Inventory

Peterborough Green-Up's Urban Forest program is piloting the NeighbourWoods inventory protocol in six different neighbourhoods of the city over a two year period. This first step of engaging private citizens in evaluating the social, environmental and economic benefits of our green infrastructure through inventories is critical in helping to establish management goals for the next generation.

Why Perform Inventories?

With an increasing awareness of the value of trees in urban landscapes, there is a growing need for more efficient urban forest management systems. However, urban forest managers are forced to confront the fact that there are often not enough data to describe and manage the forest in their jurisdiction.

An effective urban forest inventory must be more than just a list of existing trees. It should, firstly, provide information to meet overall management goals for the urban forest, as well as goals specific to the maintenance of individual trees. Secondly, it should provide information about the role of the urban forest in improving the local and regional environment. Thirdly, an inventory should provide an effective public education program that will help residents, professionals, and policy makers understand the urban forest. (Kenney, A. )