This project produced evidence that will aid in the development of directionally sound programs for state ozone attainment goals, thereby facilitating the development of these credits. In addition, this project quantified the effects of urban trees on numerous other air pollutants. Results of this project have nationwide impacts, potentially affecting urban forest funding in many urban areas that have poor air quality. Detailed analyses of urban forest cover, structure (i.e., species composition, tree size and condition) and air quality effects were conducted for four cities: Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; New York City, NY; and Philadelphia, PA. Urban forest structural information was necessary to quantify the air quality effects and to provide valuable management information for the cities. Air quality effects focused on pollution removal and volatile organic emissions by trees. Carbon sequestration by trees was also calculated. The main focus of the project was on the overall effects of trees on ground level ozone in these cities. Current and next generation state-of-the-science photochemical models were used to quantitatively evaluate this overall effect. Model results aided in developing directionally sound ozone programs in an effort to create cost-effective ozone control strategies using urban vegetation. On the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program awarded a $175,000 grant toward the $383,000 project. For further information, contact Cindy Terry, ACRT, Inc., P.O. Box 401, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Phone: (800) 622-2562 ext. 234. E-mail: askacrt@acrt.com. ACRT's website may be found at http://www.acrt.com.

1995 Costs & Benefits of Urban Forests Project