Tree Canopy Coverage
Target
Maintain the city's 31 percent tree canopy level through 2015.
Trend Analysis
In 2011, the University of Minnesota completed a study for the City of Minneapolis to quantify the urban tree canopy, an effort funded by a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The study estimates the amount of tree canopy currently present, as well the amount of canopy that could potentially be established. This study will be the baseline as the City measures progress in the future and will be used as the basis for many ongoing efforts related to trees.
Mapping the Minneapolis Urban Tree Canopy: Overview (PDF) · Urban Tree Canopy Interactive Map
Some of the key findings from the study include:
- The overall tree canopy cover of the City in 2009 was 11,569 acres, or 31.5 percent.
- Neighborhood analysis utilizing the Existing and Possible Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) summaries can be used to help target tree canopy improvement and preservation activities. Parcels with low existing UTC and high possible UTC within neighborhoods can be selected within the parcel database and be examined in more detail.
- Most of the land suitable for expanding tree canopy is on residential properties.
Last updated Apr. 2, 2013