By Blake Jackson
Trees offer numerous benefits to communities, from improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff to enhancing mental and emotional well-being.
To effectively manage and protect these valuable assets, it's essential to maintain accurate tree inventories.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Urban and Community Forestry Program provides resources and support to help communities establish and manage tree inventories.
Through partnerships with organizations like Penn State Extension, the program offers a range of services, including tree planting assistance and training on sustainable forest management.
The TreeKeeper Canopy software is a valuable tool for communities to track and manage their tree inventories. This user-friendly online platform allows for mapping and visualization of canopy assessment results, enabling informed decision-making for future forest management efforts.
Celine Colbert, Tree Canopy Coordinator at the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, assists communities in various ways. She helps identify funding opportunities, facilitates the use of the TreeKeeper map, and manages the state's Arbor Day Foundation recognition programs.
By utilizing tree inventories and the resources provided by the DCNR Urban and Community Forestry Program, communities can make informed decisions about their tree management efforts, ensuring a healthy and sustainable urban forest for generations to come.
For more information or to access the TreeKeeper tool, please contact the DCNR Bureau of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry staff at 717-787-2703 or visit the online contact form.
Photo Credit: istock-pyzata
Categories: Pennsylvania, General