Austin tree ordinance:
Since the Heritage Tree Ordinance was approved in February, 30 applications for tree removal permits have been filed and, of those, 20 have been granted, which has left some Austin residents wondering if the city cares more about its trees than its citizens.
The city has taken an interest in protecting its trees since 1983 when the council passed protected tree provisions. The Tree and Natural Area Protection Code is based on urban forest management, diversification, preservation and replenishment.
On single-family lots a permit is needed before a tree with a diameter between 19 inches and 24 inches may be removed. There is no regulation for trees smaller than 19 inches in diameter.
City staff inspects trees and sites when an application is submitted. If the tree meets the approval criteria, city staff may approve removal, regardless of size.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Resident asks city to save more trees in Catawba Area Plan; Charlotte, NC
Resident asks city to save more trees in Catawba Area Plan Carolina Weekly Newspapers:
Although a Charlotte plan aims to protect the environment around the Catawba River, one resident wants the city to take a greater role in preserving the area’s tree canopy.
The proposed Catawba Area Plan focuses on land use, transportation, the environment and community design and will serve as a guide for future growth and development in a 4,800-acre area between the Catawba River and Interstate 485.
During a public hearing Monday, May 24, Elaine Powell asked city council to save more of the area’s trees. Powell sat on the Citizens Advisory Group that worked with the city to develop the plan and said the area along the Catawba River in northwest Charlotte has quickly changed over the years.
Although a Charlotte plan aims to protect the environment around the Catawba River, one resident wants the city to take a greater role in preserving the area’s tree canopy.
The proposed Catawba Area Plan focuses on land use, transportation, the environment and community design and will serve as a guide for future growth and development in a 4,800-acre area between the Catawba River and Interstate 485.
During a public hearing Monday, May 24, Elaine Powell asked city council to save more of the area’s trees. Powell sat on the Citizens Advisory Group that worked with the city to develop the plan and said the area along the Catawba River in northwest Charlotte has quickly changed over the years.
Davey uses iTree software to assess city's urban forest, calculate benefits; Ann Arbor, MI
The Ann Arbor Chronicle » Environmental Indicators: Trees:
The city receives exceptional benefits from our trees. A recent analysis of the publicly managed trees (i.e., trees along streets and mowed areas of parks) estimated that they provide $4.6 million in benefits each year. When you factor in the cost for management, the city receives $2.68 in benefits for every $1 it spends on the municipal forestry program. We think that’s a pretty good rate of return.
What are these benefits and how were they calculated?
The city receives exceptional benefits from our trees. A recent analysis of the publicly managed trees (i.e., trees along streets and mowed areas of parks) estimated that they provide $4.6 million in benefits each year. When you factor in the cost for management, the city receives $2.68 in benefits for every $1 it spends on the municipal forestry program. We think that’s a pretty good rate of return.
What are these benefits and how were they calculated?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tree tempest: Residents protest road commission to save canopy; Park Township, MI
Tree tempest: Residents protest road commission to save canopy - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel:
Park Township, MI — Lakeshore Drive residents want to save 10 young maples and with them, the tree canopy-covered roadway reminiscent of scenic stretches of Northern Michigan.
“We have a little portion of M-22 — just a taste of it — and that asset should be preserved,” said Dan Zwier, a landscape architect who lives in the Maple Beach neighborhood in Park Township that planted the trees along Lakeshore Drive.
But the Ottawa County Road Commission’s policy calls for no new trees within the public right of way. On Lakeshore, that means they can’t be planted closer than 33 feet from the middle of the road.
So even though the new trees are 3 feet farther from the street and behind the existing tree line, the Road Commission wrote the residents to ask that the trees be removed or relocated.
Park Township, MI — Lakeshore Drive residents want to save 10 young maples and with them, the tree canopy-covered roadway reminiscent of scenic stretches of Northern Michigan.
“We have a little portion of M-22 — just a taste of it — and that asset should be preserved,” said Dan Zwier, a landscape architect who lives in the Maple Beach neighborhood in Park Township that planted the trees along Lakeshore Drive.
But the Ottawa County Road Commission’s policy calls for no new trees within the public right of way. On Lakeshore, that means they can’t be planted closer than 33 feet from the middle of the road.
So even though the new trees are 3 feet farther from the street and behind the existing tree line, the Road Commission wrote the residents to ask that the trees be removed or relocated.
State Environmental Grants from special license plate fees to help Lowell increase tree canopy, aid 19 other cities with environmental projects; Lowell, MA
Two Lowell Groups Awarded State Environmental Grants Lowell.com:
Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Energy and Environment Secretary (EEA) Ian Bowles today announced $627,951 in grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) for projects to protect and restore rivers, watersheds, and wildlife across the Commonwealth.
The grant, largely funded by proceeds from the purchase of specialty environmental license plates, will help support projects in 20 communities around the state including: Andover, Boston, Boxford, Concord, Lawrence, Lowell, Saugus, Gloucester, Lynn, Kingston, Taunton, Barnstable, Fitchburg, Leominster, Winchendon, Holyoke, Whately, Otis, Becket, and Sandisfield.
Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Energy and Environment Secretary (EEA) Ian Bowles today announced $627,951 in grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) for projects to protect and restore rivers, watersheds, and wildlife across the Commonwealth.
The grant, largely funded by proceeds from the purchase of specialty environmental license plates, will help support projects in 20 communities around the state including: Andover, Boston, Boxford, Concord, Lawrence, Lowell, Saugus, Gloucester, Lynn, Kingston, Taunton, Barnstable, Fitchburg, Leominster, Winchendon, Holyoke, Whately, Otis, Becket, and Sandisfield.
