Assessing Urban Forest Effects and Values: Minneapolis, MN
Trees in cities can contribute significantly to human health and environmental quality. Unfortunately, little is known about the urban forest resource and what it contributes to the local and regional society and economy. To better understand the urban forest resource and its numerous values, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, developed the Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) model. Results from this model are used to advance the understanding of the urban forest resource, improve urban forest policies, planning and management, provide data for potential inclusion of trees within environmental regulations, and determine how trees affect the environment and consequently enhance human health and environmental quality in urban areas.
This report summarizes results of a vegetation assessment conducted in Minneapolis, Minn. in summer of 2004 including:
- Forest structure
- Carbon storage
- Risk of insect pests and diseases
- Annual carbon removal (sequestration)
- Air pollution removal
- Changes in building energy use
