Best Practice Action 16.3
GreenStep City Best Practices: Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils No. 16
Add city tree and plant cover that conserves topsoils and increases community health, wealth, quality of life.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 3
Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals.
- Utilize data and mapping such as the MPCA map of Areas of Concern for Environmental Justice and Met Council’s Place-Based Equity Research, which allows users to identify Census tracts where additional consideration or effort is warranted to evaluate the potential for disproportionate adverse impacts.
- Use the ICLEI Land Emissions and Removals Navigator web mapping tool to estimate the local GHG impacts of your community’s forests and trees.
- Typically forestry goals are included in a city's comprehensive plan, and the city adopts an urban forest management plan that includes a budget for upkeep of a city tree inventory and preservation of soils. A "5-10-15" tree-diversity goal for reducing the risk of catastrophic tree loss due to pests is to have in the city tree canopy no more than 5% of any one species, 10% of any one genus, and 15% of any one family.
- The Northern Institute of Applied Science provides menus of adaptation strategies and approaches for multiple forestry topics.
- The DNR provides a list of “Best native yard trees for our changing climate” by region. Additional recommended tree lists can be located through the University of Minnesota Extension and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. The DNR “Tree Troubles” site lists potential threats to Minnesota trees. The Seedlot Selection Tool is a GIS mapping program designed to help forest managers match seedlots with planting sites based on climatic information.
- See BPA 16.7 for information on evaluating the financial and social benefits that trees provide your community.
- NOTE: tree inventories and benefits assessments were previously included under this BPA. You will continue to find action reports related to BPA 16.7 here.
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A minimum number of trees planted by the city each year, OR at least 2-3 trees planted for each city tree lost. Report tree inventories, canopy studies, and analysis of financial/social benefits under BPA 16.7. |
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An overall city tree canopy of at least 30% and/or a canopy above 60% for residential areas located in Environmental Justice areas of concern; include tree replacement money in Pavement Management Program budget. |
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Have in the city tree canopy no more than 5% of any one species, 10% of any one genus, and 15% of any one family, and report a planting list that take this guideline into account; have an overall city tree canopy of at least 40%, with canopy over parking lots (~50%), canopy over residential (~60% - 75%), canopy over commercial/industrial (~60% - 75%) - ensuring Environmental Justice areas of concern are incorporated if within municipal bounds. |
Who's doing it
Golden Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Golden Valley has an annual budget for tree planting in parks and public spaces ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 in addition to a budget for tree replacement as part of the Pavement Management Program. The City continues to monitor and inspect trees for disease and pests on public land and makes an effort to replace them with native, resilient species. Annually the City plants between 50-75 trees for both parks and as part of the Emerald Ash Borer replacement program. 5-10 trees are planted as part of other construction projects each year as well.
As of 2016, according to EarthDefine Geospatial Data and Services, which uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to determine percent tree canopy, Golden Valley has an overall city tree canopy of 40.5%.p
According to a DNR tree inventory conducted in 2010, Golden Valley has about 21.8 trees per acre in areas maintained by the City.
As of 2016, according to EarthDefine Geospatial Data and Services, which uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to determine percent tree canopy, Golden Valley has an overall city tree canopy of 40.5%.p
According to a DNR tree inventory conducted in 2010, Golden Valley has about 21.8 trees per acre in areas maintained by the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In 2015, 128 trees were planted in Golden Valley (74 public, 50 residential). 210 trees were removed from public property and 145 diseased trees were condemned on private property. $18,460 was spent on tree planting and initial care, $41,412 was spent on tree maintenance, and $16,500 was spent on removals. The total community forestry expenditures were $273,266.80 (Golden Valley population: 20,371).
In 2016, 60 (2”-2.5” balled and burlapped) shade and evergreen trees were planted throughout the parks and other public properties.
In 2016, 60 (2”-2.5” balled and burlapped) shade and evergreen trees were planted throughout the parks and other public properties.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Al Lundstrom (City staff) | alundstrom@goldenvalleymn.gov | (763)-593-8046
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The City has a one to one replacement strategy for trees in public spaces and hosts an annual tree sale for residents. The City's tree standards and development review require no more than 5 percent of any one species of tree be planted in an area.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.maplewoodmn.gov/1065/Tree-Community-Forestry
https://maplewoodmn.gov/1913/Tree-Sale
For more information contact:
Shann Finwall (City Staff) | shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2304
Partners: Tree Trust
Gilbert -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The city has achieved an overall tree canopy of at least 30% as well as they are continuing to purchase and utilize native trees. Continual effort to plant more trees is being taken.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Native plants are useful to preserve the terrestrial ecosystem of Northern Minnesota. Due to extensive clear cutting in the early 1900's all of Northern Minnesota's old growth forests have disappeared. An active effort to plant and protect native plants will rejuvinate Minnesota's coniferous and deciduous forest.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sam Lautigar (City staff) | samlautigar@gilbertmn.org | 218-748-2214
Partners:
Hastings -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Hastings plants nearly 30 trees each year as part of Arbor Day activities. Currently utilizing i-tree to conduct tree inventory for trees on City property.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Chris Jenkins (City staff) | cjenkins@hastingsmn.gov | 651-480-6176
Partners:
Kasson -
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Implementation details:
Completed: We are currently at a tree canopy for 75% for residential areas and continuously budget for this.
