Urban Forests Capstone Objectives Show that urban forests are key component of “Green Infrastructure” Show that urban forests are key component of “Green Infrastructure” Examine the benefits of urban forests on “Gray Infrastructure” Examine the benefits of urban forests on “Gray Infrastructure” Review programs for analyzing urban forest heath and risk management assessment. Review programs for analyzing urban forest heath and risk management assessment.

Urban Forests Importance Properly managed urban forests add social, environmental and economic benefits to a community. Properly managed urban forests add social, environmental and economic benefits to a community. Urban forests contribute to increased quality of life for many communities and their residents. Urban forests contribute to increased quality of life for many communities and their residents. Urban forests reduce stormwater runoff, increase air and water quality and trap atmospheric carbon. Urban forests reduce stormwater runoff, increase air and water quality and trap atmospheric carbon. City trees provide shade cover, reducing engery consumption and increase property values. City trees provide shade cover, reducing engery consumption and increase property values.

Urban Forests Target Audience Classmates and Instructors Classmates and Instructors Professional Engineers, Public Works Directors and Elected City Officials Professional Engineers, Public Works Directors and Elected City Officials General Public General Public

Urban Forests Anticipated Difficulties Conveying the concept that urban forestry can be considered a manageable infrastructure. Conveying the concept that urban forestry can be considered a manageable infrastructure. Keep the project focused on urban forests as infrastructure; highlighting the monetary benefits of proper management. Keep the project focused on urban forests as infrastructure; highlighting the monetary benefits of proper management. Maintain a professional view of urban forests. (In other words, no “tree hugging”). Maintain a professional view of urban forests. (In other words, no “tree hugging”).