 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Decatur Tackles Tree Loss in Major Park 
DECATUR -- Park officials have taken the first step toward reversing a decades-long trend of declining trees in the city's signature park. Using US Forest Service funds awarded through Auburn University, the city will be able to complete a tree inventory and urban forest management plan. (Read Full Story)
Florence Completes Urban Forest Analysis
FLORENCE -- Paul Graham knew his city's urban forest was more than just trees. But as the city''s urban forester, he didn't have the numbers to back it up. Now he does. Using federal funds provided by the US Forest Service through Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Graham was able to complete a tree inventory that used GIS and GPS mapping technology and a sophisticated modeling program to placed dollar values on specific services provided by Florence's urban forest. The numbers are staggering. (Read Full Story)
Tree Group Produces Conservation White Paper 
MONTGOMERY --Cities and towns across the US struggle with the same question. How does a community develop an urban tree conservation ordinance that really works? The Montgomery Tree Committee (MTC) found an answer. Instead of copying another community's ordinance, the MTC contracted to compile a white paper based on a variety of nationwide approaches and studies. The paper will be used by the MTC and the City of Montgomery to develop a tree conservation ordinance tailored to their needs. The MTC received a US Forest Service award through Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to produce the white paper. (Click here to see a copy of the white paper).
Alabama River Region Gets Model Tree Ordinance
MONTGOMERY -- The Central Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission (CARPC) has added a new tool to its arsenal of services to communities throughout the its multi-county area. It recently unveiled a "Model" tree ordinance that can be used as a template to meet the needs of any community. The City of Millbrook is already using the model to help draft a tree ordinance for city council approval. CARP received a US Forest Service award through Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to create the model. (Click here to see a copy of the model tree ordinance)
Clanton Moves Toward Tree Management Program
CLANTON -- Clanton is developing a tree management plan to help the city maintain its urban forest. Federal funds will be used to contract with a qualified contractor to prepare an urban forest management plan based on a tree inventory. The project was made possible by a US Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry award through Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. (Read Full Story)
Small Town Takes Big Steps to Better Trees
OAK GROVE -- Two former Town employees are leading an effort to survey community trees and public opinion. Their efforts will result in a comprehensive tree managment plan than involves volunteer citizen efforts. (Read full story)
University Studying Shade Tree Energy Savings
AUBURN UNIVERSITY -- Shade trees keep our houses cooler, but just how much do they reduce electricity bills? An Auburn University researcher is seeking to answer that question. Professor David Laband in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences is conducting a study of houses in the Auburn area to determine the annual energy savings provided by shade trees. Laband recently received a $116,000 matching grant from the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program, based on the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council. The AU School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences is providing the matching $116,000 toward the overall $238,000 project. Laband will be gathering information about shade coverage, power usage, square footage, type of air conditioning, appliances, roofing, exterior material and other factors. Participating homeowners will follow-up with shorter, monthly surveys for one year about their energy costs. (Read full story)
Citizens Step in to Rescue Trees
MONTGOMERY -- Old Cloverdale residents turned on the taps to water recently planted trees showing signs of stress following two years of drought. The parched trees were planted by the City of Montgomery using federal funds awarded through Auburn University's Urban & Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program. (Read full story)
Tree Planting Season --- Helpful Tips for Successful Planting
Winter is considered the ideal season for tree planting in Alabama. Along the Gulf Coast the months between November and March normally provide the best climatic conditions for improved tree survival. During winter months, trees are dormant and transplanting shock is greatly reduced due to leaf fall and reduced photosynthesis and water requirements. However, successful tree planting goes beyond proper timing. It also requires careful site evaluation, proper species selection, and correct planting and maintenance techniques. (Read full story)
Auburn University Helps Restore Storm Ravaged Urban Forest
The impacts from hurricane strength winds in western Alabama and storm surge along the gulf coast left Alabama’s urban forests in need of repair and in many instances replacement after Hurricane Katrina. The US Forest Service has responded by allocating funds for the assessment, remediation, and replacement of Katrina impacted urban forests in Alabama. (Read full story)
Pine Beetles Expanding Threat in Alabama
Have you noticed all the pine trees turning bright rusty red on your drive to work? Have pine trees in your yard died? Currently southern Alabama is in the midst of a severe pine beetle infestation... (Read full story)
Smart Urban Forestry: Planting Wind Resilient Trees
With the arrival of hurricane season, the need for smart growth in urban forestry is important. Residents living in hurricane prone communities must consider planting hurricane resistant tree species to plan for future storm events. According to Beau Brodbeck.... (Read full story)
Make plans to attend the "Weathering Future Storms" conference in Mobile, Alabama on September 8-10, 2008. This educational event wraps up a three-year federal and state effort to restore Alabama's urban forest following Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. Speakers are world class and the information is cutting edge. You wouldn’t want to miss it. The conference is sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and US Forest Service.
FY07 U&CF Awards Announced
Auburn University selected five projects for federal funding to improve the management of thier communities urban forests.
Strategic Plan Released
Online
Alabama has a new and improved urban and community forestry strategic plan. The yearlong process involved the input of people from across the state, including 20 took part in a summit in Montgomery last year. To see what the future can be for Alabama's urban forest
|
|