Illinois Urban and Community Tree Programs: an update of the protection, care, and management of our urban forests

Sass, Laura L.; Hildebrandt, Reinee; Key, Sue

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/34818 Copy

Description

Title

Illinois Urban and Community Tree Programs: an update of the protection, care, and management of our urban forests

Author(s)

• Sass, Laura L.
• Hildebrandt, Reinee
• Key, Sue

Issue Date

2010-09-10

Keyword(s)

• Urban Forestry
• Tree City USA
• Survey
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Abstract

The purpose of Illinois’ Urban and Community Forestry program is to assist communities and local units of government in the development and growth of local community forestry programs. Citizens benefit by living in a high quality urban forest managed for aesthetics, health, and safety that provide oxygen, air conditioning, pollution reduction, wind breaks, and habitat. In the face of impending exotic invasions such as the emerald ash borer (EAB) and other invasive insects and diseases, having a solid knowledge base of where Illinois’ communities stand in their management, care, and protection of their urban trees is imperative. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Section’s mission is to provide high quality assistance to municipalities for tree programs and care.This report presents the results from a survey conducted polling communities across Illinois. In 1995 and 1999, Illinois small and large communities were surveyed (hereafter collectively referred to as Green’s surveys) to obtain information on the status and needs of tree programs and to recommend ways to support small communities in developing these programs (Green et al. 1998, Green et al. 2002). Sincethese surveys, the population in Illinois has grown from 12,419,293 to 12,910,409 with a large percent of the population living in urban areas. This report reflects the changes and progress made in large and small Illinois communities concerning tree care attitudes, programs and practices. The purpose of this survey was to readdress some of the previous questions posed by Green’s surveys and also to add questions addressing current practices and response preparedness to current urban forest threats.This executive summary highlights the major topics covered by the survey, the main findings, and recommendations based on those findings.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Technical Report INHS 2010 (52)

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34818

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Contract Number: (R00175099)

Copyright and License Information

This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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