The analysis of the City of Vinton’s urban tree canopy (UTC) was carried out by the Virginia Department of Forestry in collaboration with the City of Vinton and the Roanoke Valley—Alleghany Regional Commission. Assistance was provided by the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program (VGEP) at Virginia Tech’s Department of Forestry and by the Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) of the University of Vermont.
The goal of the project was to apply the USDA Forest Service’s UTC assessment protocols to the City of Vinton. This analysis was conducted based on year 2008 data.
Showing posts with label land cover. Show all posts
Showing posts with label land cover. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
USDA releases new geospatial data products; USA
Release No. 0036.10:
NASS produced the CDLs using satellite images observed at 56-meter (0.775 acres per pixel) resolution and collected from the Resourcesat-1 Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS), Landsat Thematic Mapper and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The collection of images was then categorized using on-the-ground farm information including field location, crop type, land cover, elevation, tree canopy and urban infrastructure.
NASS produced the CDLs using satellite images observed at 56-meter (0.775 acres per pixel) resolution and collected from the Resourcesat-1 Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS), Landsat Thematic Mapper and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The collection of images was then categorized using on-the-ground farm information including field location, crop type, land cover, elevation, tree canopy and urban infrastructure.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
City has lost ~ 1,000 acres of UTC from 1985 - 2006 - effect on stormwater described; Bellevue, WA
Its the Rainy Season - Stormwater is Running Downhill:
While this January is turning out to be one of the warmest (if not the warmest) on record, with daily lows exceeding typical lows on most days, it is still the rainy season. While most of us recognize that winter rains and snowpack lead to summer drinking water and stream flows, in recent years, scientists and regulators have grown far more interested in the effects of that rain in cities, and in particular the stormwater runoff that storms generate. That runoff is regulated by the clean-water act, and while Bellevue and other Western Washington built most of their stormwater infrastructure with an emphasis on moving water from roads and neighborhoods into local streams to prevent flooding, that efficient movement of water has some unintended consequences, especially when compounded by some of the negative effects of urbanization.
While this January is turning out to be one of the warmest (if not the warmest) on record, with daily lows exceeding typical lows on most days, it is still the rainy season. While most of us recognize that winter rains and snowpack lead to summer drinking water and stream flows, in recent years, scientists and regulators have grown far more interested in the effects of that rain in cities, and in particular the stormwater runoff that storms generate. That runoff is regulated by the clean-water act, and while Bellevue and other Western Washington built most of their stormwater infrastructure with an emphasis on moving water from roads and neighborhoods into local streams to prevent flooding, that efficient movement of water has some unintended consequences, especially when compounded by some of the negative effects of urbanization.
Rate of loss has slowed from '92 - '05 when greater metro area lost UTC equal to the size of Houston, but area is still losing tree cover; Houston, TX
Canopy alert! Houston still losing trees - 2010-Jan-26 - CultureMap Houston:
What can offset pollution, help prevent flooding and keep temperatures down? It's not a miracle, it's trees.
And yet, though Houston has long been plagued by these issues, the city and surrounding region have lost a significant amount of tree cover in recent years. According to a new Center for Houston's Future report,
What can offset pollution, help prevent flooding and keep temperatures down? It's not a miracle, it's trees.
And yet, though Houston has long been plagued by these issues, the city and surrounding region have lost a significant amount of tree cover in recent years. According to a new Center for Houston's Future report,
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Landsat images offer clearer picture of changes in watershed over 22 year period; Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay Journal: Landsat images offer clearer picture of changes in watershed - January 2010: Images taken from satellites more than 400 miles above the Earth's surface are bringing land-cover changes throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed into tighter focus.
The images, which capture tracts as small as 30 square meters, offer a surprising picture of some trends in land cover. For instance, they indicate that the rate of farm land loss has slowed, while the fastest rate of urban expansion in recent decades occurred between 1984 and 1992.
But the images also confirm the ongoing-and accelerating-loss of forest land in the watershed.