Audubon Society of Portland: Speak up to Protect Urban Tree Canopy in Clackamas County; Clackamas County, OR
Facebook Audubon Society of Portland: Speak up to Protect Urban Tree Canopy in Clackamas County: On June 8 the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposal to increase tree protections in unincorporated areas inside the Urban Growth Boundary. The new tree protections will ensure the retention of more urban tree canopy when and where urban development occurs. New urban tree protections are critical to prevent the wholesale clear-cutting of trees in advance of development. This will ensure that more trees can be incorporated into new development for people, wildlife, clean water and public health.
We need you to speak up for adoption of strong tree protection in urban Clackamas County!
The public hearing is at 6:30pm Tuesday, June 8 at the Clackamas County Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Rd, Oregon City.
We need you to speak up for adoption of strong tree protection in urban Clackamas County!
The public hearing is at 6:30pm Tuesday, June 8 at the Clackamas County Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Rd, Oregon City.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Denver tree program trains veterans to be urban foresters; Denver, CO
Denver tree program trains veterans to be urban foresters - The Denver Post:
Desert Storm cap planted on his head, Dan Higginbotham installed free shade trees Tuesday in front yards along Zuni Street, hauling mulch and watering the roots.
'It's nice to have work,' the veteran of the 1990s Persian Gulf War said.
Higginbotham and six other homeless veterans are part of Veterans City Canopy, a new program that is training them to be urban foresters.
'It's a wonderful trade to get into because nothing stops growing,' said Dyana Lynch, an Army Gulf War veteran.
The initiative was recently launched by Veterans Green Jobs, a Denver nonprofit that helps homeless veterans get the skills and experience to join the green-jobs economy.
The program has a contract to plant free shade trees in homeowners' front yards as part of Greenprint Denver's The Mile High Million program, which aims to plant 1 million trees by 2025. Over the next five growing seasons, 35 vets will plant 4,600 trees that will shade homes to reduce energy usage and lower energy bills.
Desert Storm cap planted on his head, Dan Higginbotham installed free shade trees Tuesday in front yards along Zuni Street, hauling mulch and watering the roots.
'It's nice to have work,' the veteran of the 1990s Persian Gulf War said.
Higginbotham and six other homeless veterans are part of Veterans City Canopy, a new program that is training them to be urban foresters.
'It's a wonderful trade to get into because nothing stops growing,' said Dyana Lynch, an Army Gulf War veteran.
The initiative was recently launched by Veterans Green Jobs, a Denver nonprofit that helps homeless veterans get the skills and experience to join the green-jobs economy.
The program has a contract to plant free shade trees in homeowners' front yards as part of Greenprint Denver's The Mile High Million program, which aims to plant 1 million trees by 2025. Over the next five growing seasons, 35 vets will plant 4,600 trees that will shade homes to reduce energy usage and lower energy bills.
Mayor unveils initiative to beautify city and increase tree canopy to 40%; Norfolk, VA
Fraim to unveil initiative to beautify city today HamptonRoads.com PilotOnline.com:
Mayor Paul Fraim will unveil “Celebrate Trees,” an initiative to beautify the city and improve the environment, at 11 a.m. today in Lakewood Park on Willow Wood Drive, the site of the city’s first Living Legacy Grove.
Fraim will be joined by members of the Environmental Club at Willard Elementary School. Project partners include the Elizabeth River Project and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Mayor Paul Fraim will unveil “Celebrate Trees,” an initiative to beautify the city and improve the environment, at 11 a.m. today in Lakewood Park on Willow Wood Drive, the site of the city’s first Living Legacy Grove.
Fraim will be joined by members of the Environmental Club at Willard Elementary School. Project partners include the Elizabeth River Project and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Monday, May 24, 2010
City to conduct public tree inventory; Knoxville, TN
City to conduct public tree inventory » Knoxville News Sentinel:
The city of Knoxville now has $75,000 to complete an inventory of publicly owned trees along city streets and boulevards, in parks and green spaces, along city right-of-ways and in downtown.
The inventory will be conducted this fall.
Knoxville City Council voted Tuesday to accept a $15,000 grant from the Knoxville Utilities Board for the project. That complements a $30,000 grant from the Tennessee Division of Forestry and another $30,000 in city funds.
David Brace, deputy director of the city's Public Service Department, said the results will be used to develop a municipal forest resource management plan to improve Knoxville's urban canopy.
The city of Knoxville now has $75,000 to complete an inventory of publicly owned trees along city streets and boulevards, in parks and green spaces, along city right-of-ways and in downtown.
The inventory will be conducted this fall.
Knoxville City Council voted Tuesday to accept a $15,000 grant from the Knoxville Utilities Board for the project. That complements a $30,000 grant from the Tennessee Division of Forestry and another $30,000 in city funds.
David Brace, deputy director of the city's Public Service Department, said the results will be used to develop a municipal forest resource management plan to improve Knoxville's urban canopy.
City seeks to increase canopy from 24% to 30% by 2040; Port St. Lucie, FL
Tree planting KPSLB City of Port St. Lucie, Florida:
The Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful (KPSLB) Committee considers tree planting to be one of the most important means by which it can implement its guiding principles. To that end, in 2009, the city and KPSLB Committee commissioned a Florida Division of Forestry grant-funded tree canopy assessment and master plan. The $15,000 grant allowed the city to hire consultant Davey Resource Group to develop and implement an Urban Forest Enhancement Plan.
The plan consists of two parts: a citywide tree canopy assessment and a master tree planting plan. The canopy assessment used aerial photos and Geographic Information Systems data to assess the existing canopy cover. The city’s existing canopy is approximately 24 percent.
The Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful (KPSLB) Committee considers tree planting to be one of the most important means by which it can implement its guiding principles. To that end, in 2009, the city and KPSLB Committee commissioned a Florida Division of Forestry grant-funded tree canopy assessment and master plan. The $15,000 grant allowed the city to hire consultant Davey Resource Group to develop and implement an Urban Forest Enhancement Plan.
