Comparing the Values of Urban Forests in New Community Development (ORUF-98-001)

Three alternatives models of neighborhood development are used in this study to demonstrate the differences in preserved forest and proposed tree planting.

Comparing the Values of Urban Forests in New Community Development creates side-by-side comparisons of three alternative models of neighborhood development that demonstrate varying degrees of preserved forest and proposed tree planting. A low density 'conventional subdivision' plan, a higher density 'traditional neighborhood' plan, and a higher density 'sustainable plan' will be analyzed against measures of design, air and water quality, stormwater quantity, energy and cost. The project builds on 5 years of community investment in a growth management plan and planning process and, two years of university-based research and investment in community participation-oriented neighborhood planning tools. The results will provide quantitative and visual evidence of the costs and benefits of common neighborhood development practices and produce nationally applicable design guidelines. The knowledge and experience gained will contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of portable, low cost, renewable tools and processes designed to inform public participation in neighborhood planning and design. Findings will be disseminated locally through community participation, local media, exhibitions and presentations; and nationally through a guidelines publication, papers, WWW sites and University courses.

Attachments

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