An Ecosystem-Based Urban Forest Model
File(s)
Date
1996-05Author
Dwyer, Mark C.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The Greater Stevens Point Area, located in Portage County, WI, covers 55,000 acres (86
sq. miles) and has a population of 40,000 (1990). The benefits and distributions of tree
canopy cover was examined in both developed areas and in surrounding rural lands.
In conjunction with American Forests, energy savings and stormwater runoff benefits as a
result of tree canopy cover, grass/herbaceous cover, impervious surfacing, and other
factors were compiled and analyzed utilizing Arc View software in a GIS. Total annual
air-conditioning energy savings for the City of Stevens Point and the Villages of Park
Ridge, Plover, and Whiting was found to be $126,859 as a result of tree shading. A 2-
year, 24 hour storm event (2.6" of rain) will deposit 520,000,000 gallons of stormwater
on Stevens Point. Of this amount, 109,200,637 gallons will run off into the Wisconsin
River. Recommendations for increasing energy savings and decreasing stormwater runoff
are made based on improving tree canopy cover in optimum locations throughout the
study area.
Undeveloped lands surrounding Stevens Point were identified and classified based on
vegetation content and current zoning. The classification was done using 1992
orthophotos in a GIS database. The Greater Stevens Point Area is 20. 7% developed,
24.1% agriculture, and 46.8% undeveloped (with the remainder being water).
Undeveloped lands include forests, wetlands, marshland, and grass/brushland. As
development continues in the Greater Stevens Point Area, current undeveloped areas are
identified for their potential as future parks, public open space, and/or greenway linkages
with the Green Circle Trail.