The images, which capture tracts as small as 30 square meters, offer a surprising picture of some trends in land cover. For instance, they indicate that the rate of farm land loss has slowed, while the fastest rate of urban expansion in recent decades occurred between 1984 and 1992.
But the images also confirm the ongoing-and accelerating-loss of forest land in the watershed.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Bowie makes tree canopy expansion potential analysis part of city's annexation strategy; Bowie, MD
Annexation strategy for 2010
Another important factor supporting additional annexations is theCsity desire to increase its urban tree canopy UTCcoverage There are several areas where adjacent or nearby land is partially or completely wooded Adding these parcels to the City's incorporated area would help to increase the overall tree canopy coverage totals for the City. For example the majority of the previously mentioned McLaughlin property is wooded but is located outside ofthe City limits. Another wooded property the City owns outside the current boundaries is the Fladung property on strategic annexation that would increase the City's tree canopy coverage. Staff prepared a preliminary analysis of possible annexations that would be driven by the tree canopy expansion objective (see map in Attachment 2). One of the major attractions of this process is that the majority of this land is unimproved and therefore annexation will have little or no impact on City existing services.
Another important factor supporting additional annexations is theCsity desire to increase its urban tree canopy UTCcoverage There are several areas where adjacent or nearby land is partially or completely wooded Adding these parcels to the City's incorporated area would help to increase the overall tree canopy coverage totals for the City. For example the majority of the previously mentioned McLaughlin property is wooded but is located outside ofthe City limits. Another wooded property the City owns outside the current boundaries is the Fladung property on strategic annexation that would increase the City's tree canopy coverage. Staff prepared a preliminary analysis of possible annexations that would be driven by the tree canopy expansion objective (see map in Attachment 2). One of the major attractions of this process is that the majority of this land is unimproved and therefore annexation will have little or no impact on City existing services.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
UVA Planning students release Green Lands report for Staunton-conserve tree canopy for ecosystem services among recommendations; Staunton, VA
Planning students release Green Lands report for Staunton newsleader.com The News Leader:
After a semester of studying Staunton's natural resources, the U.Va. Green Lands class has finished its study and recommendations for the city.
The class goal was to study the green infrastructure within Staunton and recommend ways to preserve and enhance it. The full report is available for download at the right.Recommendations
Conserve and enhance habitat for native wildlife by conserving larger forested landscapes within Staunton’s city limits.
Conserve and restore urban tree canopy to improve air and water quality and to reduce pressure on stormwater infrastructure.
After a semester of studying Staunton's natural resources, the U.Va. Green Lands class has finished its study and recommendations for the city.
The class goal was to study the green infrastructure within Staunton and recommend ways to preserve and enhance it. The full report is available for download at the right.Recommendations
Conserve and enhance habitat for native wildlife by conserving larger forested landscapes within Staunton’s city limits.
Conserve and restore urban tree canopy to improve air and water quality and to reduce pressure on stormwater infrastructure.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
UTC report published - finds Charlottesville has over 46% UTC; Charlottesville, VA
A Report on the City of Charlottesville's Existing and Possible Urban Tree Canopy
The analysis of Charlottesville’s urban tree canopy (UTC) was carried out by the Virginia Department of Forestry in collaboration with the City of Charlottesville and the Chesapeake Bay Program. Assistance was provided by the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program (VGEP) at Virginia Tech’s Department of Forestry
and by the Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) of the University of Vermont.
The goal of the project was to apply the USDA Forest Service’s UTC assessment protocols to the City of Charlottesville. This analysis was conducted based on year 2008 data.
The analysis of Charlottesville’s urban tree canopy (UTC) was carried out by the Virginia Department of Forestry in collaboration with the City of Charlottesville and the Chesapeake Bay Program. Assistance was provided by the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program (VGEP) at Virginia Tech’s Department of Forestry
and by the Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) of the University of Vermont.
