With more than 10,000 downloads in the U.S., i-Tree calculates the environmental and economic benefits of planting trees.
Based on an analysis by i-Tree, a software program developed by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with Davey Tree company, street tree coverage in Pittsburgh, Pa. confers $2.4 million in environmental and aesthetic value per year to the city.
I-Tree calculates the carbon sequestration potential of each tree planted and the economic benefits of air pollution reduction. Its next version will also be able to analyze how urban forests affect air temperature, ultraviolet ray penetration and bird habitat.
Using i-Tree, the environmental nonprofit Tree Pittsburgh figured out that the city received $3 in benefits for every dollar it invested in urban forestation. In response, the city developed a new master plan to replenish its canopy, which is at half the recommended coverage now.
I-Tree is designed to be usable by anyone and exists in mobile as well as desktop version.
FULL STORY: That tree in the corner may be worth more than your house
What's a Tree Worth?
The U.S. Forest Service has continued to refine the valuable i-Tree software program, which allows cities to calculate the benefits, in dollar figures, of the urban forest.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
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Pittsburgh Rolls Out Electric School Buses
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Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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