioners scrapped last week.
While we could generalize that the proposed ordinance pitted environmentalists against developers, builders and the business community, the reality was more nuanced. That's the trouble with labels. Within each camp, plenty of individuals either supported or opposed the ordinance for varying reasons and with varying fervor.
As part of the political theater on the environmental 'side,' we had an exchange between Dan Lobeck, slow-growth land-use attorney, and Jono Miller, former director of environmental studies at New College.
In well-circulated e-mails, Miller actually opposed the ordinance and offered several other suggestions for conserving the county's tree canopy.
Are sad-looking palms at LAPD headquarters dying from embarassment? Los Angeles, CA
The sad-looking palms at LAPD headquarters could use a hand -- latimes.com:
Are they stressed? Sick? Sad? Mortified? Who can see the stand of palm trees on the corner of 2nd and Spring and not feel just a tinge of pity? Yellow and brown fronds droop from their once-proud crowns as if thieves had pried loose their jewels and left the tattered settings to dangle, prongs askew.
It's probably stress. The Urban Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works says the transplanted palms will need up to a year to adjust to their new home on the grounds of the new Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. But if it is stress, an official said, they could be susceptible to catching a bug, so to speak.
Or they could be unhappy -- upset about the pitiful state of the once-beautiful lawn they preside over. It was to be expected that the Marathon sod would brown somewhat in the winter, and neighborhood dogs are certainly creating, shall we say, a nitrogen-rich environment. But gouges and tire tracks? That was one heck of a housewarming party the police threw.
Whether trees can be embarrassed to death is unclear. But these well might be. City policies discourage the planting of palms. They just don't add enough to Los Angeles' tree canopy.
Are they stressed? Sick? Sad? Mortified? Who can see the stand of palm trees on the corner of 2nd and Spring and not feel just a tinge of pity? Yellow and brown fronds droop from their once-proud crowns as if thieves had pried loose their jewels and left the tattered settings to dangle, prongs askew.
It's probably stress. The Urban Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works says the transplanted palms will need up to a year to adjust to their new home on the grounds of the new Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. But if it is stress, an official said, they could be susceptible to catching a bug, so to speak.
Or they could be unhappy -- upset about the pitiful state of the once-beautiful lawn they preside over. It was to be expected that the Marathon sod would brown somewhat in the winter, and neighborhood dogs are certainly creating, shall we say, a nitrogen-rich environment. But gouges and tire tracks? That was one heck of a housewarming party the police threw.
Whether trees can be embarrassed to death is unclear. But these well might be. City policies discourage the planting of palms. They just don't add enough to Los Angeles' tree canopy.
Major League Soccer, Government, Volunteers partner on clean and green initiative; Seattle, WA :
Major League Soccer: News: Seattle sparkles after MLS Clean & Green:
MLS W.O.R.K.S. took part in the event for the first time. The league's community outreach initiative has a program it supports entitled Greener Goals. The participants in Saturday's event all donned shirts representing the organization, with the occasional Sounders FC scarf and many other layers of clothing. Saturday's event focused on adding some greenery to the SoDo community, a predominantly industrial area about a mile south of Qwest Field straight down 1st Avenue.
'It's great to be a partner with MLS and have players and officials here,' Seattle Council President Richard Conlin said. 'Volunteering is part of our value system. We're working on a plan to significantly increase the tree canopy in Seattle. It's a tribute to Seattle that we have so many volunteers. Our job is to provide them with the tools they need.'
Evans said the Sounders FC players are very involved in the community. Saturday's event marked the first time he had helped plant trees.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. took part in the event for the first time. The league's community outreach initiative has a program it supports entitled Greener Goals. The participants in Saturday's event all donned shirts representing the organization, with the occasional Sounders FC scarf and many other layers of clothing. Saturday's event focused on adding some greenery to the SoDo community, a predominantly industrial area about a mile south of Qwest Field straight down 1st Avenue.
'It's great to be a partner with MLS and have players and officials here,' Seattle Council President Richard Conlin said. 'Volunteering is part of our value system. We're working on a plan to significantly increase the tree canopy in Seattle. It's a tribute to Seattle that we have so many volunteers. Our job is to provide them with the tools they need.'
Evans said the Sounders FC players are very involved in the community. Saturday's event marked the first time he had helped plant trees.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Town considers tree canopy in plans to increase density to accomodate 50,000 new residents; Ajax, Ontario, Canada
newsdurhamregion.com Ajax plans for almost 50,000 more residents:
Part of deciding where and how to grow for Ajax involves ensuring the environment is protected.
'It's not just the trees and the creeks and the fish, it's the built environment as well, the heritage environment,' said Mr. Muller.
This includes protecting heritage districts such as Pickering Village.
The Town's goals include reducing local greenhouse gas emissions by building more energy and water efficient buildings and increasing the tree canopy. The tree canopy also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect where heavily paved areas are hotter than natural areas. Another option is encouraging green roofs and white roofs which reflect heat, said Stev Andis, senior policy planner for the Town.
Part of deciding where and how to grow for Ajax involves ensuring the environment is protected.
'It's not just the trees and the creeks and the fish, it's the built environment as well, the heritage environment,' said Mr. Muller.
This includes protecting heritage districts such as Pickering Village.
The Town's goals include reducing local greenhouse gas emissions by building more energy and water efficient buildings and increasing the tree canopy. The tree canopy also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect where heavily paved areas are hotter than natural areas. Another option is encouraging green roofs and white roofs which reflect heat, said Stev Andis, senior policy planner for the Town.
Toronto Hydro upgrades distribution lines to tree cable as part of carbon neutral strategy, reducing tree-wire conflicts; Toronto, Canada
Protecting A City's Greenery:
This transformation began in 2007, when Toronto Hydro Corp. officially embarked on a sustainability program that included becoming carbon neutral, says Blair Peberdy, the corporation's vice-president, marketing, communications and public affairs.
That year, Toronto Hydro established its carbon footprint was 156,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents and set out to identify ways to reduce it.
'Part of this [footprint] is due to line losses -- the energy that is lost between the generating stations across Ontario and the transmission lines that feed into Toronto,' Mr. Peberdy says. 'The line loss in Toronto Hydro worked out to about 3% of all the power that we buy from the grid.'
That loss was due partly to trees, so Toronto Hydro has been upgrading its distribution system as well as installing what is known as 'tree cable,' which has a thick plastic coating to protect the conductor from accidental tree contact.
This transformation began in 2007, when Toronto Hydro Corp. officially embarked on a sustainability program that included becoming carbon neutral, says Blair Peberdy, the corporation's vice-president, marketing, communications and public affairs.
That year, Toronto Hydro established its carbon footprint was 156,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents and set out to identify ways to reduce it.
'Part of this [footprint] is due to line losses -- the energy that is lost between the generating stations across Ontario and the transmission lines that feed into Toronto,' Mr. Peberdy says. 'The line loss in Toronto Hydro worked out to about 3% of all the power that we buy from the grid.'
That loss was due partly to trees, so Toronto Hydro has been upgrading its distribution system as well as installing what is known as 'tree cable,' which has a thick plastic coating to protect the conductor from accidental tree contact.