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Partners:
Newport -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City calculated its overall tree canopy using i-Tree. Per this tool, the City's overall tree canopy is 30%.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Schulz (City staff) | dschulz@newportmn.com | 651-459-5677
Partners:
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City has a minimum annual budget for replacement trees, which pays for approximately 250 1.5” BB (balled and burlapped).
The Parks and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive Plan does not include a tree canopy goal. The City's overall canopy is about 25%. The residential canopy is about 70%.
The Parks and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive Plan does not include a tree canopy goal. The City's overall canopy is about 25%. The residential canopy is about 70%.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Partners:
Royalton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton Tree Management Plan 2019 text is written and budget information will be used for the 2020 budget year. Emerald Ash Borer has been found in a neighboring county and the Tree Management Plan is used to help the city budget for treatment of infected trees or removal based on recommendations from the MN Department of Agriculture.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Using guidance from the Tree Management Plan we will budget $5/ash tree for treatment of infestation of EAB and $2,000/ash tree for removal. The goal is to establish which trees are healthiest to save and to remove trees that are showing signs of EAB.
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For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
Partners: MN Department of Agriculture and Tree Board
Saint Anthony -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City of St. Anthony has a tree budget and regularly adds or replaces boulevard and park trees. The City has at least 75% tree coverage for residential zoning.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jay Hartman (City staff) | jay.hartman@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us | 612-782-3314
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
In 2010, the University of Minnesota Spatial Analysis Laboratory performed a land cover classification for the City of Saint Paul defining tree canopy, impervious surface, buildings, water, grass and bare soil.
Highlights
• Tree canopy cover in 2010: 32.5% of the total land area of Saint Paul
• 66.2% of Saint Paul is suitable for tree canopy cover
The Tree Canopy Study revealed that residential, single-family parcels offer the greatest area for increased canopy cover. As a result, The City has worked with partnering agencies and community volunteers when possible to increase planting on private property, especially is areas with the lowest canopy percentage, e.g., Frogtown. Overall, it is projected that Saint Paul will spend over $700,000 on tree planting in 2014 using various funding sources.
Highlights
• Tree canopy cover in 2010: 32.5% of the total land area of Saint Paul
• 66.2% of Saint Paul is suitable for tree canopy cover
The Tree Canopy Study revealed that residential, single-family parcels offer the greatest area for increased canopy cover. As a result, The City has worked with partnering agencies and community volunteers when possible to increase planting on private property, especially is areas with the lowest canopy percentage, e.g., Frogtown. Overall, it is projected that Saint Paul will spend over $700,000 on tree planting in 2014 using various funding sources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=4581
For more information contact:
Kurt Schultz (City staff) | kurt.schultz@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6590
Partners:
Arlington -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
In 2015, the city had a tree replacement budget of $1,500 for replacing trees in parks and in the boulevards. In 2016, the budget increases to $3,400.
City Ordinance 291 addresses oak wilt, emerald ash borer, and Dutch elm disease.
City Ordinance 291 addresses oak wilt, emerald ash borer, and Dutch elm disease.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.arlingtonmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Ordinance-No-291-Tree-Ordinance-Amendment.pdf
For more information contact:
Tony Voigt (City staff) | tvoigt@arlingtonmn.com | 507-964-2378
Partners: Shade Tree Commission, Parks Committee
Bloomington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In preparation for EAB Bloomington has funding budgeted for the removal and replacement of 8000 public ash trees in parks. The activity started in 2013 and will ramp up over the next 11 years. Other activities funded in this budget include the City’s Arbor Day tree sale where residents are allowed to pre-order bare root trees to be planted in their yard. To increase diversity the species of trees made available are adjusted each year.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Steve Gurney (City staff) | sgurney@BloomingtonMN.gov | 952-563-4606
Partners:
Cottage Grove -
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In July 2012, Cottage Grove created a Public Landscape Initiative Program to motivate volunteers and employees within the City to contribute to beautification efforts. Projects are focused on active management of the urban forest, reforestation of highly visable community parks, public lands, and transportation corridors as well as provision of tree planting/landscaping , employee team building, and community volunteer opportunities. These tree planting and landscape goals are recorded and budgeted in our CIP through 2018. The city also recorded all of our boulevard trees in the community via GPS to help inventory, identify condition, size, species and other concerns with tree growth projections, disease monitoring, and tree trimming. This allows to provide a detailed management plan that aids in our budget preparation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Partners:
Crystal -
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In the Forestry annual budget is a line item allocation for replacing boulevard trees. Boulevard trees are also replaced as part of the street reconstruction projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Mark Ray (City Staff) | mark.ray@crystalmn.gov | 6127606712
Partners:
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
Development projects that remove trees must replace 10-50% DBH depending on the context. All trees removed as part of the Emerald Ash Borer Management plan must be replaced and after the EAB project has finished the informal goal is to continue planting 400-600 trees per year.
