Gainesville, Florida Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) Project

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fescobed
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:40 pm
Location: Gainesville, Florida
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Gainesville, Florida Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) Project

Post by fescobed » Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:31 pm

Like native forests, the urban forest contains a variety of tree species of different sizes and shapes. Unlike native forests, we know very little about how the urban forest functions and changes over time. Knowing how the urban forest changes over time is important not only for creating a livable environment, but also for managing catastrophic disasters such as hurricanes.

In 2005, we initiated the Urban Forest Effects Project in Gainesville, FL. The primary objective of this project is to monitor how the urban forest changes over time in a small urban city in the South. The project uses the protocol developed for the Urban Forest Effects model (UFORE) to determine species composition, diameter distribution, tree health, species diversity, and native and non-native species distribution.

Research Methods
Data collection was completed for Gainesville in August 2006. Species composition, height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and tree health was collected on 100-0.1 acre plots randomly placed within the city boundaries. From these data, the model is able to calculate leaf area, tree and leaf biomass, and species diversity. From these values, the hourly amount of pollution removed by the urban forest and the associated percent air quality improvement throughout a year will be estimated. Pollution removal will be calculated for ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (<10 microns). In addition, hourly urban forest volatile organic compound emissions and the relative impact of tree species on net ozone and carbon monoxide formation throughout the year will be estimated. Total carbon stored and net carbon annually sequestered by the urban forest will be determined, as well as the effects of trees on building energy use and consequent effects on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

We have also initiated an analysis of urban forest soil quality characteristics. This work focuses on the soil quality found in Gainesville’s urban forest and how these soils influence tree growth and hydrology. Both physical (soil strength, moisture, bulk density) and chemical (e.g., nutrient and heavy metals) analyses will be conducted on soils occurring in a variety of land uses. Studied land use types will include residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, institutional, agricultural, and forest. By linking above ground processes, such as tree growth, to below ground structure, such as soil texture and nutrient levels, specific management objectives can be developed to improve the function of urban forests.

Anticipated Results
From this study a dollar value of the forest and the value of air pollution removal and carbon storage and sequestration will be derived. Using the structural data, potential effect of southern pine bark beetle on tree health and management will be estimated and graphically illustrated.

Collaborators
•USDA Forest Service Southern Center for Wildland-Urban Interface Research and Information
•The University of Florida, IFAS, School of Forest Resources and Conservation
•USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station
forest
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2008 5:25 pm

urban forest and environment

Post by forest » Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:07 pm

you are right, urban forest is very special compared with natural forests. it play more importan role in people's life. many people like green and live in the green. Selecting a good way to evaluate urban forest function is very important. while i-tree provide us possiblity to realize it.

In fact, urban forest is a system, just like you say, it includes soil, water, air etc. while UFORE model will add a modular that show the relationship between urban forest and soil, it will be perfect.

Glad to commuincate with you! :roll:
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