Forestry CPR (Climate Preparedness and Response)
Trees are a vital part of our natural world and our health, economy, and culture, and healthy forests are critical infrastructure for communities. Robust urban tree canopies can sequester carbon, provide habitat and food for wildlife, improve shade and cooling effects, and manage stormwater flooding (and reduce the urban heat island effect and air conditioning, thereby lowering GHG emissions associated with building energy use). According to research by nonprofit Casey Trees, “people are willing to travel farther, visit more frequently, and pay more for goods and services in business districts with trees—on average 12 percent more.”
The National Wildlife Federation partnered with King County, Washington, to help develop an online tool for landowners, called Urban and Community Forestry CPR—Climate Preparedness and Response (CPR). Using CPR, landowners can view land and forest characteristics of their own property using a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool. They can also receive customized forestland management recommendations by taking an online survey.
Resources
The National Wildlife Federation has produced a variety of materials based on the Forestry CPR tool that can be used by local governments, organizations, and citizens looking to address climate change.
Growing Greener: Eco-Structure for Climate Resilience (Guidebook): The National Wildlife Federation has developed this guide to encourage cities and towns to recognize trees as critical, functional infrastructure that is just as important as buildings and roads. We know that trees can survive and thrive in urban areas, while benefiting the humans that live there—we just need to place a premium on our trees and other green infrastructure and envision a greener, healthier future. The guide includes the following set of recommendations:
Climate-smart actions to protect and enhance the health of the urban forest:
- Understand which trees and plants in your region are appropriate for a changing climate
- Develop a climate-smart tree species planting list
- Integrate climate change information into pest and invasive species management
- Transform yards and vacant properties into wildlife gardens
- Understand, analyze, and leverage the benefits of urban trees
Download the full guide or individual chapters below:
- Urban Forests & Climate Change: Information about the ways in which climate change affects urban areas and how nature-based approaches, like enhancing and protecting the urban tree canopy and reducing impervious surfaces, can help communities build resilience to its impacts.
- Case Study: Urban and Community Forestry—Climate Preparedness and Response (CPR): A case study of the King County process and guidance for selecting data sources for the tool.
- Climate-Smart Actions to Protect and Enhance the Health of Urban Forests: Recommendations for integrating climate change considerations into the planning for and management of urban forests.
- Threats to Tree Health—Managing For Pests: Information and resources on common invasive species, pests, and diseases that threaten urban trees across the country.
- National Wildlife Federation Programs for Resilient Communities: Information about National Wildlife Federation programs and resources that are designed to build healthy, resilient communities, including the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat® program.
- Regional Resources For Improving Forest Health: Regionally-specific resources and information to help enhance forestry health and subsequently increase the amount of carbon that urban trees are able to sequester.
The Urban and Community Forestry Climate Preparedness and Response program is funded in partnership between King County, the National Wildlife Federation, and the USDA Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry Program. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
