Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

Quantifying Benefits and Costs of Modesto.s Urban Forest

Summary

This research was used to justify Modesto.s annual municipal forestry budget. It not only helped City Council members decide to retain existing funding for the tree program in the face of overall budget cuts, but spurred formation of the new non-profit Modesto Tree Foundation through a $25,000 investment by the local electric utility and the City. The Foundation is increasing participation from schools, residents, and businesses in urban forest planting and stewardship on private lands.

Years of Research:  1997-1999

Funded by:  City of Modesto Department of Parks and Recreation, ISA Research Trust, Elvinia J. Slosson Fund, Local Government Commission

Cooperators:  City of Modesto Department of Parks and Recreation, University of California, Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources

Products / Publications:

1. McPherson, E.G., J.R. Simpson, P.J. Peper and Q. Xiao. 1999. Benefits-Cost Analysis of Modesto's municipal urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 25(5) :235-248 - View Document [109.58 KB]

2. Peper, P.J. and E.G. McPherson. 2003. Evaluations of four methods for estimating leaf area of isolated trees. Urban & Fischer Verlag - View Document [1.73 MB]

3. McPherson, E.G. 2000. Street tree growth rates and benefit-cost quantification. In: Kollin, C., (ed). Building cities of green: proceedings of the 1999 national urban forest conference; Seattle, Washington. Washington, D.C.: American Forests :139-142 - View Document [492.68 KB]

4. McPherson, E.G., J.R. Simpson, P.J. Peper and Q. Xiao. 1999. Tree Guidelines for San Joaquin Valley Communities. Sacramento, CA: Local Government Commission - View Document [1.18 MB]