Urban Tree Canopy Assessment & Enhance (UTC A&E)
Assessment
Using statistical sampling and aerial imagery, Cacapon Institute,
the WV Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service’s analysts
at University of Vermont are determining the extent of the existing
tree canopy in the . In addition to UTC we are assessing the
impervious surfaces (surfaces that water cannot pass through, such
as buildings, roads, and pavement) along with bare soil & open green
space (grassy areas that might benefit from trees). Based on the
sampling, we are identifying the locations that would benefit the
most from expanded tree canopy and targeting those areas for tree
plantings.
Municipalities are encouraged to declare a UTC goal and develop
plans for increasing tree canopy and care for existing trees. Towns
are encouraged to set land aside as woodlots to enhance wildlife
habitat. We need to adopt best management practices for public and
private lands.
Enhancement
One
way we will assist communities and volunteers is through Project
CommuniTree. CommuniTree promotes urban tree planting and public
education through volunteerism on a regional scale by providing
important trainings. CommuniTree focuses on urban tree plantings
within small communities by teaching proper tree selection, planting
placement, and long term care and maintenance. It promotes
watershed awareness—awareness of the land areas that drains into our
rivers and streams. CommuniTree reduces stormwater runoff
pollution by planting trees in urban/suburban areas and in riparian
zones (the land just along the riverside). This improves wildlife
habitat, increases green space and prevents soil erosion. Volunteer
tree planting projects are a major component in the process of
communities making priority decisions. CommuniTree provides a
strong educational message so citizens know to plant the right tree
in the right place for the right reason.
1.
Municipalities, Counties:
Using statistical sampling and aerial imagery CI will determine the
existing tree canopy across the Potomac Basin. CI will work with
the University of Vermont to map the area of impervious surface,
open green space, bare soil, water, buildings, roads and other paved
surfaces for the Opequon Creek watershed (i.e. Berkeley & Jefferson
Counties). Based on the sampling & mapping CI will identify the
towns that would benefit the most from expanded tree canopy and
target them for assistance. Municipalities will be encouraged to
declare a UTC goal and develop plans for increasing tree canopy and
care for existing trees (CI worked with Jefferson County to complete
a UTC Plan in 2011).
Read
Jefferson County’s UTC Plan & Goal.
(587KB PDF)
Visit
University of Vermont’s Land Cover Assessment Map of Jefferson
County.
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Schools: CI is completing a land cover assessment
of the >80 public schools in the eight counties of the WV
Potomac Basin for the WV Chesapeake Bay Tributary Team. CI will
develop methods to grade schools’ tree canopy coverage and
foster school pride in their tree care management. Schools will
be encouraged to use trees to reduce HVAC energy consumption,
improve local air quality, increase shade, and reduce stormwater
pollution runoff. Through student-lead PSAs and outreach
schools will exemplify the social & ecological benefits of
trees.
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WV Project CommuniTree:
CommuniTree is a cooperative effort of
WV Conservation Agency and WV Dept. of Forestry and CI. We will
promote urban tree planting and public education through
volunteerism and trainings on proper
tree selection, care & maintenance. CommuniTree promotes
awareness of watershed and riparian area needs including erosion
control, cooling and shading streams, and buffer zone planting
to protect wildlife habitat. We will development a Tree
Steward Certification, advise existing tree boards, foster new
advocacy groups, and promote investment in tree care & planting
in parks and public spaces. Read More
on CTree.
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WV Division of Highways: CI will consult with the
WV DOH on right-of-ways (ROW) land management techniques to
encourage tree planting and reforestation. DOH will develop UTC
goals for priority interstate corridors and incorporate tree
cover into their stormwater runoff pollution reduction
commitments. CommuniTree will work with DOH to recruit and
develop volunteers to adopt highway segments for reforestation
and tree management. Volunteers will be trained to evaluate
forest health risks associated with highway rights-of-way such
as critical safety setbacks, the importance of identifying and
controlling invasive species, and the 3-R Rule as it relates to
DOH ROW - ‘right tree, right place, and for the right reason’.
We are grateful for the financial support of the federal
government for the above forestry projects, without which none
of this work would be possible: