Tree inventory underway at Stephens Lake Park

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A team of urban foresters needed just a pair of 10-hour days to compile data on every tree in Stephens Lake Park.

The procedure is part of a tree inventory campaign designed to calculate each tree's approximate annual economic value – a value that extends far beyond aesthetics.

“The biggest reason we do these projects in urban settings is because we tend to look at trees as an aesthetic pleasantry,” said Josh Behounek, a project manager at Davey Resource Group. “By doing this, we can quantify the benefits that trees provide on a daily basis.”

Columbia Parks and Recreation is collaborating with Davey Resource Group on the project, which comes by way of a $10,000 Tree Resource Improvement Grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Part of the campaign includes adorning various trees with “price tag” posters that demonstrate the cost benefits and environmental advantages of urban trees. These advantages range from easing stormwater runoff to reducing air pollution.

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