The plan consists of two parts: a citywide tree canopy assessment and a master tree planting plan. The canopy assessment used aerial photos and Geographic Information Systems data to assess the existing canopy cover. The city’s existing canopy is approximately 24 percent.
Speak for the Trees at Clackamas County Tree Code Hearing; Clackamas County, OR
Clackamas County Tree Code Hearing — Audubon Society of Portland:
On June 8, 2010 the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposal to increase tree protections. The tree code will provide a way to protect, maintain and enhance the urban tree canopy in urban unincorporated Clackamas County. We need you to speak up for adoption of strong tree protection in urban Clackamas County!
We need Clackamas County Auduboners to speak up for adoption of a strong tree protection in urban Clackamas County!
The public hearing is at 6:30pm Tuesday June 8 at the Clackamas County Public Services Building
(2051 Kaen Rd., Oregon City).
On June 8, 2010 the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposal to increase tree protections. The tree code will provide a way to protect, maintain and enhance the urban tree canopy in urban unincorporated Clackamas County. We need you to speak up for adoption of strong tree protection in urban Clackamas County!
We need Clackamas County Auduboners to speak up for adoption of a strong tree protection in urban Clackamas County!
The public hearing is at 6:30pm Tuesday June 8 at the Clackamas County Public Services Building
(2051 Kaen Rd., Oregon City).
Dept of Ag workers place 240 ash borer traps around city with hopes of not finding any; Baltimore, MD
Maryland teams protect trees by hunting ash borers - baltimoresun.com:
Armed with a map and a big box of traps, Mickey Kopansky and Charles Pickett are on the hunt for the Green Menace.
Emerald ash borers have already killed tens of millions of ash trees across the United States. The invasive species of beetle from Asia was introduced through wood packing material in 2002 in Michigan and through nursery trees a year later in Maryland.
If they're not stopped, the carnage will continue around the country and perhaps even in metropolitan Baltimore, where ash trees are the most common tree, frequently used for landscaping and fire wood, as well as tool handles, flooring and baseball bats.
Armed with a map and a big box of traps, Mickey Kopansky and Charles Pickett are on the hunt for the Green Menace.
Emerald ash borers have already killed tens of millions of ash trees across the United States. The invasive species of beetle from Asia was introduced through wood packing material in 2002 in Michigan and through nursery trees a year later in Maryland.
If they're not stopped, the carnage will continue around the country and perhaps even in metropolitan Baltimore, where ash trees are the most common tree, frequently used for landscaping and fire wood, as well as tool handles, flooring and baseball bats.
This Is Not a Weed? Depends on Who You Ask; Boston, MA
This Is Not a Weed - The Boston Globe#readerComm#readerComm#readerComm#readerComm:
What makes a plant worth our admiration? Peter Del Tredici, a senior research scientist at the Arnold Arboretum, walks up a short grassy hill near the South Street Gate and points to what he considers to be the Arboretum’s most amazing tree: the dwarf beech, a tree seemingly born from a German expressionist landscape, its knobby branches folded into a series of right angles that create a canopy resembling barbed wire. It’s one of many impressive trees in the Arboretum’s 265 acres in Jamaica Plain, which are carefully managed by a team of professional horticulturists.
But on this sunny spring afternoon, Del Tredici is interested in a far less spectacular destination: an area just outside the gate across South Street known as Stony Brook Marsh, where untamed vegetation grows atop an abandoned trash heap. On one side, a brackish pond is filled with invasive phragmitis reeds. On the other, a hillside of rubble has been colonized by a haphazard forest of thin trees. Along the path, stalks of Japanese knotweed poke insistently from the ground. It’s filled with species that are often called “invasive,” “noxious,” and “weed,” the kinds of plants that conservationists rail against and homeowners consider unsightly.
What makes a plant worth our admiration? Peter Del Tredici, a senior research scientist at the Arnold Arboretum, walks up a short grassy hill near the South Street Gate and points to what he considers to be the Arboretum’s most amazing tree: the dwarf beech, a tree seemingly born from a German expressionist landscape, its knobby branches folded into a series of right angles that create a canopy resembling barbed wire. It’s one of many impressive trees in the Arboretum’s 265 acres in Jamaica Plain, which are carefully managed by a team of professional horticulturists.
But on this sunny spring afternoon, Del Tredici is interested in a far less spectacular destination: an area just outside the gate across South Street known as Stony Brook Marsh, where untamed vegetation grows atop an abandoned trash heap. On one side, a brackish pond is filled with invasive phragmitis reeds. On the other, a hillside of rubble has been colonized by a haphazard forest of thin trees. Along the path, stalks of Japanese knotweed poke insistently from the ground. It’s filled with species that are often called “invasive,” “noxious,” and “weed,” the kinds of plants that conservationists rail against and homeowners consider unsightly.
Arbor Day Foundation Names Manatee County a Tree City USA Community for first time; Manatee County, FL
Arbor Day Foundation Names Manatee County a Tree City USA Community Maddux NewsWire: MANATEE COUNTY, FL – For the first time ever, the Arbor Day Foundation has named Manatee County as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Manatee County met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community, including: have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Manatee County met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community, including: have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Gulf Coast Research Lab, Scout Troop 271 honored in Tree Canopy Awards ceremony; Ocean Springs, MS
Tree canopy helpers honored in O.S. - Weather - SunHerald.com:
OCEAN SPRINGS — The ideal time to plant a tree is any time, says longtime resident Ethelyn Connor.
“We should all be tree huggers,” Connor said during a Tree Canopy Awards ceremony Tuesday. “Planting and nurturing trees is a way to guarantee life for future generations.”