City of Galveston giving away trees to replenish 80% canopy loss; Galveston, TX
City of Galveston giving away trees to replenish island's canopy after Hurricane Ike - 11/20/09 - Houston News - abc13.com:
GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Hundreds of trees are being given away in Galveston this weekend. The next step is for neighbors on the island to plant them and replant what Hurricane Ike destroyed.
Related Content
More: Galveston Re-Leaf: Free tree giveawayOaks, elms, Mexican plum trees and magnolia trees are among the trees to be given away. They are considered a green re-birth of Galveston. Two thousand young trees to reforest an island that's been without greenery for over a year.
'Galveston is completely barren at this point, very few trees made it. Over 30,000 trees didn't survive and here we are planting trees. It's great. We need shade for the parks and shade for the children, but the whole island needs a canopy,' said Roger Johnson, Galveston Superintendent of Parks.
GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Hundreds of trees are being given away in Galveston this weekend. The next step is for neighbors on the island to plant them and replant what Hurricane Ike destroyed.
Related Content
More: Galveston Re-Leaf: Free tree giveawayOaks, elms, Mexican plum trees and magnolia trees are among the trees to be given away. They are considered a green re-birth of Galveston. Two thousand young trees to reforest an island that's been without greenery for over a year.
'Galveston is completely barren at this point, very few trees made it. Over 30,000 trees didn't survive and here we are planting trees. It's great. We need shade for the parks and shade for the children, but the whole island needs a canopy,' said Roger Johnson, Galveston Superintendent of Parks.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Town commission approves canopy preservation ordinance; St. Simons Island, GA
The Brunswick News - Home Page:
In a separate matter, the commission approved a plan to preserve the tree canopy of St. Simons Island.
The ordinance, which would apply to the island only, requires tree plans to be submitted with all site plans for approval, and also creates a process of establishing tree protection zones.
The new guidelines will also create a credit system for replacing removed trees.
The new rules call for eight tree credits per acre, which means that in general one-twelfth of new property would have to be made up of trees.
The new rules would not apply to residential houses or uses where clear areas are essential, such as golf courses, athletic fields and airports.
In a separate matter, the commission approved a plan to preserve the tree canopy of St. Simons Island.
The ordinance, which would apply to the island only, requires tree plans to be submitted with all site plans for approval, and also creates a process of establishing tree protection zones.
The new guidelines will also create a credit system for replacing removed trees.
The new rules call for eight tree credits per acre, which means that in general one-twelfth of new property would have to be made up of trees.
The new rules would not apply to residential houses or uses where clear areas are essential, such as golf courses, athletic fields and airports.
Planning board approves tree ordinance that would require arborists' licensing-awaits Council approval; Boulder, CO
Boulder board approves tree ordinance - Boulder Daily Camera:
Axing trees in Boulder might soon require cutting through some red tape first.
The Boulder Planning Board on Thursday night approved adding 'tree protection standards' to the city's code.
The ordinance, which still must be approved by the City Council, is the first part of a larger proposal that would make sweeping changes to how Boulder's estimated 400,000 public and private trees are planted, maintained and removed.
The changes approved by the Planning Board deal mostly with the licensing of arborists.
Anyone who charges fees to plant trees, prune them, cut them down or apply pesticides would be required to be licensed by the city, and any removal or replacement of trees in public right-of-ways would have to be done under the supervision of a certified arborist.
Axing trees in Boulder might soon require cutting through some red tape first.
The Boulder Planning Board on Thursday night approved adding 'tree protection standards' to the city's code.
The ordinance, which still must be approved by the City Council, is the first part of a larger proposal that would make sweeping changes to how Boulder's estimated 400,000 public and private trees are planted, maintained and removed.
The changes approved by the Planning Board deal mostly with the licensing of arborists.
Anyone who charges fees to plant trees, prune them, cut them down or apply pesticides would be required to be licensed by the city, and any removal or replacement of trees in public right-of-ways would have to be done under the supervision of a certified arborist.
Million Trees LA shares opportunities for involvement, results of UTC analysis; Los Angeles, CA
Making a Million (Happen) NBC Los Angeles: "There are many, many ways to get involved via Million Trees LA, too, like donating, and even planting your own (there will be some reading and advice, so do a bit of research before going to the nursery).
And if you want to really geek out, in a goodly geek way, there's a whole tree canopy analysis of our city that is quite fascinating."
And if you want to really geek out, in a goodly geek way, there's a whole tree canopy analysis of our city that is quite fascinating."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
City arborists say “stop topping”; Bismarck, ND
Bismarck arborists say “stop topping”:
“Topping” a tree — that is, removing 50 to 100 percent of the tree’s canopy or top, is extremely damaging, causing weak branching and in some cases the death of a tree, say Bismarck city arborists.
The city arborists say they have observed “topping” of trees in the community and want people to be aware of its hazards.
With at least 50 percent of the canopy being pruned out, the tree will rapidly produce shoots right below the pruned section to compensate for the lost leaves. Since these shoots are formed quickly and profusely, the attachment is not strong.
The wound left from topping can become a hazard of its own because of potential decay and rot issues. Since so many large stubs are left behind from topping, the tree is not likely able to callus over all of the open wounds. These wounds leave an open path for insects, diseases, and decay to form in the tree. Branch failure is prone to happen due to the added weight from the shoots growing off of a weakening branch stub.
“Topping” a tree — that is, removing 50 to 100 percent of the tree’s canopy or top, is extremely damaging, causing weak branching and in some cases the death of a tree, say Bismarck city arborists.
The city arborists say they have observed “topping” of trees in the community and want people to be aware of its hazards.
With at least 50 percent of the canopy being pruned out, the tree will rapidly produce shoots right below the pruned section to compensate for the lost leaves. Since these shoots are formed quickly and profusely, the attachment is not strong.
The wound left from topping can become a hazard of its own because of potential decay and rot issues. Since so many large stubs are left behind from topping, the tree is not likely able to callus over all of the open wounds. These wounds leave an open path for insects, diseases, and decay to form in the tree. Branch failure is prone to happen due to the added weight from the shoots growing off of a weakening branch stub.
Campus grove that witnessed graduation of more than 1,000,000 students at risk from pressures of land use, resources, weather; Lawrence, KS
‘Green space’ on campus is endangered Kansan.com:
On the northern slope of Mount Oread, near the Campanile, sits more than a hundred 40-foot tall, sturdy walnut trees; their black trunks are a stark contrast to the green grass that envelops them during the summer.
Rushing to class, students often miss this forest rooted in the heart of campus. But Marvin Grove has stood timeless amidst the rapid changes around it for more than 100 years.
It has seen the turn of two centuries and the veterans of both world wars. It witnessed the civil rights rallies that threatened to tear the University in two. And on the sidelines of graduation hill, the grove stood by as more than 1 million students leave the University behind in pursuit of their futures.
The roots of these trees go almost as deep as the University itself, anchoring the grove in the institution’s past and its present.
But weather, age and development are endangering the existence of the grove and other natural space on campus.
On the northern slope of Mount Oread, near the Campanile, sits more than a hundred 40-foot tall, sturdy walnut trees; their black trunks are a stark contrast to the green grass that envelops them during the summer.
