City of Traverse City Launches Public Facing Interactive Tree Map
Nearly 10,000 street trees
The City of Traverse City has launched a Public Facing Interactive Tree Map that displays the locations of street trees. The map includes important attributes such as genus, species, height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and other metrics for each individual tree. The dataset will be continually updated and improved as the City plants new trees and removes existing trees due to various circumstances. The City currently maintains a spatial inventory of City trees, and in addition to the street trees map, is working on the inventory of trees in City parks and city owned properties to be incorporated into the interactive map.
This multi-department collaboration between the Department of Public Services, including the Asset Management Division and Parks Division, and the City’s GIS Division, allows staff to make decisions on tree management including plantings, maintenance, and long term planning.
The interactive map allows citizens to obtain information about trees within their neighborhood and the City as a whole, and obtain an understanding of the trees that make up the City’s public spaces. The map also allows citizens another way to report issues by submitting information for further investigation. Each street tree has been labeled with an identification number. A request may be submitted online by clicking the tree in question, entering the tree ID number, and reporting the issue. The ability for citizens to donate to the tree fund or donate a tribute tree is also available.
The City recognizes the ecological benefits of trees and has developed numerous initiatives to improve its urban tree canopy. In 2018, the Parks and Recreation Division completed the Urban Canopy and Assessment Plan. Since 2017, the City has planted nearly 1,500 trees on-street and in parks. “Improving the City’s urban tree canopy can have numerous benefits, including reducing peak temperatures during the summer months, improving air quality, providing wildlife habitat, and enhancing our neighborhoods. This interactive map will improve the methods in which a tree is monitored. Sharing this critical dataset with the public, will contribute toward maintenance and the future wellness of each tree,” say Parks and Recreation Superintendent Michelle Hunt.
As a Tree City USA for 30 years, the City has now established a “Tree Fund” to help supplement tree planting in addition to funds from the Parks budget, contributions made by the Garage Fund, and private donations. The interactive map was developed to be simple and intuitive for the general public and will be housed on the City’s website. The public facing interactive tree map may found by clicking here.