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A Comparison of the Benefits and Costs of Tree Cover Between Two Prairie Communities
The purpose of this study was to describe and contrast the benefits and costs of tree cover between two cities. The communities examined were North Eagle Butte and Murdo, South Dakota. Both communities are located on the short-grass prairie of western South Dakota.
The primary differences between the two communities are the density of tree cover and the ethic composition of their citizens. The benefits described and contrasted were the potential energy savings from the tree cover for residential housing and the intangible benefits that trees may provide to residents. The costs described and contrasted are the dollars spent to plant and maintain trees, on both public and private property, and the potential increases in energy cost for residential housing due to the improper placement of trees. On the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program awarded a $20,000 grant toward the $40,000 project. For further information, contact John Ball, Associate Professor of Forestry, Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape & Parks Department, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, South Dakota State University, Box 2140A, NPB 201, Brookings, SD 57007-0996. Phone: (605) 688-4737. E-Mail: john_ball@sdstate.edu.
1994 Costs & Benefits of Urban Forest Program Project
Keywords: Costs and Benefits of Urban Forests Projects
