Overview of iTree Software Tools

Michael KnappDirector, Urban Forest Management Division

Fairfax County, Virginiamichael.knapp@fairfaxcounty.gov

703-324-1729

Overview of Overview

iTree Software Suite

UFORE

MCTI

SDAP

On-line Resources

UFORE

UFORE Urban Forest Effects Model Developed by USDA Forest Service's

Northeastern Research Station Calculates:

structure environmental effects values

UFORE

UFORE Allows users to collect data an urban

forest And to estimate ecosystem services

that resource provides

Hmmm…sounds like STRATUM! Similarities

Similar outcomes Structure, function, value Implications for management

Similar goals Advocates for management/conservation

Differences Different tree populations

STRATUM: focus on street trees UFORE: focus on the whole urban forest

UFORE – What can it be used for?

Benchmark structure species composition number of trees tree density tree health, etc analyzed by land-use type

Quantify air quality benefits Hourly VOC emissions Impact on ozone/CO formation Carbon storage/sequestration Effects of trees on building energy use and

consequent effects on CO2 emissions from power plants.

UFORE – What can it be used for?

Compensatory values $$$ air pollution removal carbon storage and sequestration

Tree pollen allergenicity index

Potential impact of forest pests Gypsy moth Emerald ash borer Asian longhorn beetle

UFORE - application

Can be used on complete populations

Statistically based sampling and data collection protocols for large areas

UFORE - data collection and process

More complex than STRATUM structural / health components

Limits use of volunteers Data collection more suited to professionals Customizable PDA Utility can be used to collect plot

data Merged with local weather and air pollution

concentration data. Data transferred through “shell” to US Forest

Service for processing Customized reports returned to user

MCTI

Mobile Community Tree Inventory David V. Bloniarz, USDA Forest

Service Designed as a basic tree inventory

application Allows communities to conduct tree

inventories and to produce summary reports at various levels of detail and effort

Not meant as substitute for more robust commercial products

MCTI

MCTI Three-tiered inventory system enables

users to select a level of use that matches their needs and comfort level: paper inventory tally sheet desktop application for inputting collected

data fully computerized system incorporating

desktop software and i-Tree's PDA Utility

MCTI Paper tally sheet template

MCTI PC Desktop Application and PDA Utility

Variable inventory protocols Maintenance Risk tree Utility work

PDA Utility data can populate STRUTUM Easy to use… ideal for volunteers Inexpensive!

MCTI

Profile species composition of urban forest Analyze condition of individual trees and of the

entire forest Record information about significant trees Monitor planting success rates ID high-risk/hazard trees Identify budget needs Build public support for protecting and expanding

urban forests STRATUM

MCTI –Inventories and Uses

Storm Damage Assessment Protocol

Standardized method to assess widespread damage immediately after a sever storm

FEMA funding

Easy and accurate estimate of:Tree storm damageCosts for recovery

SDAP

SDAP Process Overview Start with Emergency Planning

Tree Emergency Plan Worksheet

Pre-storm setupCreate random sample segmentsMeasure tree density and size class within and 50 feet outside of ROWFinalize Pre-storm reportStore for future storms

Reference data

Tiger Line Data can be used for generating random segment samples

2% of blocksides Trees 10 minimum, 30 maximum per block

Recommended that data collection be conducted by professional foresters/arborists

SDAP Data Processing Data collection

Paper formsPDA

Desktop InterfaceManage UsersCommunity ValuesReference Data ROW Info Export Data

Post Storm

Post-storm work Revisit sample segments

Debris: choose estimation method Indirect by average crown loss class Direct as Cubic Yards of debris

Trees within ROW Hazard pruning by size class Hazard removal by size class

Enter data, report results Check in mail!

SDAP Validity Tested for ice storms

Low variance 2% sample got within 5% of

true value in field test

Not tested for wind storms Larger variance May affect required sample size

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(toll-free): Customer service staff is

available Monday through Friday between:

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