Rushing to class, students often miss this forest rooted in the heart of campus. But Marvin Grove has stood timeless amidst the rapid changes around it for more than 100 years.
It has seen the turn of two centuries and the veterans of both world wars. It witnessed the civil rights rallies that threatened to tear the University in two. And on the sidelines of graduation hill, the grove stood by as more than 1 million students leave the University behind in pursuit of their futures.
The roots of these trees go almost as deep as the University itself, anchoring the grove in the institution’s past and its present.
But weather, age and development are endangering the existence of the grove and other natural space on campus.
Judge rules clearing of streamside canopy improper but appeals court overturns, rules for developer; Yancey County, NC
Laws, Life, and Legal Matters - Court Cases and Legal Information at Leagle.com - All Federal and State Appeals Court Cases in One Search: "The Commission granted Mountain Air's request for a variance from the buffer requirements mandated in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113A5-7(1). Mountain Air then proceeded to remove trees and tree canopy along 2,763 feet of Banks Creek, and to clear all buffer vegetation along 160 feet of Banks Creek. Mountain Air also temporarily diverted the course of a section of Banks Creek through pipes eighteen inches in diameter in order to install 1,868 feet of underground pipes, some as small as 36 inches in diameter. Finally, Mountain Air redirected that section of Banks Creek into the underground pipe system, and began construction of a fairway over a section of the piped trout waters."
Lowcountry residents allege trees needlessly "butchered, decapitated and chainsawed" by utility; James Island, SC
Lowcountry residents upset by city snipping tree canopy The Herald - Rock Hill, SC:
Utility workers say arborists helped with health plan
By Brian Hicks - The (Charleston) Post and Courier JAMES ISLAND -- James Island residents say the trees along Harbor View Road look like extras in a slasher film — they've been butchered, decapitated and chainsawed.
And they blame SCE&G for the slaughter.
Along the road, trees have been cut back at least 10 feet from power lines.
In some cases, oaks, crepe myrtles and even pecan trees have been cut into a less-than-appealing “Y” shape, as if they are perpetually dancing to the Village People.
Some people say it is downright ugly, others fear it's going to kill the trees.
“It's horrendous, and I believe there is a more conservative way to do it,” said Margaret Fabri, a local attorney. “They have ruined the canopy of these trees.”
Contractors for SCE&G have been on the island in recent weeks as part of the utility's routine trimming to keep the power lines clear.
Utility workers say arborists helped with health plan
By Brian Hicks - The (Charleston) Post and Courier JAMES ISLAND -- James Island residents say the trees along Harbor View Road look like extras in a slasher film — they've been butchered, decapitated and chainsawed.
And they blame SCE&G for the slaughter.
Along the road, trees have been cut back at least 10 feet from power lines.
In some cases, oaks, crepe myrtles and even pecan trees have been cut into a less-than-appealing “Y” shape, as if they are perpetually dancing to the Village People.
Some people say it is downright ugly, others fear it's going to kill the trees.
“It's horrendous, and I believe there is a more conservative way to do it,” said Margaret Fabri, a local attorney. “They have ruined the canopy of these trees.”
Contractors for SCE&G have been on the island in recent weeks as part of the utility's routine trimming to keep the power lines clear.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Frederick County Schools move forward with UTC goal plantings; Middletown, MD
Middletown students add 200 trees to habitat for schoolyard project - The Frederick News-Post Online: Two hundred trees will one day tower over students at Middletown High School, thanks to the efforts of Sharon Steger's biology students.
Steger's students have been learning about the real world, the world of trees and land and air and water. In October, they planted 70 trees as part of the Schoolyard Habitat project. Last year, students planted 130 trees.
It's part of Frederick County Public Schools' plan to increase its tree canopy to 20 percent of school land by 2038. Middletown High School adjoins a farm. The Schoolyard Habitat program at the school goes beyond tree canopy, however.
Steger's students have been learning about the real world, the world of trees and land and air and water. In October, they planted 70 trees as part of the Schoolyard Habitat project. Last year, students planted 130 trees.
It's part of Frederick County Public Schools' plan to increase its tree canopy to 20 percent of school land by 2038. Middletown High School adjoins a farm. The Schoolyard Habitat program at the school goes beyond tree canopy, however.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Ravenous pine beetle hitches ride on wind to expand range, reaches central Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Ravenous pine beetle reaches central Alberta:
EDMONTON — After devouring the pine forests of British Columbia, swarms of mountain pine beetles staved off starvation in July and August by climbing up treetops and hitching rides on westerly winds that blew them deeper than ever into northern Alberta.
Beetles now infest trees as far east as Slave Lake and Entwistle in spite of more than $200 million--$60 million in the last year alone--spent by the Alberta government in the last three years to contain the pest, which is as tiny as a grain of rice.
The Alberta and federal governments announced another $25 million on Monday to manage the beetle's spread from this latest outbreak.
EDMONTON — After devouring the pine forests of British Columbia, swarms of mountain pine beetles staved off starvation in July and August by climbing up treetops and hitching rides on westerly winds that blew them deeper than ever into northern Alberta.
Beetles now infest trees as far east as Slave Lake and Entwistle in spite of more than $200 million--$60 million in the last year alone--spent by the Alberta government in the last three years to contain the pest, which is as tiny as a grain of rice.
The Alberta and federal governments announced another $25 million on Monday to manage the beetle's spread from this latest outbreak.
Philadelphia Tree Planting Part of Skyline Initiative - $150,000 federal investment leverages $3.75 million; Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Tree Planting Part of Skyline Initiative -- Environmental Protection:
The planting of 30 trees in a North Philadelphia park and neighborhood is one of many projects planned to make Philadelphia, Pa., a cleaner and greener city through Sustainable Skylines, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program to help improve air quality and find solutions for other local environmental issues.
'Our Sustainable Skylines partnership with the city and other concerned organizations has a clear goal in mind – cleaner air in a greener city,' said EPA Acting Regional Administrator William C. Early. 'We commend Philadelphia as a leader in sustainability.' Philadelphia is the third city in the nation chosen to pilot the program.
The planting of 30 trees in a North Philadelphia park and neighborhood is one of many projects planned to make Philadelphia, Pa., a cleaner and greener city through Sustainable Skylines, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program to help improve air quality and find solutions for other local environmental issues.
'Our Sustainable Skylines partnership with the city and other concerned organizations has a clear goal in mind – cleaner air in a greener city,' said EPA Acting Regional Administrator William C. Early. 'We commend Philadelphia as a leader in sustainability.' Philadelphia is the third city in the nation chosen to pilot the program.
MAPLE SYRUP IN THE CITY - Tapping Our Urban Bounty!; Maplewood, Toronto, Canada
MAPLE SYRUP IN THE CITY - Tapping Our Urban Bounty! Aviva Community Fund:
Imagine a community where residents are connected to the environment around them, to each other, and to their food system. Imagine a community that operates on a “one-mile diet,” going beyond the 100-mile diet. Now imagine this in winter, when the maple trees that dot the city streets are magically awakened to produce sweet syrup for all to enjoy!
