Prompted by a concern over significant tree canopy loss from the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management received a grant from the State of Florida Division of Forestry to analyze and quantify the effects of the hurricanes on the County’s tree canopy. The study also analyzed overall land cover change and canopy loss from 1996-2006.
The County hired the nonprofit American Forests to conduct the study using their Urban Ecosystem Analysis process. The study was able to measure tree canopy and quantify its change over time, along with quantifying and assigning a dollar value to the ecological benefits these trees provide in reducing stormwater runoff and airborne pollution.
For analyzing the effects of the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes on tree canopy loss, high-resolution digital aerial photos taken in February 2004 were compared to high-resolution satellite imagery taken in early 2006.
The results of the analysis show what a dramatic effect the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 had on the overall tree canopy. The study also shows the important role trees play in combating air pollution and controlling stormwater runoff. Palm Beach County hopes this study will lead to the opportunity to seek further funding to help enhance the tree canopy in the county, especially in the urban areas.
Download a copy of the full report for detailed results. To obtain a CD with the data for use on a Geographic Information System software, please call ERM at 233-2421 or e-mail mking@co.palm-beach.fl.us.
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