The goal of the project was to apply the USDA Forest Service’s UTC assessment protocols to the City of Charlottesville. This analysis was conducted based on year 2008 data.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
University of Florida researchers issue report on Gainesville's urban forest, land cover; Gainsville, FL
FOR 215/FR277: Gainesville's Urban Forest Canopy Cover:
In 2006, 93 random sites were sampled and measured across Gainesville, Florida using the USDA Forest Service's Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) methods (http://www.ufore.org/). Crown measurements, tree species, land use conditions, shrub characteristics, and surface cover information were used to determine the urban forest cover and total leaf area in Gainesville. Leaf area, as estimated by the UFORE model, is the sum of all tree leaf surfaces. Urban forest canopy cover is the proportion of land surface area that lies directly beneath the crowns of all trees and tall shrubs. Urban forest includes all trees on private and public lands within the city limits of Gainesville.
Results indicate tree cover in Gainesville at 51 percent while shrub cover, often present under trees, was 16 percent. Pervious surface cover (bare soil, lawns, gardens, pastures) was 73 percent, impervious surface cover (concrete, roads, tar) was 15 percent, and buildings covered 9 percent of Gainesville. In addition to tree and shrub cover, information on surface covers can help planners and other professionals assess the potential for positive or negative environmental effects such as the ability of areas to infiltrate excess rainfall or identify areas that can be sources of excess stormwater runoff.
In 2006, 93 random sites were sampled and measured across Gainesville, Florida using the USDA Forest Service's Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) methods (http://www.ufore.org/). Crown measurements, tree species, land use conditions, shrub characteristics, and surface cover information were used to determine the urban forest cover and total leaf area in Gainesville. Leaf area, as estimated by the UFORE model, is the sum of all tree leaf surfaces. Urban forest canopy cover is the proportion of land surface area that lies directly beneath the crowns of all trees and tall shrubs. Urban forest includes all trees on private and public lands within the city limits of Gainesville.
Results indicate tree cover in Gainesville at 51 percent while shrub cover, often present under trees, was 16 percent. Pervious surface cover (bare soil, lawns, gardens, pastures) was 73 percent, impervious surface cover (concrete, roads, tar) was 15 percent, and buildings covered 9 percent of Gainesville. In addition to tree and shrub cover, information on surface covers can help planners and other professionals assess the potential for positive or negative environmental effects such as the ability of areas to infiltrate excess rainfall or identify areas that can be sources of excess stormwater runoff.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
City gets grant to study benefits provided by UTC; Clarksville, TN
theleafchronicle.com The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN:
City of Clarksville to get $9K for tree study
By ERIC SNYDER • The Leaf-Chronicle • September 2, 2009
Clarksville will receive a $9,000 grant to help the city learn more about its urban forest.
According to a city news release this week, the city will receive the state Department of Agriculture's Urban and Community Forestry Grant. The funds will allow the city to partner with Austin Peay State University's GIS Center, whose student workers will input information on the city's trees into CITYGreen.
CITYGreen is a piece of computer software, purchased by the city last year, that will allow Clarksville to "inventory, quantify and analyze the tree canopy and its benefits for the entire city," the news release said.
Also covered in: Clarksville receives Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry Grant
City of Clarksville to get $9K for tree study
By ERIC SNYDER • The Leaf-Chronicle • September 2, 2009
Clarksville will receive a $9,000 grant to help the city learn more about its urban forest.
According to a city news release this week, the city will receive the state Department of Agriculture's Urban and Community Forestry Grant. The funds will allow the city to partner with Austin Peay State University's GIS Center, whose student workers will input information on the city's trees into CITYGreen.
CITYGreen is a piece of computer software, purchased by the city last year, that will allow Clarksville to "inventory, quantify and analyze the tree canopy and its benefits for the entire city," the news release said.