Yes, you know you want it to happen: MAPLE SYRUP IN THE CITY! Many city-dwellers (children and adults alike) rarely get the oh-so-Canadian experience of going to a maple syrup bush, so we thought we'd bring the sugar bush to them!
Imagine a community where residents are connected to the environment around them, to each other, and to their food system. Imagine a community that operates on a “one-mile diet,” going beyond the 100-mile diet. Now imagine this in winter, when the maple trees that dot the city streets are magically awakened to produce sweet syrup for all to enjoy!
Yes, you know you want it to happen: MAPLE SYRUP IN THE CITY! Many city-dwellers (children and adults alike) rarely get the oh-so-Canadian experience of going to a maple syrup bush, so we thought we'd bring the sugar bush to them!
iTree-ECO calculates nature's ecosystem services; Henderson, NC
Nature's value is priceless BlueRidgeNow.com Times-News Online Hendersonville, NC:
The U.S. Forest Service has a computer model that can produce a precise environmental and economic value for each tree. For example: A 50-foot oak tree in Hendersonville stores 1,476 kilograms of carbon and removes 124 grams of sulfur dioxide from the atmosphere each year. To remove that same amount of pollution would otherwise cost society $5.44 annually. Multiply that by the millions of trees in our region and the benefits of protecting our remaining forestland adds up.
If we can accept that our environment has ecological, economic and mental health benefits, then it's easier to understand that the organizations working to protect the health of our streams, forestland and farmland also have value to our community.
The U.S. Forest Service has a computer model that can produce a precise environmental and economic value for each tree. For example: A 50-foot oak tree in Hendersonville stores 1,476 kilograms of carbon and removes 124 grams of sulfur dioxide from the atmosphere each year. To remove that same amount of pollution would otherwise cost society $5.44 annually. Multiply that by the millions of trees in our region and the benefits of protecting our remaining forestland adds up.
If we can accept that our environment has ecological, economic and mental health benefits, then it's easier to understand that the organizations working to protect the health of our streams, forestland and farmland also have value to our community.
Group Planting Hundreds Of Trees In Detroit; Detroit, MI
WWJ Newsradio 950 - Group Planting Hundreds Of Trees In Detroit:
Group Planting Hundreds Of Trees In Detroit
Detroit (WWJ) -- There will soon be a new look to Jefferson Avenue in Detroit thanks to hundreds of volunteers who are spending their Saturday planting trees.
WWJ's Stephanie Davis reports the nonprofit group Greening of Detroit is hoping to plant 540 trees along the roadway between the Detroit-Grosse Pointe Park border and I-375. Workers also have a planting day planned for next Saturday, November 21st.
'We come out today to get dirty and help plant and make our city beautiful,' one volunteer said.
Group Planting Hundreds Of Trees In Detroit
Detroit (WWJ) -- There will soon be a new look to Jefferson Avenue in Detroit thanks to hundreds of volunteers who are spending their Saturday planting trees.
WWJ's Stephanie Davis reports the nonprofit group Greening of Detroit is hoping to plant 540 trees along the roadway between the Detroit-Grosse Pointe Park border and I-375. Workers also have a planting day planned for next Saturday, November 21st.
'We come out today to get dirty and help plant and make our city beautiful,' one volunteer said.
Partnership between city and business leverages municipal buying power to incentivize private property planting; Wyoming, OH
Tree program urges residents to branch out - Wyoming News at Cincinnati.com:
Contributed By Jenny Callison freelance contributor
Thanks to an arrangement between the City of Wyoming and Cassinelli’s Nurseries, Wyoming residents can purchase shade at a discount.
A variety of nursery-grown trees are available, including river birch and varieties of maple, cherry, elm, cypress and spruce. The goal, according to Wyoming’s Urban Forestry Board, is to allow residents to replace damaged or downed trees and to maintain a healthy tree canopy in the community for future generations.
Prices reflect a municipal discount and include delivery and professional installation. Care instructions are provided.
Contributed By Jenny Callison freelance contributor
Thanks to an arrangement between the City of Wyoming and Cassinelli’s Nurseries, Wyoming residents can purchase shade at a discount.
A variety of nursery-grown trees are available, including river birch and varieties of maple, cherry, elm, cypress and spruce. The goal, according to Wyoming’s Urban Forestry Board, is to allow residents to replace damaged or downed trees and to maintain a healthy tree canopy in the community for future generations.
Prices reflect a municipal discount and include delivery and professional installation. Care instructions are provided.
£3m Australian gum tree memorial completed; Queensland, Australia
£3m Australian gum tree memorial completed - Building Design:
Queensland practices m3architecture and Brian Hooper Architect have completed a £3 million memorial for a gum tree that played an important part in Australia’s history.
The Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine is regarded as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party following a famous strike in 1891. The 150-year-old ghost gum was poisoned in 2006 and the memorial was commissioned to commemorate it.
The practices designed an 18m-high steel and wood shelter for the remaining branches with a glass floor so visitors can see its root ball.
Queensland practices m3architecture and Brian Hooper Architect have completed a £3 million memorial for a gum tree that played an important part in Australia’s history.
The Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine is regarded as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party following a famous strike in 1891. The 150-year-old ghost gum was poisoned in 2006 and the memorial was commissioned to commemorate it.
The practices designed an 18m-high steel and wood shelter for the remaining branches with a glass floor so visitors can see its root ball.
Jefferson counting on tree study; Jefferson, GA
Jefferson counting on tree study OnlineAthens.com:
Volunteers are using a time-consuming technique to measure the city's tree cover, but their low-tech method should bring more accurate, less expensive results.
David Manning/Staff Harry Bryan color-codes a map Thursday as part of Jefferson's effort to measure its tree cover and the town's impervious surfaces.
David Manning/StaffHarry Bryan color-codes a map Thursday as part of Jefferson's effort to measure its tree cover and the town's impervious surfaces. More than a dozen volunteers turned out this week to help measure the tree canopy and impervious surfaces by counting thousands of color-coded dots representing Jefferson's tree cover, bare soil, asphalt and water placed on aerial photos of the city.
Most cities measure tree canopy with satellite imagery and statistical analysis, but dot-counting is more accurate and much cheaper, said Connie Head, an arborist overseeing the city's Sustainable Community Forest Project.
Volunteers are using a time-consuming technique to measure the city's tree cover, but their low-tech method should bring more accurate, less expensive results.
David Manning/Staff Harry Bryan color-codes a map Thursday as part of Jefferson's effort to measure its tree cover and the town's impervious surfaces.
David Manning/StaffHarry Bryan color-codes a map Thursday as part of Jefferson's effort to measure its tree cover and the town's impervious surfaces. More than a dozen volunteers turned out this week to help measure the tree canopy and impervious surfaces by counting thousands of color-coded dots representing Jefferson's tree cover, bare soil, asphalt and water placed on aerial photos of the city.