Connor, referred to as the “Tree Lady” here, presented two 2010 Tree Canopy Awards on behalf of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Story: Tree facts
The ceremony was held at the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs because one of the recipients was the lab’s superintendent, Mike Funk. Members of Scout Troop 271, who have planted more than 250 trees on the grounds since Katrina hit the Coast, took home the other.
OCEAN SPRINGS — The ideal time to plant a tree is any time, says longtime resident Ethelyn Connor.
“We should all be tree huggers,” Connor said during a Tree Canopy Awards ceremony Tuesday. “Planting and nurturing trees is a way to guarantee life for future generations.”
Connor, referred to as the “Tree Lady” here, presented two 2010 Tree Canopy Awards on behalf of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Story: Tree facts
The ceremony was held at the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs because one of the recipients was the lab’s superintendent, Mike Funk. Members of Scout Troop 271, who have planted more than 250 trees on the grounds since Katrina hit the Coast, took home the other.
City tree canopy continues to shrink; Charlotte, NC
City tree canopy continues to shrink - CharlotteObserver.com:
A new report says Mecklenburg's tree canopy continues to wither, with the county losing a third of its cover between 1985 and 2008, and Charlotte nearly half.
The latest in a series of analyses based on satellite images shows trees disappearing along the developing Interstate 77 corridor north of Charlotte, in the county's southern tip and across its suburban fringe.
The findings come amid proposed changes to Charlotte's tree ordinance that would make developers preserve more trees on commercial building sites.
Builders, already hammered by the economic slump, have protested the costs of the new rules.
A new report says Mecklenburg's tree canopy continues to wither, with the county losing a third of its cover between 1985 and 2008, and Charlotte nearly half.
The latest in a series of analyses based on satellite images shows trees disappearing along the developing Interstate 77 corridor north of Charlotte, in the county's southern tip and across its suburban fringe.
The findings come amid proposed changes to Charlotte's tree ordinance that would make developers preserve more trees on commercial building sites.
Builders, already hammered by the economic slump, have protested the costs of the new rules.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tree commission's view: New fund, new ordinances would protect Duluth’s canopy; Duluth, MN
Tree commission's view: New fund, new ordinances would protect Duluth’s canopy Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota:
One proposal would create a city account, a Tree Fund, to be used only for the planting and maintenance of public trees. Deposits may come from the city, private donations or from fines for damaging public trees.
The current ordinance prohibits storing wood material infected with Dutch elm disease or oak wilt. Another update we’re advocating would add three other pests to the list: emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle and gypsy moth. The city forester would have the authority to confiscate infected material.
With the arrival of the emerald ash borer, we expect an explosion of demand for tree-removal services, which carries inherent risk. To protect homeowners from unqualified vendors, all tree service companies operating in the city would be required to obtain a license and provide proof of insurance under another update to the tree ordinance.
One proposal would create a city account, a Tree Fund, to be used only for the planting and maintenance of public trees. Deposits may come from the city, private donations or from fines for damaging public trees.
The current ordinance prohibits storing wood material infected with Dutch elm disease or oak wilt. Another update we’re advocating would add three other pests to the list: emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle and gypsy moth. The city forester would have the authority to confiscate infected material.
With the arrival of the emerald ash borer, we expect an explosion of demand for tree-removal services, which carries inherent risk. To protect homeowners from unqualified vendors, all tree service companies operating in the city would be required to obtain a license and provide proof of insurance under another update to the tree ordinance.
City uses USDA Northern Research Station tools to assess tree cover, quantify pollution mitigation benefits; Edmonton, Canada
City tree canopy sucks in 531 tonnes of pollution a year:
EDMONTON - A scientific survey conducted for the first time pegged the city's average tree canopy cover at 10 per cent, according to Edmonton's principal of forestry.
'I think (Edmontonians) will be surprised it's not higher,' said Jenny Wheeler. 'A lot of places, when you drive through them --like the river valley and some residential areas -- they're so well treed.'
The survey involved sampling 300 random spots in the city --whether they were in the river valley, an industrial area, or in a co-operative persons' backyard -- and calculating overall tree canopy cover based on what was in those spots. The city used a program called the Urban Forest Effects Model, developed in the late 1990s by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It has been used by many cities around the world. Edmonton is the fifth city in Canada to use the model, Wheeler said. Calgary was the first and calculated an average canopy cover of seven per cent, she said.
EDMONTON - A scientific survey conducted for the first time pegged the city's average tree canopy cover at 10 per cent, according to Edmonton's principal of forestry.
'I think (Edmontonians) will be surprised it's not higher,' said Jenny Wheeler. 'A lot of places, when you drive through them --like the river valley and some residential areas -- they're so well treed.'
The survey involved sampling 300 random spots in the city --whether they were in the river valley, an industrial area, or in a co-operative persons' backyard -- and calculating overall tree canopy cover based on what was in those spots. The city used a program called the Urban Forest Effects Model, developed in the late 1990s by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It has been used by many cities around the world. Edmonton is the fifth city in Canada to use the model, Wheeler said. Calgary was the first and calculated an average canopy cover of seven per cent, she said.
Council approves fiscal 2011 budget, agrees to participate in Urban Tree Canopy Assessment program with state; Front Royal, VA
Council approves fiscal 2011 budget - Local News:
In other Monday business, the council voted unanimously to approve:
• An agreement to participate in the Urban Tree Canopy Assessment Program through the Virginia Department of Forestry and the local Urban Forestry Advisory Commission. While there are no funding obligations, town documents indicate that to participate in the program, the town must agree to commit to a minimum of 5 percent growth of existing tree canopy over 20 years and also provide the state with a report that explains how the Urban Tree Canopy Study will be used.
