Urban Tree Canopy Assessment (EPAN09)

In the Bay watershed approximately 100 acres of forest are lost to the pressures of population growth and development every day.

Chesapeake Bay Program

State of the Chesapeake Forest 2006

WV “urban” areas per 2000 U.S. Census.

500 people per square mile

(or incorporated area with same)

Berkeley

JeffersonEastern Panhandle

“urban” areas

Trees in the wild provide benefits.

Trees in urban / suburban settings provide direct benefits.

Trees:

• Lowering heating and cooling energy requirement by providing shade in summer and blocking cold winds in winter;

• Improve air quality by absorbing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter;

• Reduce summer air and water temperatures by shading concrete, asphalt, and roof surfaces;

Trees:

• Protect from flooding caused by stormwater runoff by promoting rain water infiltration into the soil, preventing erosion, and generally slowing down runoff during rain events;

• Protect sensitive aquatic habitat from rising temperatures by slowing stormwater runoff, shading surface waters, and minimizing the thermal shock associated with summer storms in developed areas; and,

• Improve drinking water sources by taking up stormwater pollutants such as nitrogen from soil and groundwater and breaking down pollutants such as metals, pesticides, and solvents that could otherwise enter water reservoirs and wells.

Forestry

Urban Forestry

www.itreetools.com

Martinsburg area

Berkeley County

www.mrlc.gov

Photo InterpretationPhoto Interpretation

Change AnalysisChange Analysis

2002

2007

Change AnalysisChange Analysis

2002

2007

http://www.potomacwatershed.org/newpdf/InfoExchangeJune07/PWP-FCPSGreeningInitiative.pdf

Potomac ConservancyUTC Assessment

Potomac ConservancyUTC Assessment

Potomac ConservancyUTC Assessment

Urban Tree Canopy

Baltimore, MD, Franklin Square E.S.2001 IKONOS

Baltimore, MD, Franklin Square E.S.2007 NAIP CIP w/ LiDAR

Grant County, WV

Richmond County, VA

Lancaster County, PA

Allegany County, MD

Regardless of state or county schools are similar.

Frank Rodgers

frodgers@cacaponinstitute.org

www.itreetools.com

http://www.forestsforwatersheds.org/

http://www.forestsforwatersheds.org/urban-tree-canopy/