Using Canopy Goals and Ecosystem Services Data to Support Land Use Decision-Making

Using Canopy Goals and Ecosystem

Services Data to Support Land Use

Decision-Making

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

2015 Partners in Community Forestry ConferenceNovember 18, 2015

Canopy Goal Implementation Timeline

2002 General Plan: 44% FTC goal

- in 20 years the canopy coverage will be 44%; existing coverage was 48%

- prepare a countywide green infrastructure plan







2005 Green Infrastructure Master Plan

- contains strategies to meet the canopy goal and improve water quality, etc.

- GI network is a priority for conservation and acquisition









2009 Forest and Tree Canopy Coverage Study

- 44% forest canopy and 8% tree canopy = 52% FTC









2010 Comprehensive Code Update

- implemented the strategies in the GI Plan to address forest

fragmentation, species composition, and increase tree canopy coverage


- 52% FTC = 44% forest canopy and 8% tree canopy =









2010 Comprehensive Code Update

- implemented the strategies in the GI Plan to address forest

fragmentation, species composition, and increase tree canopy coverage

2014 General Plan Update: 52% FTC goal

- set a new canopy coverage goal of 52% to maintain the levels measured in 2009

- go update the Green Infrastructure Plan!


- 44% forest canopy and 8% tree canopy = 52% FTC



2015 Green Infrastructure Plan Update (initiation)

- 80 of 92 strategies have been implemented

- update network, policies, and strategies of the 2005 GI Plan





- update network, policies, and strategies of the 2005 GI Plan

2015 Forest Fragmentation Study (preliminary)

- in 2009, FTC was 49% core forests and 51% edge forests





- update network, policies and strategies of the 2005 GI Plan

2015 Forest Fragmentation Study (preliminary)

- in 2009, FTC was 49% core forests and 51% edge forests

2015 Ecosystem Services Study

- based solely on the $$ values of the 52% FTC

- does not include the multitude of other values provided by streams,

wetlands, and other ecosystem elements

ES Study Key Findings – Air Quality Benefits

The county’s forest and tree canopy removes more than 5,100 metric tons of

air-borne pollutants every year, a value worth $21 million annually.


Air pollution causes or worsens:

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Emphysema

• Heart conditions

$$$ $$$

ES Study Key Findings – Water Quality Benefits

Water pollution is reduced by the removal of 4.3 billion gallons

of polluted runoff per year.

A cost savings of $12.8 billion annually.


Water pollution is the main cause of

decline of the Chesapeake Bay:

• High nitrogen and phosphorus

levels cause algae blooms that

block sunlight

• Low sunlight levels result in low

oxygen levels BROAD CREEK

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Water Quality

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Poor

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$$$ $$$

ES Study Key Findings – GHG Benefits

ABSORPTION: The forest and tree canopy absorbs 211,000 metric tons of

carbon, a value of $16.6 million annually.

STORAGE: The forest and tree canopy stores

5 million metric tons of carbon, worth $395 million.


Greenhouse gas emissions

contribute to:

• A warmer planet

• Severe weather occurrences

$$$ $$$

ES Study Key Findings – Cooler Communities

Temperatures reduced by up to one degree Fahrenheit countywide.

Local canopy coverage can reduce temperatures 9 to 13 degrees.


Cooler communities:

• Considered more “livable”

• Higher property values

• Reduced crime rates

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Possible Uses of the Ecosystem Services Study

• Support the preservation and long-term conservation of forest and

tree canopy

• Assist in decision-making regarding stream retrofit and

reforestation projects

• Assist in the design of tree planting programs


Environment

Using Canopy Goals and Ecosystem Services Data to Support Land Use Decision-Making