In other Monday business, the council voted unanimously to approve:
• An agreement to participate in the Urban Tree Canopy Assessment Program through the Virginia Department of Forestry and the local Urban Forestry Advisory Commission. While there are no funding obligations, town documents indicate that to participate in the program, the town must agree to commit to a minimum of 5 percent growth of existing tree canopy over 20 years and also provide the state with a report that explains how the Urban Tree Canopy Study will be used.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
O'Neil-Dunne puts land cover assessment expertise in plain language for you in Letters from the SAL: Turning Data Into Information post
Letters from the SAL: Turning Data Into Information:
Beginning in 2005 we embarked on a series of collaborative projects with the US Forest Service that focused on assessing tree canopy in cities. That collaboration has now expanded to include more than 30 communities in the US and Canada. High-resolution land cover was a key input to the assessment process. The decision makers we collaborated with were demanding, they wanted not just high-resolution data, but accurate high-resolution data. Furthermore, developing the land cover dataset had to be cost effective. After all, there is no point in assessing the tree canopy if the assessment does not leave you with any funds to plant trees.
Beginning in 2005 we embarked on a series of collaborative projects with the US Forest Service that focused on assessing tree canopy in cities. That collaboration has now expanded to include more than 30 communities in the US and Canada. High-resolution land cover was a key input to the assessment process. The decision makers we collaborated with were demanding, they wanted not just high-resolution data, but accurate high-resolution data. Furthermore, developing the land cover dataset had to be cost effective. After all, there is no point in assessing the tree canopy if the assessment does not leave you with any funds to plant trees.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Casey Trees Building New Headquarters at 3030 12th Street NE; Washington, DC
New Headquarters at 3030 12th Street NE › About Us Casey Trees:
When Casey Trees was founded in 2002, we opened an office in downtown DC. This central location helped us settle into our work, get our feet on the ground and establish our name.
As our work expanded, the Casey Trees Board of Directors began to rethink our location, hoping to find an area where we could better serve the DC community and advance our mission of restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the Nation's Capital. We wanted to find a permanent home that would allow us to marry our office and field operations into one location, showcase our tree planting work and contribute to the redevelopment of a historic neighborhood.
When Casey Trees was founded in 2002, we opened an office in downtown DC. This central location helped us settle into our work, get our feet on the ground and establish our name.
As our work expanded, the Casey Trees Board of Directors began to rethink our location, hoping to find an area where we could better serve the DC community and advance our mission of restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the Nation's Capital. We wanted to find a permanent home that would allow us to marry our office and field operations into one location, showcase our tree planting work and contribute to the redevelopment of a historic neighborhood.
Portland tree debate ignites passions in Southwest; Portland, OR
Portland tree debate ignites passions in Southwest:
Southwest residents came out in force to comment on draft proposals to strengthen urban-forest regulations at a meeting last month with the Portland Planning Commission.
Comments at the April 13 meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy tree canopy, but some citizens worried about the effects of increasing costs to development and city services. As a group that often removes trees to develop property, the Oregon Home Builders Association has been a major critic of the proposals.
Southwest residents came out in force to comment on draft proposals to strengthen urban-forest regulations at a meeting last month with the Portland Planning Commission.
Comments at the April 13 meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy tree canopy, but some citizens worried about the effects of increasing costs to development and city services. As a group that often removes trees to develop property, the Oregon Home Builders Association has been a major critic of the proposals.
State Foresters Call for Support of National Urban Tree Planting Program; USA
State Foresters Call for Support of National Urban Tree Planting Program - AlphaTrade Finance:
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) actively works to promote community tree planting, public-private partnerships, and volunteer tree planting efforts that help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and mobilize community spirit. As part of a national strategy towards economic recovery, NASF encourages Congress to reauthorize the National Small Business Tree Planting Program, and in turn, bolster local economies and improve tree canopy cover.
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) actively works to promote community tree planting, public-private partnerships, and volunteer tree planting efforts that help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and mobilize community spirit. As part of a national strategy towards economic recovery, NASF encourages Congress to reauthorize the National Small Business Tree Planting Program, and in turn, bolster local economies and improve tree canopy cover.
City can't ignore its massive tree losses - half it's tree canopy over past 23 years; Charlotte, NC
City can't ignore its massive tree losses - CharlotteObserver.com:
Lost last week in news about City Council's vote not to censure council member Warren Turner, Tuesday's primary and the release of the proposed city budget was a report with a shocking statistic: Since 1985 Charlotte has lost half its tree canopy. In a city that touts its trees as a major landscape feature, that statistic deserves some attention.
An urban ecosystem analysis from the nonprofit group American Forests used satellite images, GIS technology plus its own software to study the land cover in Mecklenburg County. In addition to Charlotte's canopy loss, the overall county lost a third of its canopy during the same time frame, 1985 to 2008.
Lost last week in news about City Council's vote not to censure council member Warren Turner, Tuesday's primary and the release of the proposed city budget was a report with a shocking statistic: Since 1985 Charlotte has lost half its tree canopy. In a city that touts its trees as a major landscape feature, that statistic deserves some attention.
An urban ecosystem analysis from the nonprofit group American Forests used satellite images, GIS technology plus its own software to study the land cover in Mecklenburg County. In addition to Charlotte's canopy loss, the overall county lost a third of its canopy during the same time frame, 1985 to 2008.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Portland has a lot growing for it - 30 years as a Tree City USA community; Portland, ME
Portland has a lot growing for it The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram:
PORTLAND - 'I read that there are plans to plant trees in Monument Square,' read the e-mail from Mathew Holmes to the city arborist. 'This sounds like a great idea. I heard that you are considering planting ginkgo trees. PLEASE, tell me they aren't the kind of ginkgo trees found on Brackett and Clark streets. As I'm sure you know, those trees are considered a menace by all that live or walk by them due to their berries that smell like vomit and get on your shoes and on vehicles parked under them. My daughter refers to them as 'stinko ginkgoes' and I have heard other neighbors refer to them as 'puke trees.' Please do not permit them in Monument Square.'
