October 19, 2006


State Contact:
Kevin Sayers
State Urban Forestry Coordinator

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Stevens T. Mason Building
P.O. Box 30452
Lansing, MI 48909

 

Phone: (517) 241.4632
Fax: (517) 373.2443
E-mail: sayersk@mi.gov 
Web Site: http://www.mi.gov/dnrucf

 

 

Michigan’s 2006 Accomplishment Report

 

Introduction

The Michigan Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) program promotes the stewardship of urban natural resources through technical, educational and financial assistance to communities, their leaders and citizens.  This assistance, made possible through the USDA Forest Service, is critically important in helping communities recover, maintain and manage their tree resources in the wake of ongoing threats such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

Michigan, the 8th most populous state in the nation, is largely urban with nearly 80% of its roughly 10 million residents living in a metropolitan area.  During Fiscal Year 2006, approximately 4.5 million people benefited from living in communities provided with UCF assistance.  Now more than ever, communities are valuing the state and federal UCF program assistance that helps them ensure the long-term health and well-being of Michigan’s urban forests.

 

Detroit Urban Ecosystem Analysis

The MI UCF Program worked with American Forests to complete a study of the Detroit metropolitan area that examined the spatial and temporal changes in tree canopy cover and associated environmental impacts. The study determined that the loss in green space due to urban development over a 10 year period (1991-2002) requires $1.12billion to mitigate impacts via construction of storm water retention ponds and other systems.  The study also found that Detroit’s current tree canopy cover (31%) provides 191 million cubic feet of storm water management, valued at $382 million; 2.1 million pounds of air pollution removal and storage of 1.2 million tons of carbon sequestered at a rate of 9,334 pounds annually.  These issues and opportunities are now incorporated into planning documents influencing the policies developed by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.

 

Community Forestry Plan for Lac Vieux Desert Indian Reservation & Township

The Lac Vieux Desert Indian Reservation and Watersmeet Township straddle both sides of the Michigan-Wisconsin state line in the western Upper Peninsula.  Although the area is virtually surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest, the reservation itself has virtually no trees or landscaping.  Recognizing this need, the tribal community and adjacent township government agreed to develop a policy to guide the establishment, management and maintenance of their green resources.  Using a community forestry grant for $5,800, the tribe was able to: create an ad hoc community tree management board; create a tree management plan with a canopy cover goal of 30% coverage; draft a multi-jurisdiction tree ordinance; provide education to the tribal community on the need for a stable and healthy trees; and create a geographic information systems (GIS)-based land map with current and potential tree planting locations.

 

Creative Partnerships
Michigan’s UCF program relies on partnerships with a variety of organizations to meet objectives defined in the program’s strategic plan.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to support the ongoing work of:  The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (Arbor Day activities), DTE Energy (tree planting), The Greening of Detroit (Urban Forester position), The Michigan Forestry and Park Association (State ISA chapter), Global ReLeaf of Michigan (project urban forester) and Arbor Quest (adaptive tree climbing for disabled individuals).

 

Building Awareness of Storm Preparedness and Emerald Ash Borer Response
In an effort to help municipalities better prepare for storm damage, copies of Storms Over the Urban Forest Toolbox CD (created by the Missouri Dept. of Conservation based on work from the USDA Forest Service as well as the Texas Forest Service) were distributed to all communities.  Additionally, the UCF program website (www.mi.gov/dnrucf ) was expanded to include a resource library for Michigan residents to borrow or download a variety of urban forestry resources.  The popular website received over 8,500 hits during FY06.
 

Awareness about the EAB continues to grow as does the need for replacing trees lost due to the insect.  The DNR’s EAB Restoration coordinator, working cooperatively with local, state, federal and private organizations, recently announced the Restoration of Our Trees (ROOT) program.  This program, modeled after Iowa’s “Operation ReLeaf”, will help homeowners and communities begin replacing trees lost due to EAB.

 

Envirothon

Michigan’s UCF program targets environmental and conservation education issues through continued support of the State’s Envirothon program.  Sponsored by the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, more than 60 students participated in a series of competitive, environmental knowledge events.

 

Tree City/ Tree Line USA

Communities and utilities continue to increase participation in the Tree City/Line USA programs.  98 percent of communities and 100 percent of utilities, recertified this past year.  Three new communities (Saugatuck, Lincoln Park, and Howard City) were added to the growing ranks of Michigan’s 106 Tree Cities this year.  Additionally, twelve communities were honored with the Tree City USA Growth Award status.  Michigan currently ranks 10th nationally, spending an average of $7.71 per capita on tree care.  The Village of Richland (pop. 593), and City of Detroit (pop 950,000), remain the smallest and largest, respectively.

 

disabled climber

94% of disabled climbers who expressed a wish to climb have been accommodated through the Abili-Trees program.