Charlotte Urban Forest Master Plan - The Full Report
The action steps described throughout this website were developed through a lengthy process of conversations and meetings with multiple stakeholders, review of existing research and data, new analyses using existing data, and the expertise and national exposure to other urban forestry programs provided by our project partner, Davey Resource Group. Learn more about the process of developing this urban forestry master plan.
The full report detailing all findings follows.
The full report detailing all findings follows.
I. Introduction (below)
II. State of the Urban Forest - The Assessment
III. Why Trees? Canopy Value
IV. Goals & Vision for the Future
V. What's at Risk
VI. The Challenges
VII. The Way Forward
VIII. Timeline & Measuring Progress
Appendices (TBA)
II. State of the Urban Forest - The Assessment
III. Why Trees? Canopy Value
IV. Goals & Vision for the Future
V. What's at Risk
VI. The Challenges
VII. The Way Forward
VIII. Timeline & Measuring Progress
Appendices (TBA)
I. Introduction
Charlotte, North Carolina is proud to be known and valued for it's iconic, vibrant urban tree canopy. With 47% of the city covered by tree canopy when viewed from aerial imagery, Charlotte is reaping significant benefits (over $530 million in services every year) from its trees. Over time, Charlotte's tree canopy has become central to its identity and is one of the main attractors of new residents to the city. Additionally, Charlotte is home to one of the top urban forestry programs in the country, with structures in place (tree protection policies, qualified staff, public-private partnerships) to care for and preserve this valuable infrastructure.
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However, Charlotte is at risk of losing this asset. There are a number of challenges facing Charlotte's tree canopy, the most pressing of which comes from 1) a large population of mature trees (primarily oaks) reaching the end of their lifespan, and 2) a significant loss of trees due to development as the city grows. How much loss is expected? While loss is difficult to predict, the two models used to measure the impact of current challenges in Charlotte predict significant drops in canopy cover by 2050 unless steps are taken now.
There would be serious consequences if Charlotte's canopy is lost. Loss of tree canopy compromises air and water quality, and results in poor public health, decline of communities and property values, and shrinking wildlife habitat. Benefits from Charlotte's existing trees cannot be quickly replaced through tree planting. Once canopy is lost, it's gone for decades.
To tackle this challenge, Davey Resource Group was hired to assist the city and TreesCharlotte in developing this urban forest master plan, which aims to proactively manage and preserve the existing city trees and ultimately help attain the city's goal of 50% tree canopy cover by the year 2050 ("50 by 50"). Thanks to involvement of almost 50 organizations, 3,000 public citizens, city staff, and the urban forestry expertise and national perspective provided by Davey, fifteen action steps were developed and prioritized to map out how to reach Charlotte's goals.
This website exists to share the results of this project - both the challenges and solutions - with the entire community of Charlotte.
There would be serious consequences if Charlotte's canopy is lost. Loss of tree canopy compromises air and water quality, and results in poor public health, decline of communities and property values, and shrinking wildlife habitat. Benefits from Charlotte's existing trees cannot be quickly replaced through tree planting. Once canopy is lost, it's gone for decades.
To tackle this challenge, Davey Resource Group was hired to assist the city and TreesCharlotte in developing this urban forest master plan, which aims to proactively manage and preserve the existing city trees and ultimately help attain the city's goal of 50% tree canopy cover by the year 2050 ("50 by 50"). Thanks to involvement of almost 50 organizations, 3,000 public citizens, city staff, and the urban forestry expertise and national perspective provided by Davey, fifteen action steps were developed and prioritized to map out how to reach Charlotte's goals.
This website exists to share the results of this project - both the challenges and solutions - with the entire community of Charlotte.