Duluth just completed a street tree inventory using iTree and has begun analyzing the results to find patterns in tree dispersal and guide planting efforts.
Duluth just completed a street tree inventory using iTree and has begun analyzing the results to find patterns in tree dispersal and guide planting efforts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City of Fergus Falls has a dedicated forestry budget to remove, plant and monitor all city trees and inspect private trees for disease.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Hutchinson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Hutchinson has been a Tree City USA for over 40 years. Hutchinson recently accepted a grant through the DNR to mitigate the affects of the Emerald Ash Borer, thus accelerating the removal of these trees, as well as plans to plant 275 replacements in the next two years. Hutchinson also has an iTree profile to expand on the benefits of our existing urban canopy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Donovan Schuette (City staff) | dschuette@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-583-8982
Partners:
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The City of La Crescent received a grant in 2023 from the MnDNR to plant 345 trees over three years. These trees include hackberry, honey locust, ironwood, white oak, swamp white oak, linden, and hybrid elm. Planting diverse trees creates greater resilience to disease and invasive pests like emerald ash borer, so the La Crescent community is at a lesser risk of losing a key tree species all at once. In 2024 the city removed 12 trees that were damaged by storms or died. The city planted 130 trees on Arbor Day in 2024. The grant memo is linked below.
Gold Leaf CA5: Planted 110 trees on Arbor Day - a mix of 8 different varieties of native trees.
Gold Leaf CA5: Planted 110 trees on Arbor Day - a mix of 8 different varieties of native trees.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nw8rQySYfqsGzDHLH7Z6jCzP6uzAPIi5/edit
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners:
Lake City -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Ongoing
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City is dedicated to maintaining and expanding a resilient urban canopy through careful budgeting and targeted tree planting initiatives. As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, the City allocates significant funds each year for tree planting, maintenance, and the management of our urban forest. This investment supports our goal of increasing tree coverage across the City, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
In alignment with our Tree City USA certification, Lake City has set clear, measurable goals for tree planting and canopy restoration. These goals are focused on planting native species, diversifying the tree population, and ensuring that new trees are properly cared for to thrive in the long term. We work closely with the Lake City Forestry Advisory Committee, local environmental groups, and volunteers to achieve these goals and promote the benefits of trees, such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and providing shade to reduce urban heat islands.
By continuing to allocate resources to urban canopy initiatives, the City of Lake City is building a more resilient and sustainable community for future generations.
In alignment with our Tree City USA certification, Lake City has set clear, measurable goals for tree planting and canopy restoration. These goals are focused on planting native species, diversifying the tree population, and ensuring that new trees are properly cared for to thrive in the long term. We work closely with the Lake City Forestry Advisory Committee, local environmental groups, and volunteers to achieve these goals and promote the benefits of trees, such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and providing shade to reduce urban heat islands.
By continuing to allocate resources to urban canopy initiatives, the City of Lake City is building a more resilient and sustainable community for future generations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Amanda Jackson (City Staff) | ajackson@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-4711
Partners:
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The city has a tree replacement budget of $120,000 for replacing trees in parks and in the boulevards. The City Code also addresses oak wilt, emerald ash borer, and Dutch elm disease.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/new_hope/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_CH9GEWESA_S9-80OAWIEMASBODUELDI
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Northfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
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Implementation details:
Chapter 34, Article 3.6 goes into great detail about budgeting for and achieving urban tree canopy planting goals.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.municode.com/library/mn/northfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIINOCO_CH34LADECO_ART3DEST_3.6LASCBUST
For more information contact:
Beth Kallestad (City staff) | beth.kallestad@ci.northfield.mn.us | 507-645-3074
Partners:
Prairie Island Indian Community -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
Through its EAB response plan and partnership with BIA, Prairie Island has a budget for monitoring the health of the canopy and planting trees. There is also a budget for the gravel tree nursery bed to help provide a more diverse and natural tree canopy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Leya Charles (City Staff) | Leya.Charles@piic.org | 6513854115
Partners:
Red Wing -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The city does a spring and fall planting every year and looks for spaces in newly developed areas to plant new trees. We also keep record of places that we have had to remove trees so that we make sure to replant in those areas. We received an Emerald Ash Borer grant and are working to reduce the number of Ash trees by replacing them with other varieties throughout the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners:
Robbinsdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. The City plants approx 150 trees per year, using about 20 species and replaces every removed tree with at least 1 new tree.