Most cities measure tree canopy with satellite imagery and statistical analysis, but dot-counting is more accurate and much cheaper, said Connie Head, an arborist overseeing the city's Sustainable Community Forest Project.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Like CA Researchers, GA Researcher Finds Cities' Land Use Responsible for Global Warming; Atlanta, GA
WABE: Local Researcher Finds Cities' Land Use Responsible for Global Warming (2009-11-12): ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Much attention has been paid to greenhouse gases' roll in climate change. But as WABE's Jim Burress reports, a Georgia Tech researcher says there's another cause, too: cities.
All those interstates, highrises even golf courses that make big cities big? They're all contributing to global warming, says Georgia Tech Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning Brian Stone.
'Most of this warming is a product of land use '
like parking lots.
' as opposed to greenhouse gasses'
which come out of your tailpipe.
All those interstates, highrises even golf courses that make big cities big? They're all contributing to global warming, says Georgia Tech Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning Brian Stone.
'Most of this warming is a product of land use '
like parking lots.
' as opposed to greenhouse gasses'
which come out of your tailpipe.
PricewaterhouseCoopers report says 0.5% public green spending could induce 141% increase in urban green investment; United Kingdom
Green infrastructure in action - Environmental technologies news magazine:
Figures produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers for CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), the Government’s advisor on urban design show how a shift in spending from grey to green of just 0.5% in some local authorities could increase investment in urban green space by 141%. Switching public spending from ‘grey’ projects like road building and heavy engineering projects to ‘green’ schemes like street trees, parks, green roofs and waterways could address climate change more effectively, improve public health and make our communities more beautiful says the report, published by CABE.
The report, Grey to Green, identifies the network of natural green resources in every town and city – our ‘green infrastructure’ (GI) - as one of the most practical and cost-effective tools we have for dealing with environmental and social problems. It suggests, for instance, that the £1.28bn budget for widening a 63-mile section of the M25 could pay for 3.2m trees to store three million tonnes of carbon; or 5,000 miles of off-road routes for cyclists and pedestrians. But the report warns that there is a chronic shortage of people in local authorities with the right skills to design and manage green infrastructure, which is essential to harness the benefits.
Figures produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers for CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), the Government’s advisor on urban design show how a shift in spending from grey to green of just 0.5% in some local authorities could increase investment in urban green space by 141%. Switching public spending from ‘grey’ projects like road building and heavy engineering projects to ‘green’ schemes like street trees, parks, green roofs and waterways could address climate change more effectively, improve public health and make our communities more beautiful says the report, published by CABE.
The report, Grey to Green, identifies the network of natural green resources in every town and city – our ‘green infrastructure’ (GI) - as one of the most practical and cost-effective tools we have for dealing with environmental and social problems. It suggests, for instance, that the £1.28bn budget for widening a 63-mile section of the M25 could pay for 3.2m trees to store three million tonnes of carbon; or 5,000 miles of off-road routes for cyclists and pedestrians. But the report warns that there is a chronic shortage of people in local authorities with the right skills to design and manage green infrastructure, which is essential to harness the benefits.
Planners Want To Increase City Tree Canopy; Charlottesville, VA
Planners Want To Increase City Tree Canopy - NBC29: Charlottesville's Parks and Trail Planner joined neighbors at Piedmont Virginia Community College to talk about ways to increase the city's tree canopy.
'They (trees) make your parks pretty, a nice place to be, they give you sanctuary from traffic and jobs and that type of stuff,' says planner Chris Gensic.
Forty-seven percent of Charlottesville is covered with trees. In the Greenbrier neighborhood that number jumps to about 85-percent. Gensic would like to see similar success in Fifeville where the percentage is in the 30's.
'They (trees) make your parks pretty, a nice place to be, they give you sanctuary from traffic and jobs and that type of stuff,' says planner Chris Gensic.
Forty-seven percent of Charlottesville is covered with trees. In the Greenbrier neighborhood that number jumps to about 85-percent. Gensic would like to see similar success in Fifeville where the percentage is in the 30's.
Gulf's Replant group has given away over 46,000 trees in two years; Gulfport, MI
Replant takes more orders for free trees - Yahoo Local - SunHerald.com:
Group has given away more than 46,000 in South Mississippi
GULFPORT — Replant South Mississippi is accepting new orders for free trees to replenish thousands of native Mississippi trees destroyed by Hurricane Katrina or rebuilding projects.
The six southernmost counties lost an estimated 300,000 trees, including majestic Live oaks that had graced the region for hundreds of years.
Replant South Mississippi has given away 46,717 trees in the past two years.
“Our goal is to replace many, if not all, of the trees lost,” said Judy Steckler, director of the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain.
Replant South Mississippi is a partnership of the Land Trust and the Sun Herald, with funding assistance from the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
Group has given away more than 46,000 in South Mississippi
GULFPORT — Replant South Mississippi is accepting new orders for free trees to replenish thousands of native Mississippi trees destroyed by Hurricane Katrina or rebuilding projects.
The six southernmost counties lost an estimated 300,000 trees, including majestic Live oaks that had graced the region for hundreds of years.
Replant South Mississippi has given away 46,717 trees in the past two years.
“Our goal is to replace many, if not all, of the trees lost,” said Judy Steckler, director of the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain.
Replant South Mississippi is a partnership of the Land Trust and the Sun Herald, with funding assistance from the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
Panel's recommendations for trees call for inventory, increased diversity, and establishment of advisory board; Fort Wayne, IN
Diversify city__8217_s trees_ panel urges The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.:
Mayor Tom Henry wants the city to take steps to protect its large tree canopy, but protecting thousands of trees will not be cheap.
The mayor’s tree commission, established on Arbor Day in April, released recommendations last week for improving the city’s forestry program.
The recommendations include conducting a study to collect an inventory on all the trees in the city, increase the diversity of trees and establish an ongoing tree advisory board.
Al Moll, city director of parks, served on the committee and plans to present the recommendations to the parks board next week. He said the next step will be critical: devising a plan to implement the recommendations and determine the costs.
Mayor Tom Henry wants the city to take steps to protect its large tree canopy, but protecting thousands of trees will not be cheap.
The mayor’s tree commission, established on Arbor Day in April, released recommendations last week for improving the city’s forestry program.
The recommendations include conducting a study to collect an inventory on all the trees in the city, increase the diversity of trees and establish an ongoing tree advisory board.
Al Moll, city director of parks, served on the committee and plans to present the recommendations to the parks board next week. He said the next step will be critical: devising a plan to implement the recommendations and determine the costs.
Volunteers use modified "click-n-classify" method to assess UTC, other land cover; Jefferson, GA
gainesvilletimes.com - Jefferson keeps close eye on its trees:
In general, people don’t pay much attention to trees unless one is about to fall on their house, but that is not the case for a group of Jefferson volunteers.
They are busy scouring aerial maps of the city to account for existing tree coverage, or canopy, as a part of the Jefferson Sustainable Community Forest Project, which was made possible by a Georgia Urban and Community Forestry Grant.
“Volunteers will analyze the landscape cover of the city from 20 aerial maps. Each map is covered with a grid of yellow dots and volunteers will be categorizing the dots by the land cover beneath it,” said Connie Head, project coordinator and urban forestry consultant.
In general, people don’t pay much attention to trees unless one is about to fall on their house, but that is not the case for a group of Jefferson volunteers.