There is more to planting a tree than digging a hole and remembering to water it.
Ask Jeff Tarling, Portland's arborist.
PORTLAND - 'I read that there are plans to plant trees in Monument Square,' read the e-mail from Mathew Holmes to the city arborist. 'This sounds like a great idea. I heard that you are considering planting ginkgo trees. PLEASE, tell me they aren't the kind of ginkgo trees found on Brackett and Clark streets. As I'm sure you know, those trees are considered a menace by all that live or walk by them due to their berries that smell like vomit and get on your shoes and on vehicles parked under them. My daughter refers to them as 'stinko ginkgoes' and I have heard other neighbors refer to them as 'puke trees.' Please do not permit them in Monument Square.'
There is more to planting a tree than digging a hole and remembering to water it.
Ask Jeff Tarling, Portland's arborist.
Urban Forest Task Force Gets Public Input on Tree Plan; Santa Monica, CA
Urban Forest Task Force Gets Public Input on Tree Plan:
By Jonathan Friedman
Lookout Staff
May 6, 2010 -- Santa Monica’s Urban Forest Task Force last week held the first of three planned workshops to receive input from the public on what they would like with regards to trees in the city. The task force, along with City staff and landscape architect consultant Artecho, are tasked with coming up with a Long Range Urban Forest Master Plan that will eventually go before the City Council.
“The purpose of it (Urban Forest Master Plan) is to design the urban forest for the future,” said Walt Warriner, the City’s community forester. “We have an urban forest that is aging and we have to plan for sustaining our urban forest with the new, diverse canopy and palette of trees.”
By Jonathan Friedman
Lookout Staff
May 6, 2010 -- Santa Monica’s Urban Forest Task Force last week held the first of three planned workshops to receive input from the public on what they would like with regards to trees in the city. The task force, along with City staff and landscape architect consultant Artecho, are tasked with coming up with a Long Range Urban Forest Master Plan that will eventually go before the City Council.
“The purpose of it (Urban Forest Master Plan) is to design the urban forest for the future,” said Walt Warriner, the City’s community forester. “We have an urban forest that is aging and we have to plan for sustaining our urban forest with the new, diverse canopy and palette of trees.”
Urban greening and improved urban living work hand in hand; Chattanooga, TN
Urban Forestry and Your Home - Article :: Networx:
In 1969, Walter Cronkite announced on the CBS Evening News that Chattanooga, TN was the most polluted city in the United States. It was a harsh national indictment of a city already plagued by a faltering economy and racial tension, but it ultimately prompted the newly-founded EPA to allocate billions of dollars into downtown redevelopment. Part of the urban renaissance that followed over the next 30 years involved planting some 10,000 trees in the downtown area.
'Air pollution was so bad that cars had to drive with their headlights on in the middle of the day, and men who worked downtown had to bring a change of shirt to wear after going out to lunch because their shirts would become gray from walking outside mid-day. After 5 PM, downtown was a ghost town,' said Gene Hyde, the chief arborist of the city of Chattanooga and the president of the Society of Municipal Arborists, who has spent the past 20 years reforesting the city. In a phone call with him Monday, he said, 'Now there's new life, new businesses, new apartments, and street life. We built an arts district and we revegetated the oldest bridge in Chattanooga and turned it into a walking bridge and a river park. Trees were part of the overall plan to rebuild the downtown area.'
In 1969, Walter Cronkite announced on the CBS Evening News that Chattanooga, TN was the most polluted city in the United States. It was a harsh national indictment of a city already plagued by a faltering economy and racial tension, but it ultimately prompted the newly-founded EPA to allocate billions of dollars into downtown redevelopment. Part of the urban renaissance that followed over the next 30 years involved planting some 10,000 trees in the downtown area.
'Air pollution was so bad that cars had to drive with their headlights on in the middle of the day, and men who worked downtown had to bring a change of shirt to wear after going out to lunch because their shirts would become gray from walking outside mid-day. After 5 PM, downtown was a ghost town,' said Gene Hyde, the chief arborist of the city of Chattanooga and the president of the Society of Municipal Arborists, who has spent the past 20 years reforesting the city. In a phone call with him Monday, he said, 'Now there's new life, new businesses, new apartments, and street life. We built an arts district and we revegetated the oldest bridge in Chattanooga and turned it into a walking bridge and a river park. Trees were part of the overall plan to rebuild the downtown area.'
Georgia Urban Forestry Council director Beckley touts importance of trees at meeting in Rome, GA
Mary Lynne Beckley, executive director of the Georgia Urban Forestry Council, speaks to Rome Rotary. (Doug Walker, RN-T)
RN-T.com - Forestry Council director touts importance of trees: The No. 1 reason trees are important in Georgia is that by planting a tree, you’re leaving a legacy for future generations. Mary Lynn Beckley, executive director of the Georgia Urban Forestry Council, touted the importance of trees to the Rome Rotary Club on Thursday.
Beckley presented data from several of the metropolitan areas in Georgia indicating tremendous losses of canopy, but said things are changing for the better. “We have a lot more awareness about our trees,” Beckley said.
In the Savannah metro area — encompassing Bryan, Chatham and Effingham counties — between 1995 and 2005, the council registered a 28-percent decrease in tree canopy, along with a 272-percent increase in impervious surfaces, parking lots and roads, for example.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Redbuds & Runways fundraiser for Up With Trees puts trees and fashion together; Tulsa, OK
'Tulsa is a beautiful city,' said Laura Parrot, whose goal is to keep it that way.
Her plan involves planting trees, and she hopes the community rallies to support the cause.
She's a third-generation supporter of Up With Trees, a nonprofit dedicated to planting, preserving and promoting Tulsa's urban forest. But the city's younger residents need to be just as dedicated to keep Tulsa beautiful.
