City of Charleston, South Carolina Municipal Forest Resource Analysis

Abstract

Charleston, a charming Southern city appreciated for its rich history and culture, maintains trees as an integral component of the urban infrastructure (Figure 1). Research indicates that healthy trees can lessen impacts associated with the built environment by reducing stormwater runoff, energy consumption, and air pollutants. Trees improve urban life, making Charleston a more enjoyable place to live, work, and play, while mitigating the city’s environmental impact. Over the years, the people of Charleston have invested millions of dollars in their municipal forest. The primary question that this study asks is whether the accrued benefits from Charleston’s municipal forest justify the annual expenditures?

Citation

McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Gardner, S.L.; Vargas, K.E.; Maco, S.E.; Xiao, Q. 2006. City of Charleston, South Carolina Municipal Forest Resource Analysis. Center for Urban Forest Research, Pacific Southwest Research Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. 60 p.