They are busy scouring aerial maps of the city to account for existing tree coverage, or canopy, as a part of the Jefferson Sustainable Community Forest Project, which was made possible by a Georgia Urban and Community Forestry Grant.
“Volunteers will analyze the landscape cover of the city from 20 aerial maps. Each map is covered with a grid of yellow dots and volunteers will be categorizing the dots by the land cover beneath it,” said Connie Head, project coordinator and urban forestry consultant.
Attorney calls for more tree planting in West Hollywood to fight global warming; West Hollywood, CA
WeHoNews.com::
West Hollywood, California (Thursday, November 5, 2009) - The bipartisan Commission on Climate and Tropical Forests made a startling, indeed radical, recommendation earlier this month to fight global warming.
The Commission found that deforestation exceeds the impacts of every car, truck, train and airplane in the world, recommending that preservation of the world’s rain forests take priority over other global warming measures the most effective way to cut green house gases.
While we can’t create a rain forest in West Hollywood, we can create an urban arboreal canopy that would contribute to the fight against global warming
The bottom line is that trees matter. The challenge is for us to figure out how we can act locally to make meaningful changes to our urban environment.
West Hollywood, California (Thursday, November 5, 2009) - The bipartisan Commission on Climate and Tropical Forests made a startling, indeed radical, recommendation earlier this month to fight global warming.
The Commission found that deforestation exceeds the impacts of every car, truck, train and airplane in the world, recommending that preservation of the world’s rain forests take priority over other global warming measures the most effective way to cut green house gases.
While we can’t create a rain forest in West Hollywood, we can create an urban arboreal canopy that would contribute to the fight against global warming
The bottom line is that trees matter. The challenge is for us to figure out how we can act locally to make meaningful changes to our urban environment.
Tree lovers get grants for landscaping and new trees; Houma, LA
Tree lovers get grants for landscaping and new trees HoumaToday.com The Courier Houma, LA: HOUMA — Local tree advocates received two grants this month that will add more trees to the parish and more landscaping to downtown Houma.
One is a $5,000 grant to create a landscape plan for downtown Houma, and the other is a donation of 100 trees for the parish's streets and parks.
The Apache Foundation awarded the Terrebonne Tree Board 100 five-gallon trees — a mixture of Savannah hollies, American hollies and crape myrtles — that will be planted along boulevards, streets and parks, said Sybil Guidry, Tree Board chairwoman.
“We are excited to get these trees into the ground as the planting season begins. We feel like these trees will go a long way in restoring the urban and rural canopy in the parish,” Guidry said.
One is a $5,000 grant to create a landscape plan for downtown Houma, and the other is a donation of 100 trees for the parish's streets and parks.
The Apache Foundation awarded the Terrebonne Tree Board 100 five-gallon trees — a mixture of Savannah hollies, American hollies and crape myrtles — that will be planted along boulevards, streets and parks, said Sybil Guidry, Tree Board chairwoman.
“We are excited to get these trees into the ground as the planting season begins. We feel like these trees will go a long way in restoring the urban and rural canopy in the parish,” Guidry said.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sustainable Design Student Outlines Plan for Increasing the City of Chicago’s tree canopy; Chicago, IL
Steven can plan » Increasing the City of Chicago’s tree canopy:
The assignment: You are on a team working with the City of Chicago on increasing the City’s tree canopy from just under 15% to 25%. What would you recommend? Please bear in mind that most city staff feel that they have covered most city owned land and that to reach the goal they will have to get private landowners to plant the trees. How can we get them to do this? What types of parcels present opportunities?
The class: Sustainable Development Techniques
I’ve identified four parcel types that present opportunities to increase the City of Chicago’s tree canopy from 15% to 25%.
1. Existing surface parking lots, both private and public
2. New surface and multi-level parking lots, both private and public
3. Schools, both public and private
4. Condemn private lots
The assignment: You are on a team working with the City of Chicago on increasing the City’s tree canopy from just under 15% to 25%. What would you recommend? Please bear in mind that most city staff feel that they have covered most city owned land and that to reach the goal they will have to get private landowners to plant the trees. How can we get them to do this? What types of parcels present opportunities?
The class: Sustainable Development Techniques
I’ve identified four parcel types that present opportunities to increase the City of Chicago’s tree canopy from 15% to 25%.
1. Existing surface parking lots, both private and public
2. New surface and multi-level parking lots, both private and public
3. Schools, both public and private
4. Condemn private lots
Falls Church Takes 1st Place Prize from Municipal League for City Tree Program; Falls Church, VA
Falls Church Takes 1st Place for City Tree Program Falls Church News-Press Online:
The City of Falls Church was awarded a first-place winner in the 2009 Virginia Municipal League Achievement Awards competition for its tree planting program. The VML Award plaque will be presented at tonight's City Council meeting.
The City received the award for its 'Branching Out' tree-planting initiative in the category for communities with populations between 10,001 and 35,000. The program builds upon the city's longstanding commitment of planting trees in public rights of way by expanding the plantings onto private property.
'Branching Out ' is a relatively new undertaking of the Neighborhood Tree Program (NTP), a public-private partnership of the City of Falls Church, and the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society. The NTP is managed through the City's Urban Forestry program.
The City of Falls Church was awarded a first-place winner in the 2009 Virginia Municipal League Achievement Awards competition for its tree planting program. The VML Award plaque will be presented at tonight's City Council meeting.
The City received the award for its 'Branching Out' tree-planting initiative in the category for communities with populations between 10,001 and 35,000. The program builds upon the city's longstanding commitment of planting trees in public rights of way by expanding the plantings onto private property.
'Branching Out ' is a relatively new undertaking of the Neighborhood Tree Program (NTP), a public-private partnership of the City of Falls Church, and the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society. The NTP is managed through the City's Urban Forestry program.
Evaluating the Impact of Government Land Use Policies on Tree Canopy Coverage; Georgia ...
Evaluating the Impact of Government Land Use Policies on Tree ...
Paper from University of Georgia presented at American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting in 2007.
Paper from University of Georgia presented at American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting in 2007.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Neighborhood Watch: Fenty Intervenes in Palisades Tree Massacre; Washington, D.C.
Neighborhood Watch: Fenty Intervenes in Palisades Tree Massacre - City Desk - Washington City Paper:
The Issue: As summer began giving way to fall, idyllic life in the Palisades was shattered by a dose of cold, cruel reality from D.C. electricity provider Pepco. To improve electrical reliability, Pepco wanted to cut down about 400 trees in the neighborhood as well as (gasp!) 16 others along a few blocks of MacArthur Boulevard.
The Issue: As summer began giving way to fall, idyllic life in the Palisades was shattered by a dose of cold, cruel reality from D.C. electricity provider Pepco. To improve electrical reliability, Pepco wanted to cut down about 400 trees in the neighborhood as well as (gasp!) 16 others along a few blocks of MacArthur Boulevard.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Students from Indiana University and Purdue dig in and plant to support Great Tree Canopy Comeback; Fort Wayne, IN
Volunteers dig in_ plant trees at parks The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.:
Planting a tree isn’t as easy as it might sound.
It takes some muscle and teamwork.