That's why she helped plan 'Redbuds & Runways,' an Up With Trees fundraiser featuring a runway fashion show 7-10 p.m. Saturday at the Ivey, 3340 S. Peoria Ave.
Her plan involves planting trees, and she hopes the community rallies to support the cause.
She's a third-generation supporter of Up With Trees, a nonprofit dedicated to planting, preserving and promoting Tulsa's urban forest. But the city's younger residents need to be just as dedicated to keep Tulsa beautiful.
That's why she helped plan 'Redbuds & Runways,' an Up With Trees fundraiser featuring a runway fashion show 7-10 p.m. Saturday at the Ivey, 3340 S. Peoria Ave.
City ponders Landscaped Islands Ordinance, would require trees in parking lots; Evansville, IN
Landscaped Islands Ordinance « Green Business Network:
Tree planting is one way to improve our community and our environment. So, it is appropriate on this Arbor Day to discuss a new ordinance which requires developers to include trees and green spaces in large, new parking lots. The Landscaped Islands Ordinance, which was signed by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel on March 9th, is in line with the Sustainability Policy implemented by the City in 2007
“Large parking lots are a common part of the landscape of cities across the country. What we are ensuring with this ordinance is that new parking lots in our community will include green space to make these areas more visually appealing and lessen their negative impact on our environment,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.
Tree planting is one way to improve our community and our environment. So, it is appropriate on this Arbor Day to discuss a new ordinance which requires developers to include trees and green spaces in large, new parking lots. The Landscaped Islands Ordinance, which was signed by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel on March 9th, is in line with the Sustainability Policy implemented by the City in 2007
“Large parking lots are a common part of the landscape of cities across the country. What we are ensuring with this ordinance is that new parking lots in our community will include green space to make these areas more visually appealing and lessen their negative impact on our environment,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.
Casey Trees launches Tree Watering Guide, watering alert system; Washington, DC
Tree Watering Guide:
The Tree Watering Guide is an easy to follow tool to help District residents practice 25 to Stay Alive through the spring, summer and fall months when watering trees, especially those that have been in the ground less than three years, is critical to their survival.
Young and mature trees require 25 gallons of water - approximately 1.5 inches of rainfall - per week to grow healthy and strong. In times of little or no rainfall, and especially during the hot summer months, trees need your help in getting the recommended 25 gallons of water per week.
From now until October, Casey Trees will issue weekly tree watering recommendations for District residents to follow. Precipitation and streamflow data determine the overall condition - Dry, Normal or Wet - and the associated watering recommendation.
The Tree Watering Guide is an easy to follow tool to help District residents practice 25 to Stay Alive through the spring, summer and fall months when watering trees, especially those that have been in the ground less than three years, is critical to their survival.
Young and mature trees require 25 gallons of water - approximately 1.5 inches of rainfall - per week to grow healthy and strong. In times of little or no rainfall, and especially during the hot summer months, trees need your help in getting the recommended 25 gallons of water per week.
From now until October, Casey Trees will issue weekly tree watering recommendations for District residents to follow. Precipitation and streamflow data determine the overall condition - Dry, Normal or Wet - and the associated watering recommendation.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
“The Grove” Goes National
“The Grove” Goes National « Sustainable Community Forestry:
Admit it. You love social networking sites. You also love trees. What to do? Join The Grove, the nation’s first social networking site devoted to tree planting and protecting urban tree canopy. The Grove (which started here in Georgia as a partnership between the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Urban Forest Council and the US Forest Service) is going nationwide – starting with the Southern States. Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia may now become members of The Grove.
Grove members can share stories, photos and videos with others in their community and across the country about the trees in their lives. Looking for the perfect tree for that special occasion? The Grove’s search feature can help you choose the perfect tree for special events including births, marriages and graduations. The site also offers information about tree planting, care and benefits.
To become a member of The Grove, sign up and create a profile. Were you an original member of the GeorgiaGrove.org? Be sure to recreate your profile in the enhanced community.
Admit it. You love social networking sites. You also love trees. What to do? Join The Grove, the nation’s first social networking site devoted to tree planting and protecting urban tree canopy. The Grove (which started here in Georgia as a partnership between the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Urban Forest Council and the US Forest Service) is going nationwide – starting with the Southern States. Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia may now become members of The Grove.
Grove members can share stories, photos and videos with others in their community and across the country about the trees in their lives. Looking for the perfect tree for that special occasion? The Grove’s search feature can help you choose the perfect tree for special events including births, marriages and graduations. The site also offers information about tree planting, care and benefits.
To become a member of The Grove, sign up and create a profile. Were you an original member of the GeorgiaGrove.org? Be sure to recreate your profile in the enhanced community.
New Jersey celebrates 61st Arbor Day with event in Newark; Newark, NJ
The Daily Newarker Home:
213 trees are planted; event highlights a month of tree-planting and “green” events; City and other partners hosting tree-plantings and gardening days in April, May, and June
Newark, NJ – April 30, 2010 - Mayor Cory A. Booker, West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice, New Jersey State Forester James S. Barresi, Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor, State District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Clifford Janey and 13th Avenue School Principal Lynn Irby-Jackson joined more than 800 volunteers from Newark, Covanta, New Jersey Youth Corps and tree professionals from across the State for New Jersey’s 61st Annual Arbor Day Celebration at the 13th Avenue School, located at 359 13th Avenue.
