Cumberland, Md., Celebrates Urban Tree Canopy Expansion Efforts
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin and Maryland Energy Administration Director Malcolm Woolf recently joined Cumberland, Md., Mayor Lee Fielder, teachers and students of Allegany County Public Schools and many other community partners for a celebration of the city’s urban tree canopy expansion efforts.
“Our state continues to grow smarter and greener thanks the initiative of communities like Cumberland who are engaging citizens of all ages and walks of life to reduce their environmental footprint by planting trees and utilizing renewable energy sources,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin.
During the event, DNR’s Forest Service released findings of a recently completed study of Cumberland’s existing and potential urban tree canopy. Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service, University of Vermont and Chesapeake Bay Program, the report utilized high-resolution satellite data and GIS information to calculate various types of land cover at the parcel level across the city. Finding that within Cumberland’s more urbanized areas, tree canopy covers approximately 28 percent of the city, the report’s analysis estimated that an additional 32 percent of the city (2,058 acres) could be covered by trees in the future.
“Cumberland’s trees are a vital city asset; reducing storm water runoff pollution, improving air quality, reducing energy bills and adding beauty citywide--all great reasons to further increase tree cover,” said DNR Regional Forester Becky Wilson.
Recognizing the benefits of overall tree canopy cover as a water quality best management practice in urban areas, under Governor Martin O’Malley’s leadership, the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council established a goal for 120 communities in the bay watershed to adopt an urban tree canopy goal by 2020. To date, 38 communities in Maryland have committed to adopting urban tree canopy goals. The DNR has completed assessments for four communities and two cities (Annapolis and Baltimore) have adopted goals.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources