The City of Cleveland is getting greener, thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG). The firm has been chosen as the lead consultant to conduct an extensive tree inventory and establish a five-year urban forest management strategy across the city, Cleveland's official site reported yesterday.
With a hefty $3.4 million grant from the Inflation Reduction Act, the project plans to map the city's arbor layout and enhance urban forestry. Jennifer Kipp, manager of the Division of Urban Forestry, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. "Trees are essential to life, health, and well-being. This project affirms Mayor Bibb's long-term investment in our communities and lays the groundwork for regreening our beloved City," Kipp told Cleveland's news release.
The starting point is late June or early July, when DRG will start its ward-by-ward assessment of all the trees and possible planting sites within Cleveland's public right-of-way. Chosen through a competitive selection process, DRG's expertise in managing vast urban tree inventories and understanding Cleveland's specific needs were deciding factors for their appointment.
The data gathered from this citywide tree census will help Cleveland manage its green canopy day-to-day and lay the bedrock for a resilient urban forestry able to withstand emerging threats. "This plan ensures that Cleveland's tree canopy is not only effectively managed on a day-to-day basis, but also well-equipped to address future challenges," said Jim Zwack, vice president and general manager of Davey Resource Group Environmental Consulting, according to the city's announcement. The inventory will also support strategic pruning, planting, and long-term maintenance decisions, ensuring a sustainable greenscape for the city's future.
