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Marylou Berg, Communication Manager, 240-314-8105
Rockville's Tree Canopy Ranks Among Highest in Region
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 30, 2009-Rockville recently received a report assessing its tree canopy that ranks the City in the 75th percentile for cities of similar size. The results of the assessment are significant because urban tree canopy has been identified as being increasingly beneficial to urban communities.
The benefits include storm water mitigation, increased air quality, energy savings through lowered air temperatures, wildlife habitat, increased property values and beautification.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invited Rockville in August 2006 to be one of five local jurisdictions to participate in the Chesapeake Bay Program Urban Tree Canopy goals. The assessment was performed by the University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Laboratory and funded by DNR.
The assessment found that 44 percent of Rockville is covered by tree canopy, which is high, exceeding the 40 percent recommendation from the nonprofit conservation organization American Forests. The assessment also concluded that Rockville residents control the largest percentage, more than 40 percent, of the canopy.
For a more comprehensive review of the results, go to http://www.uvm.edu/~joneildu/Video/UTC/Rockville/UTC_Presentation_Rockville.html.
