Houston's Regional Forest
The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Urban Trees |
|
|
Community leaders play an important role in promoting tree initiatives. Learning about the trees in your community can help with maintenance efforts and identifying areas that need planting. Below you will find links on a variety of initiatives that you can pursue for an array of urban forest benefits.
Action Steps for Urban Forestry Initiatives
Community leaders can take several steps to begin or enhance an urban tree program.
Conduct a tree inventory - find out what trees you have
Show what you have - Use digital aerial photos available for your area to map where trees are in your community
Conduct Analysis - Use computer models to calculate the value of your trees and the benefits they provide to your community
- Urban Forest Effects Model (UFORE) quantifies the structure and functions of urban forests, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station
- CityGreen is a GIS application that calculates the benefits of trees, American Forests
- STRATUM is a street tree management and analysis tool, Center for Urban Forest Research
- iTree software combines four other analysis and management tools, USDA Forest Service
Host a Community Tree Workshop to explore ideas and learn about trees in your community
Plant Trees - Partner with local nonprofits, developers, volunteers, and businesses to plant and conserve the right trees in the right places for your community needs
Organize and develop an Urban Forestry Plan for your community
- Greenprint (PDF of the Plan) is a guide for local governments in the Sacramento Council of Governments to develop urban forest initiatives. However, this guide can serve as a resource when starting a similar program in your community.
Consider hiring an urban forester, arborist, or a tree advocate
Organize a tree commission or board to coordinate people, organizations, issues, and programs related to trees.
Evaluate current policies and ordinances - consider how your current policies and ordinances protect or enhance trees in your community; identify barriers and solutions.
Identify best practices - Learn how other communities in this region and in Texas are planting and protecting trees.
Finding Technical Support
Finding Financial Support
Locate grants for financial assistance, such as:
|
|
|