Greener cities: U.S. Forest Service software package helps cities manage their urban treescape

Abstract

Urban forests don't get the recognition that natural forests do. They don't encompass sweeping vistas and magnificent views and they don't provide critical habitat to endangered species. Nevertheless, they are vital. More than 90 percent of all Californians live, work, and play in urban forests. Trees in the urban landscape provide vital ecosystem services, including reducing rainwater runoff, cooling urban heat islands, shading nearby buildings, and controlling air pollution.

Citation

Kling, Jim; Featured: McPherson, Greg. 2008. Greener cities: U.S. Forest Service software package helps cities manage their urban treescape. Science Perspective PSW-SP-011. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 6 p