A group of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne philosophy majors learned that the hard way as they joined almost 100 volunteers to plant trees at Metea County Park.
The event Saturday morning was part of the annual Great Tree Canopy Comeback, which aims to replenish tree growth in area parks.
Fort Wayne city parks, Allen County parks and the New Haven-Adams Township Park and Recreation Department also welcomed volunteers to plant more than 250 trees. About 40 of those were added to the front slope at Metea, Allen County Parks Director Jeff Baxter said.
Planting a tree isn’t as easy as it might sound.
It takes some muscle and teamwork.
A group of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne philosophy majors learned that the hard way as they joined almost 100 volunteers to plant trees at Metea County Park.
The event Saturday morning was part of the annual Great Tree Canopy Comeback, which aims to replenish tree growth in area parks.
Fort Wayne city parks, Allen County parks and the New Haven-Adams Township Park and Recreation Department also welcomed volunteers to plant more than 250 trees. About 40 of those were added to the front slope at Metea, Allen County Parks Director Jeff Baxter said.
Sarasota County may protect more trees by extending protections to "baby grand" trees; Sarasota County, FL
Sarasota County may protect more trees HeraldTribune.com Sarasota Florida Southwest Florida's Information Leader:
Trees that are likely candidates to become tall, canopied centerpieces of a property would get a new level of protection from being cut down under a proposed county law.
Sarasota County already makes it particularly hard to cut down a 'grand' tree, a designation for a dozen species that have reached a certain height, breadth and thickness of trunk. A law that would create a new class of protected tree -- the baby grand -- is running into opposition from some who say the law is too onerous.
A public hearing on the law is set for Tuesday and county commissioners could decide to vote up or down on the issue then.
Baby grands are members of these same 12 protected species, including American elms and live oaks. They haven't reached the height or obtained the canopy of a grand tree, but their trunks are at least 18 inches thick and they are prime candidates to grow into that status.
Trees that are likely candidates to become tall, canopied centerpieces of a property would get a new level of protection from being cut down under a proposed county law.
Sarasota County already makes it particularly hard to cut down a 'grand' tree, a designation for a dozen species that have reached a certain height, breadth and thickness of trunk. A law that would create a new class of protected tree -- the baby grand -- is running into opposition from some who say the law is too onerous.
A public hearing on the law is set for Tuesday and county commissioners could decide to vote up or down on the issue then.
Baby grands are members of these same 12 protected species, including American elms and live oaks. They haven't reached the height or obtained the canopy of a grand tree, but their trunks are at least 18 inches thick and they are prime candidates to grow into that status.
TreeBaltimore kicks off with free trees, park tree planting under $300,000 grant; Baltimore, MD
TreeBaltimore Kicks Off With Free Trees - Baltimore News Story - WBAL Baltimore: TreeBaltimore, the city's effort to grow a tree canopy throughout the city, kicked off Saturday with Mayor Sheila Dixon, representatives from BGE and Constellation Energy and a host of other city officials and environmental activists on hand.
“TreeBaltimore is a key component of the city’s sustainability plan, and is aimed at preserving and increasing our tree cover to create a greener, healthier and more vibrant city,” said Dixon. “We believe that Baltimore has a green future. It is our responsibility to work with each other to care for this city we love so much. Constellation’s support gives us a head start on making Baltimore a greener city now and in the future.”
“TreeBaltimore is a key component of the city’s sustainability plan, and is aimed at preserving and increasing our tree cover to create a greener, healthier and more vibrant city,” said Dixon. “We believe that Baltimore has a green future. It is our responsibility to work with each other to care for this city we love so much. Constellation’s support gives us a head start on making Baltimore a greener city now and in the future.”
Transforming Miami in Eight Easy Steps-UTC goal seen as one of Miami's key steps to addressing climate change; Miami, FL
Transforming Miami in Eight Easy Steps:
Dear Mayor Diaz: Heading to Copenhagen this year for the most important climate change summit ever? As the former head of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, your participation is crucial. We Americans are primarily urban creatures, and our cities are where the battle over energy use will be won or lost.
Dear Mayor Diaz: Heading to Copenhagen this year for the most important climate change summit ever? As the former head of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, your participation is crucial. We Americans are primarily urban creatures, and our cities are where the battle over energy use will be won or lost.
Volunteers sought to help measure canopy; Jefferson, GA
Volunteers sought for tree project OnlineAthens.com:
The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council is seeking volunteers to help measure the city's tree canopy and impervious surfaces as part of the city's Sustainable Community Forest Project.
The council will hold a drop-in workshop at the Jefferson Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Volunteers will be asked to examine large aerial photographs and color-code the trees, industrial facilities, farm land and other features.
The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council is seeking volunteers to help measure the city's tree canopy and impervious surfaces as part of the city's Sustainable Community Forest Project.
The council will hold a drop-in workshop at the Jefferson Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Volunteers will be asked to examine large aerial photographs and color-code the trees, industrial facilities, farm land and other features.
Mayor’s Tree Commission recommends building on current forestry successes with 10 key recommendations for moving forward; Fort Wayne, IN
Mayor’s Tree Commission recommends building on current forestry successes The AroundFortWayne Blog:
Ten proposals come from comprehensive review of existing program
Mayor Tom Henry’s tree commission has recommended the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department continue to build on the well-managed urban forestry program by creating a comprehensive approach to caring for the city’s tree canopy.
“For a number of decades, the City of Fort Wayne has had strong, proactive care of our city’s park and street trees. Our urban tree canopy is one of our community’s greatest natural assets and this report’s recommendations can help us preserve what we have while fostering an environment for new growth, so to speak,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “I would like to thank the ad-hoc commission members for their time and dedication to this report. They recognized the strengths of the Parks’ forestry program and identified ways to advance it.”
Ten proposals come from comprehensive review of existing program
Mayor Tom Henry’s tree commission has recommended the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department continue to build on the well-managed urban forestry program by creating a comprehensive approach to caring for the city’s tree canopy.
“For a number of decades, the City of Fort Wayne has had strong, proactive care of our city’s park and street trees. Our urban tree canopy is one of our community’s greatest natural assets and this report’s recommendations can help us preserve what we have while fostering an environment for new growth, so to speak,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “I would like to thank the ad-hoc commission members for their time and dedication to this report. They recognized the strengths of the Parks’ forestry program and identified ways to advance it.”
City and Constellation Energy partner to sponsor tree giveaway in support of TreeBaltimore; Baltimore, MD
B'More Green: Weekend tip: Free trees for B'moreans - An environmental blog for everyday living - baltimoresun.com:
The leaves may be falling like mad, but it's not too late to plant another tree. Weekend arborists who show up Saturday morning (Nov. 7) at DeWees Park in North Baltimore can pick up a free seedling, courtesy of a new partnership between the city and Constellation Energy. Red oak, willow oak, redbud and river birch can be had for the asking.
The power company has pledged to kick in $300,000 over the next three years to help increase Baltimore's tree canopy through plantings and tree maintenance in neighborhoods and at schools. TreeBaltimore, as the effort is known, is part of Mayor Sheila Dixon's Cleaner, Greener Baltimore initiative. It aims to double the city's tree canopy within 30 years.