Also covered in: Clarksville receives Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry Grant
Friday, August 28, 2009
GA Sustainable Community Forestry Program identifies Tree Canopy Loss and Impervious Surface Gain mapping as signature project; GA
Tree Canopy Loss and Impervious Surface Gain « Sustainable Community Forestry:
Recently, the Sustainable Community Forestry Program (SCFP) staff was asked to select one project or one component of the program that would convey the importance of SCFP to Georgians and to Georgia’s natural resources. The choice was obvious. The following Tree Canopy and Impervious Surface Study, completed by Dr. Elizabeth Kramer at the University of Georgia Natural Resources Spatial Analysis Laboratory(NARSAL), has been widely used by communities across the state working to conserve their tree canopy and Georgia’s precious natural resources. Startling images and data confirm previous estimates of 50 acres of trees a day lost to development in metro Atlanta, all of which were replaced with impervious surfaces. And, similar trends continued across the state in Savannah, Columbus and other fast growing metropolitan areas.
Recently, the Sustainable Community Forestry Program (SCFP) staff was asked to select one project or one component of the program that would convey the importance of SCFP to Georgians and to Georgia’s natural resources. The choice was obvious. The following Tree Canopy and Impervious Surface Study, completed by Dr. Elizabeth Kramer at the University of Georgia Natural Resources Spatial Analysis Laboratory(NARSAL), has been widely used by communities across the state working to conserve their tree canopy and Georgia’s precious natural resources. Startling images and data confirm previous estimates of 50 acres of trees a day lost to development in metro Atlanta, all of which were replaced with impervious surfaces. And, similar trends continued across the state in Savannah, Columbus and other fast growing metropolitan areas.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
State of the Urban Forest Report reveals UTC extent, dollar benefit of ecosystem services; Lake Oswego, OR
Report puts annual benefit of trees to Lake Oswego at $3 million - OregonLive.com
Trees provide Lake Oswego with an annual benefit estimated at $3 million, according to a city report released last week.
The city-sponsored State of the Urban Forest Report also revealed that trees cover about 44 percent of the city, giving Lake Oswego one of the highest-density tree canopy covers in the metro area.
The report, discussed at last week's council meeting, was intended to inform future policy and fund allocations related to the urban forest.
Using data from both field surveys of the city's trees and satellite imagery of the city's canopy, the report highlighted the urban forest's economic returns, as well as the environmental benefits. Such benefits include storm water interception, energy conservation, carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement.
Trees provide Lake Oswego with an annual benefit estimated at $3 million, according to a city report released last week.
The city-sponsored State of the Urban Forest Report also revealed that trees cover about 44 percent of the city, giving Lake Oswego one of the highest-density tree canopy covers in the metro area.
The report, discussed at last week's council meeting, was intended to inform future policy and fund allocations related to the urban forest.
Using data from both field surveys of the city's trees and satellite imagery of the city's canopy, the report highlighted the urban forest's economic returns, as well as the environmental benefits. Such benefits include storm water interception, energy conservation, carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Study shows Tennessee has maintained same amount of forest cover since 1961, but different species; TN
Forest coverage steady; changes in tree species : Local News : Knoxville News Sentinel
By Morgan Simmons (Contact)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saul Young/News Sentinel
The amount of forests covering Tennessee has held steady for decades, but declines have occurred in some species and in the amount of younger tracts of trees.
That's according to the latest report issued by the U.S. Forest Service and the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The report, which looked at statewide forest conditions from 1999 to 2004, also cites a decline in the number of wood products jobs in that period.
The Forestry Inventory and Analysis program has surveyed Tennessee at five- to seven-year intervals since 1950. The latest report was delayed because of the time needed to analyze the large quantity of data.
The report found 52 percent of Tennessee's land base to be in forests - essentially the same percentage that has covered the state since 1961.
By Morgan Simmons (Contact)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saul Young/News Sentinel
The amount of forests covering Tennessee has held steady for decades, but declines have occurred in some species and in the amount of younger tracts of trees.
That's according to the latest report issued by the U.S. Forest Service and the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The report, which looked at statewide forest conditions from 1999 to 2004, also cites a decline in the number of wood products jobs in that period.
The Forestry Inventory and Analysis program has surveyed Tennessee at five- to seven-year intervals since 1950. The latest report was delayed because of the time needed to analyze the large quantity of data.
The report found 52 percent of Tennessee's land base to be in forests - essentially the same percentage that has covered the state since 1961.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)