Studies will evaluate loss of tree canopy cover

Two studies are being conducted to determine the future of our urban forest and set goals for tree planting and preservation. One focuses on individual development sites while the other encompasses the entire metropolitan area.

Development site study will evaluate tree ordinance

A study of dozens of individual development projects complying with the City's tree ordinance analyzes tree canopy removal from the sites. The cTc is collaborating on this study using grants from Magnolia Charitable Trust and ESRI. Chandran Ambrose, an intern in San Antonio College's GIS program, is performing much of the work.

To gauge the effectiveness of the tree ordinance, post-development tree cover is measured from aerial photographs and compared to historical, pre-development levels. One of the prime goals is to determine what proportion of a typical development site remains covered by trees.

Data from the study will be used to further the cTc's Urban Forest Management Program. The study builds on earlier work done under the auspices of UT-San Antonio.

Regional study will expand on earlier Urban Ecosystem Analyses

On a larger scale, the City of San Antonio has awarded a $379K contract for an analysis of tree canopy over its entire metropolitan area. This study will measure changes in tree canopy cover since 2002 and recommend specific levels of tree cover for our city. American Forests, a non-profit citizens conservation organization, local land development engineers Pape-Dawson Engineers, and Sanborn Map Company are teaming to perform the work.

In addition to measuring tree loss, various environmental benefits such as air pollution removal, water contamination prevention, and energy savings will be calculated. Part of the impetus for the new study came from developers, who complained that the 35% tree canopy cover goal recommended in a 2003 UEA was too high.