Memphis Region 2015 Urban Tree Canopy Fact Sheet
The Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) that exists within the Memphis Region is a valuable resource that must be preserved and maintained for future generations. Mapping UTC provides a baseline of areas where tree canopy is beneficial and where new trees can be planted. In addition to UTC findings, the fact sheet offers an overview of recommendations. For complete methods and results, refer to the final reports (2014 Memphis Regional Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and the 2015 Canopy Action Plan).
2014 URBAN TREE CANOPY PERCENT
196,513: acres (37%) of UTC in the
BY CENSUS BLOCK GROUPS IN THE
533,975 acre study area.
MEMPHIS REGION
156,927: acres of Potential UTC within the 215,510 acres (40%) of Other Vegetation.
UTC % <25% 26% - 30% 31% - 35% 36% - 40%
60,870: acres of Plantable Space in the 62,856 priority parcels region wide. See reports for more details.
This study was commissioned by the Wolf River Conservancy (WRC) with funding from the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The 2014 Memphis Regional UTC Assessment was completed by the University of Memphis Center for Partnerships in GIS (CPGIS) with additional analyses and 2015 Canopy Action Plan completed by Plan-It Geo, LLC. For more information including reports and data contact WRC.
Memphis Region 2015 Canopy Action Plan Recommendations
Using the results from the studies, correlations can be drawn between ownership and tree canopy to direct policy changes and outreach. The figure on page 1 provides metrics on land cover in the region as identified in the 2014 Memphis Regional Urban Tree Canopy Assessment completed by CPGIS. Using analyses and stakeholder input, recommendations for implementation were identified in the 2015 Canopy Action Plan by Plan-It Geo. Full methods can be viewed in the reports. The figure below shows the existing UTC by municipality and the table shows the acres of canopy needed for a municipality to reach a goal scenario.
50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
Tree Canopy %
GERMANTOWN
BARTLETT
COLLIERVILLE
ARLINGTON
LAKELAND
Overview of Recommendations:
MILLINGTON
(Link to the CAP: http://issuu.com/planitgeoissuu/docs/memphisregional_canopyactionplan_fi)
Monitor and track changes in the region’s urban forest. Improve the urban forest by being more proactive. Develop and enforce tree preservation ordinances and strengthen planting requirements across zoning classes. Pursue canopy goals at a regional and local level by utilizing the Goals and Implementation Recommendations identified in the 2015 Canopy Action Plan. Educate and engage all members of the community.
MUNFORD
ATOKA
MEMPHIS
Scenario of Acres Needed for Each Municipality to Reach a Canopy Goal* Municipality Arlington Atoka Bartlett Collierville Germantown Lakeland Millington Munford Unincorporated Total
Existing Canopy (%) 39 40 36 34 41 46 22 47 42
Target Canopy (%) 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 n/a**
Additional Acres Needed 205 84 377 682 60 0 834 0 n/a** 2,242
*Goal scenarios set by CPGIS. For refined goal setting refer to the 2015 CAP. **Goals were not established for Unsuitable Areas. Memphis goals are determined by City Council Districts (refer to Memphis Fact Sheet).
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