The leaves may be falling like mad, but it's not too late to plant another tree. Weekend arborists who show up Saturday morning (Nov. 7) at DeWees Park in North Baltimore can pick up a free seedling, courtesy of a new partnership between the city and Constellation Energy. Red oak, willow oak, redbud and river birch can be had for the asking.
The power company has pledged to kick in $300,000 over the next three years to help increase Baltimore's tree canopy through plantings and tree maintenance in neighborhoods and at schools. TreeBaltimore, as the effort is known, is part of Mayor Sheila Dixon's Cleaner, Greener Baltimore initiative. It aims to double the city's tree canopy within 30 years.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Vanishing canopies affect air quality; Bangalore, India
Vanishing canopies affect air quality
Not only pollution levels but also pattern of planting trees has undergone a change
Vanishing canopies affect air quality
Poornima Nataraj, Nov 5, Bangalore
Friday, November 06, 2009
Gradual disappearance of tree canopies in Bangalore in the name of development has adversely affected the City’s air quality.
In a survey conducted at ten major road junctions in Bangalore (tree lanes and treeless lanes) by a City-based environment group, it was found that pollutants around canopy trees were comparatively less than along treeless stretch.
The study conducted by ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) in collaboration with Environmental Sciences Departments of St Joseph’s College and Mount Carmel College has found huge differences in air quality.
Dr Harini Nagendra, Urban Ecology Program Coordinator at ATREE, who supervised the study, said that it is not just pollution levels but also the planting patterns that have changed in the recent times. “Trees with huge canopies planted by our forefathers have been replaced with smaller trees by BBMP,” she said."
Not only pollution levels but also pattern of planting trees has undergone a change
Vanishing canopies affect air quality
Poornima Nataraj, Nov 5, Bangalore
Friday, November 06, 2009
Gradual disappearance of tree canopies in Bangalore in the name of development has adversely affected the City’s air quality.
In a survey conducted at ten major road junctions in Bangalore (tree lanes and treeless lanes) by a City-based environment group, it was found that pollutants around canopy trees were comparatively less than along treeless stretch.
The study conducted by ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) in collaboration with Environmental Sciences Departments of St Joseph’s College and Mount Carmel College has found huge differences in air quality.
Dr Harini Nagendra, Urban Ecology Program Coordinator at ATREE, who supervised the study, said that it is not just pollution levels but also the planting patterns that have changed in the recent times. “Trees with huge canopies planted by our forefathers have been replaced with smaller trees by BBMP,” she said."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Stimulus grant to help Kalispell combat elm disease; Kalispell, MT
Grant to help Kalispell combat elm disease:
Kalispell's urban forestry battle against Dutch elm disease is getting a boost from federal stimulus money.
The city is known for its lush canopy of deciduous trees lining its public streets.
But with an inventory of 369 American elm trees on the public right-of-way - 38 that already have been cut down and 40 more identified as dead and hazardous because they are infected with Dutch elm disease - there's a real risk of losing a substantial portion of that canopy. The disease is a fungus that can spread quickly if unchecked.
So when the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation offered $325,000 to cities to conduct innovative community tree projects, the city of Kalispell applied for and won a big chunk of it: $93,500.
Kalispell's urban forestry battle against Dutch elm disease is getting a boost from federal stimulus money.
The city is known for its lush canopy of deciduous trees lining its public streets.
But with an inventory of 369 American elm trees on the public right-of-way - 38 that already have been cut down and 40 more identified as dead and hazardous because they are infected with Dutch elm disease - there's a real risk of losing a substantial portion of that canopy. The disease is a fungus that can spread quickly if unchecked.
So when the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation offered $325,000 to cities to conduct innovative community tree projects, the city of Kalispell applied for and won a big chunk of it: $93,500.
EIS released for environmentally sensitive parcel only to have development go bust and land at auction a week later; Issaquah, WA
Park Pointe goes to auction Friday : The Issaquah Press – News, Sports, Classifieds in Issaquah, WA:
City planners detailed last week how the long-planned Park Pointe project could impact Tiger Mountain views, wetlands and wildlife. But the information could be useless because the land where Park Pointe would be built heads to auction Nov. 6.
The project developer, Wellington Park Pointe LLC, failed to make payments on a loan from Regal Financial Bank and in June defaulted on nearly $12 million owed. Developers envisioned hundreds of homes on 67 forested acres on the west slope of Tiger Mountain, behind Issaquah High School.
City planners released the long-awaited environmental impact statement for the project last week. The timing carries a particular irony: The final environmental impact statement for Park Pointe was released Oct. 30 — a week before the land heads to auction.
City planners detailed last week how the long-planned Park Pointe project could impact Tiger Mountain views, wetlands and wildlife. But the information could be useless because the land where Park Pointe would be built heads to auction Nov. 6.
The project developer, Wellington Park Pointe LLC, failed to make payments on a loan from Regal Financial Bank and in June defaulted on nearly $12 million owed. Developers envisioned hundreds of homes on 67 forested acres on the west slope of Tiger Mountain, behind Issaquah High School.
City planners released the long-awaited environmental impact statement for the project last week. The timing carries a particular irony: The final environmental impact statement for Park Pointe was released Oct. 30 — a week before the land heads to auction.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Great Tree Canopy Comeback relies on volunteers, NGOs, agencies to reach its goals; Fort Wayne, IN
Volunteers needed for Great Tree Canopy Comeback The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN:
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers and donations for its 8th Annual Great Tree Canopy Comeback on Saturday.
Departmental staff and a local group called Friends of the Parks will plant more than 250 multi-species trees across several city and county parks – Johnny Appleseed, Shoaff Park, and Salomon Farm in Fort Wayne; Werling Park in New Haven; and Metea County Park.
“The more volunteers we have, the better,” Parks Department spokeswoman Sarah Nichter said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come out and for parents to teach kids how important trees are in the community. Donating is an option for people who aren’t able to come out and volunteer but still want to help out.”
The Great Tree Canopy Comeback is a grass-roots movement to combat the critical loss of trees in Fort Wayne. Since the 1940s, the city’s tree canopy had decreased by almost 50 percent, a hired consultant told the Parks Department in 2002, Nichter said. Diseases wiped out trees and budget cuts wouldn’t allow for total replacement.
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers and donations for its 8th Annual Great Tree Canopy Comeback on Saturday.
Departmental staff and a local group called Friends of the Parks will plant more than 250 multi-species trees across several city and county parks – Johnny Appleseed, Shoaff Park, and Salomon Farm in Fort Wayne; Werling Park in New Haven; and Metea County Park.
“The more volunteers we have, the better,” Parks Department spokeswoman Sarah Nichter said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come out and for parents to teach kids how important trees are in the community. Donating is an option for people who aren’t able to come out and volunteer but still want to help out.”
The Great Tree Canopy Comeback is a grass-roots movement to combat the critical loss of trees in Fort Wayne. Since the 1940s, the city’s tree canopy had decreased by almost 50 percent, a hired consultant told the Parks Department in 2002, Nichter said. Diseases wiped out trees and budget cuts wouldn’t allow for total replacement.
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