EnviroNews

Frederick, Maryland Needs More Trees in Canopy

New DNR Study Shows Benefits And Need For Additional Trees In Frederick

FREDERICK, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service recently completed a study of the City of Frederick’s existing and potential urban tree canopy. Finding that Frederick’s urban tree canopy covers 12 percent of the city (1,592 acres), the report’s analysis estimated that an additional 72 percent of the city (9,553 acres) could be covered by trees in the future.

“Tree cover provides so many benefits to City residents in addition to esthetics, that it is greatly important that the City maintain and expand its urban tree canopy,” said Frederick Mayor William J. Holtzinger.

Recognizing the benefits of overall tree canopy cover as a water quality best management practice in urban areas, the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council established a goal for 120 communities in the Bay watershed to adopt an urban tree canopy goal by 2020 at its recent meeting last December. The City of Frederick committed to establishing an urban tree canopy goal in April of 2007. To date, 38 communities in Maryland have committed to adopting urban tree canopy goals.

DNR has completed assessments for three communities and two cities – Annapolis and Baltimore - have adopted goals.

“Frederick’s urban tree canopy is a vital city asset,” said Michael F. Galvin, DNR Urban Forestry Supervisor. “Trees reduce storm water runoff, enhance quality of life, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and provide wildlife habitat. Improving the condition and extent of tree canopy in urban areas is vital to community livability as our cities grow.”

Eighty-six percent of Marylanders live in urban areas. Residents can help by planting trees and maintaining local trees by watering and mulching around the base.

Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Vermont, the DNR report utilized high-resolution satellite data and GIS information to calculate various types of land cover (trees, grass, buildings, roads) at the parcel level across the city. Click here to view the full report.