213 trees are planted; event highlights a month of tree-planting and “green” events; City and other partners hosting tree-plantings and gardening days in April, May, and June
Newark, NJ – April 30, 2010 - Mayor Cory A. Booker, West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice, New Jersey State Forester James S. Barresi, Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor, State District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Clifford Janey and 13th Avenue School Principal Lynn Irby-Jackson joined more than 800 volunteers from Newark, Covanta, New Jersey Youth Corps and tree professionals from across the State for New Jersey’s 61st Annual Arbor Day Celebration at the 13th Avenue School, located at 359 13th Avenue.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Mayor touts Fort Wayne's ‘urban forest' as city earns 20th Tree City USA recognition; Fort Wayne IN
Mayor touts Fort Wayne's ‘urban forest' The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN:
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry celebrated Arbor Day on Friday by touting the city's commitment to trees. He joined students from St. Joseph-St. Elizabeth Catholic School in planting two trees at Buckner Park, located off Bass Road west of Interstate 69.
He also said the “Tree Commission” he established last year should be supplanted by a “Tree Advisory Board” to become a standing monitor of urban-forestry practices that would report directly to him.
“Our trees are one of Fort Wayne's remarkable assets,” said Henry. “They clean our air, keep us cool, dampen noise and beautify our world. To keep them working hard for us, they need our attention. While many cities are cutting their tree programs, I am committed to finding other funding sources that will help us preserve our exceptional urban forest and keep our trees great, green and growing.”
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry celebrated Arbor Day on Friday by touting the city's commitment to trees. He joined students from St. Joseph-St. Elizabeth Catholic School in planting two trees at Buckner Park, located off Bass Road west of Interstate 69.
He also said the “Tree Commission” he established last year should be supplanted by a “Tree Advisory Board” to become a standing monitor of urban-forestry practices that would report directly to him.
“Our trees are one of Fort Wayne's remarkable assets,” said Henry. “They clean our air, keep us cool, dampen noise and beautify our world. To keep them working hard for us, they need our attention. While many cities are cutting their tree programs, I am committed to finding other funding sources that will help us preserve our exceptional urban forest and keep our trees great, green and growing.”
Mayor Daley Says Chicago Making Good Progress In Taking Care Of And Expanding City's Tree Canopy'; Chicago, IL
Mayor Daley Says Chicago Making Good Progress In Taking Care Of And Expanding City's Tree Canopy: Chicago is making good progress in the critical task of planting more trees, taking care of its existing 3.5 million trees and expanding the City’s tree canopy, Mayor Richard M. Daley said today.
“Chicago has more than 3.5 million trees that remove pollution from the air, reduce summer cooling costs and increase property values,” Daley said at an Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony at John Hancock College Prep High School, 4034 W. 56th St.
“Arbor Day gives us the perfect opportunity to re-commit ourselves to carrying out our mission of protecting human health and the environment, which in turn promotes the quality of economic development throughout our city and improves life for all our residents,” he said.
The Mayor pointed out that early in his administration, he made a commitment to enhance the environment and make Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in the nation.
Toward that goal, the City created the Chicago Climate Action Plan in which it outlined the need to plant more trees, maintain existing trees and expand the tree canopy.
“Chicago has more than 3.5 million trees that remove pollution from the air, reduce summer cooling costs and increase property values,” Daley said at an Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony at John Hancock College Prep High School, 4034 W. 56th St.
“Arbor Day gives us the perfect opportunity to re-commit ourselves to carrying out our mission of protecting human health and the environment, which in turn promotes the quality of economic development throughout our city and improves life for all our residents,” he said.
The Mayor pointed out that early in his administration, he made a commitment to enhance the environment and make Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in the nation.
Toward that goal, the City created the Chicago Climate Action Plan in which it outlined the need to plant more trees, maintain existing trees and expand the tree canopy.
If we're No. 1 in canoopy cover, why pass a new tree ordinance?; San Antonio, TX
S.A. tree canopy ranks No. 1, why pass a new ordinance?:
San Antonio has the most extensive tree cover of any major U.S. city. Even with its semi-arid climate, San Antonio's tree canopy of 38 percent ranks first among the nation's 50 largest cities.
We rank ahead of cities with much higher rainfall — like Seattle, New Orleans and Atlanta. In Texas, we rank ahead of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. With the nation's best urban tree canopy, why impose even stricter government regulations?
We believe the city has an opportunity for a common-sense approach involving the entire community. The real estate industry values trees, already plants more than 100,000 trees annually in San Antonio and has planted over 1 million trees here since 2003.
The April 21 Express-News editorial supporting the new tree ordinance overlooked its negative effects and harmful impact on economic development.
San Antonio has the most extensive tree cover of any major U.S. city. Even with its semi-arid climate, San Antonio's tree canopy of 38 percent ranks first among the nation's 50 largest cities.
We rank ahead of cities with much higher rainfall — like Seattle, New Orleans and Atlanta. In Texas, we rank ahead of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. With the nation's best urban tree canopy, why impose even stricter government regulations?
We believe the city has an opportunity for a common-sense approach involving the entire community. The real estate industry values trees, already plants more than 100,000 trees annually in San Antonio and has planted over 1 million trees here since 2003.
The April 21 Express-News editorial supporting the new tree ordinance overlooked its negative effects and harmful impact on economic development.
IU students, volunteers, plant trees to celebrate Tree Campus USA success: Bloomington, IN
IU students, volunteers, plant trees to celebrate Tree Campus USA success: IU News Room: Indiana University:
To celebrate the impact Tree Campus USA is having on college campuses across the United States in its second year, the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota teamed up today (April 30) with students and volunteers from Indiana University Bloomington to plant trees on the school's campus.
IU was one of 74 schools that earned Tree Campus USA recognition in 2009. The Arbor Day Foundation began Tree Campus USA in the fall of 2008 to recognize colleges and universities that practice sound campus forestry. The aim of the program is to honor college campuses and the leaders of surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship.
To celebrate the impact Tree Campus USA is having on college campuses across the United States in its second year, the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota teamed up today (April 30) with students and volunteers from Indiana University Bloomington to plant trees on the school's campus.
Courtesy of Indiana University
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