An Ecosystem-Based Urban Forest Model

Abstract

The Greater Stevens Point Area, located in Portage County, WI, covers 55,000 acres (86 sq. miles) and has a population of 40,000 (1990). The benefits and distributions of tree canopy cover was examined in both developed areas and in surrounding rural lands. In conjunction with American Forests, energy savings and stormwater runoff benefits as a result of tree canopy cover, grass/herbaceous cover, impervious surfacing, and other factors were compiled and analyzed utilizing Arc View software in a GIS. Total annual air-conditioning energy savings for the City of Stevens Point and the Villages of Park Ridge, Plover, and Whiting was found to be $126,859 as a result of tree shading. A 2- year, 24 hour storm event (2.6" of rain) will deposit 520,000,000 gallons of stormwater on Stevens Point. Of this amount, 109,200,637 gallons will run off into the Wisconsin River. Recommendations for increasing energy savings and decreasing stormwater runoff are made based on improving tree canopy cover in optimum locations throughout the study area. Undeveloped lands surrounding Stevens Point were identified and classified based on vegetation content and current zoning. The classification was done using 1992 orthophotos in a GIS database. The Greater Stevens Point Area is 20. 7% developed, 24.1% agriculture, and 46.8% undeveloped (with the remainder being water). Undeveloped lands include forests, wetlands, marshland, and grass/brushland. As development continues in the Greater Stevens Point Area, current undeveloped areas are identified for their potential as future parks, public open space, and/or greenway linkages with the Green Circle Trail.