5.2 Tree Canopy Restoration and Expansion

Stakeholders:Blue Island Department of Planning, Natural Path Urban Forestry, Chicago Regions Trees Initiative (CRTI), Openlands

Timeline:

Initial Plantings: 1-5 Years Maintenance: 10+ years

In 2016, Blue Island saw most of its tree canopy be reduced due to disease. At minimum, the city needs to replace the trees that were lost. All 3 tracts of the study area have a tree canopy of less than 50%. 62 For each tree planted, Blue Island could see an average annual benefit upwards of $112 depending on the size of tree.63 within the study area. • Implement the Forestry Management plan developed by the Natural Path Urban Forestry with the help of the Planning and Public Works Department. In residential areas • Identify residents that could function as tree stewards to help maintain young trees planted in their neighborhood.

Municipal Green Roofs

Tree canopy, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Weekly, 2017.

Implementation & Coordination

Blue Island can:

• Refer to the 2012 Comprehensive Tree Inventory conducted by Natural Path Urban Forestry • Leverage grant programs from the CRTI and Openlands to revitalize the tree canopy