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For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
Partners:
Rochester -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Rochester has continually assessed their tree canopy. Currently Rochesters tree canopy is at 27% with a total potential of 47%. The percent of water in the city is currently 2.7% while impervious land accounts for 22%
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Jacob Ryg (City staff) | jryg@rochestermn.gov | 507-328-2515
Partners:
Saint Louis Park -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
$60000 annual CIP budget item for boulevard and Park tree planting
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
number of trees planted
number of trees survive after 2 years
diversity of trees planted throughout Ciyt
number of trees survive after 2 years
diversity of trees planted throughout Ciyt
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.stlouispark.org/public-works-programs-services/capital-improvement-program.html
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
Partners: local tree nurseries; MN DNR
Shakopee -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
According to the City's records and GIS data, there have been 812 trees planted over the last three years to replace the 244 trees that were removed for a ratio of 3.3 trees planted for every tree removed.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Every time a tree is removed, the City replaces those trees with an additional 3.3 trees on average.
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For more information contact:
Kirby Templin (City Staff) | ktemplin@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9372
Partners:
Two Harbors -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The city spends $2 per capita on tree planting and care every year. The majority of that is spent on planting. The city is also working with residents to start a volunteer planting and care program in 2015.
The City has partnered with Lake County Soil and Water to conduct a tree inventory summer 2020. They received a grant for 2 interns for the summer and the City is cost-sharing to complete a tree inventory in City limits.
The City has partnered with Lake County Soil and Water to conduct a tree inventory summer 2020. They received a grant for 2 interns for the summer and the City is cost-sharing to complete a tree inventory in City limits.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Josh Bergstad (City staff) | jbergstad@ardc.org | 218-834-8803
Partners:
Warren -
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Replace any trees lost in storms or construction with new trees.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Keep Warren trees healthly and continuely replaced as trees are taken out or lost to storm damage or old age.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: Keep tree being replaced in Warren
For more information contact:
Shannon Mortenson (City staff) | shannonm@warrenminnesota.com | 218-745-5343
Partners: City Utility department and city park and recreation board
Woodbury -
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Implementation details:
The city has a standing line item in the budget each year for tree planting and maintenance. In 2013, the city planned for and budgeted funds to plant 500 trees.
In 2009, the City of Woodbury received a Community Conservation Assistance Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Metro Greenways Program. The purpose of the grant was to conduct an Urban Tree Canopy assessment, in order to determine the current tree cover across the city. The Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) is the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above.
The most important finding of the UTC assessment was the percent tree canopy cover for the City of Woodbury. The city currently has a canopy cover of approximately 22%. The 70% of the city that is developed to its ultimate condition has a canopy of 23%. There is a significant range in the canopy among neighborhoods. Neighborhoods, depending on age and development practices at the time of development, have a canopy cover anywhere between 10% and 50%.
Based on the results of the UTC, the city set goals for increasing UTC, developed an implementation plan for achieving the goals, and has established a monitoring program to track progress. Based on research identifying the benefits of trees in the urban landscape, Woodbury has adopted the goal of increasing the UTC in the city’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. These benefits include improved water and air quality, reduced heating and cooling costs, and increased property values.
In 2009, the City of Woodbury received a Community Conservation Assistance Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Metro Greenways Program. The purpose of the grant was to conduct an Urban Tree Canopy assessment, in order to determine the current tree cover across the city. The Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) is the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above.
The most important finding of the UTC assessment was the percent tree canopy cover for the City of Woodbury. The city currently has a canopy cover of approximately 22%. The 70% of the city that is developed to its ultimate condition has a canopy of 23%. There is a significant range in the canopy among neighborhoods. Neighborhoods, depending on age and development practices at the time of development, have a canopy cover anywhere between 10% and 50%.
Based on the results of the UTC, the city set goals for increasing UTC, developed an implementation plan for achieving the goals, and has established a monitoring program to track progress. Based on research identifying the benefits of trees in the urban landscape, Woodbury has adopted the goal of increasing the UTC in the city’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. These benefits include improved water and air quality, reduced heating and cooling costs, and increased property values.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Jennifer McLoughlin (City staff) | jmcloughlin@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3522
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Rachel Morice, Urban and Community Forest Project Specialist, MN Department of Natural Resources: 651-296-6157, rachel.morice@state.mn.us, www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/urban