KVUE News
Austin makes list of 10 Best U.S. Cities for Urban Forests
KVUE -- A list of the 10 Best U.S. Cities for Urban Forests now includes Austin.
American Forests released its list after looking at the "ecosystems of trees and other vegetation in and around communities that may consist of street and yard trees, vegetation within parks and along public rights of way and water systems. Urban forests provide communities with environmental, economic and social benefits and habitat for fish and wildlife.”
Other cities included on the list:
- Charlotte
- Denver
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- New York
- Portland
- Sacramento
- Seattle
- Washington, D.C.
American Forests says the project is funded by the U.S. Forest Service. Experts found that the cities on the list, including Austin, appear to be investing in the wellness of their urban forests, as well as maintaining environmental resources in the city.
Experts say the City of Austin has proved that it realizes how important trees are - especially when they increase property value, reduce energy costs, provide aesthetic value and improve overall health.
Eighteen percent of Austin is made up of parks. There are 36 acres of park space per 1,000 residents. Experts say Austin has 150 different species making up 30 percent of its street trees.
Last year Austin created its Urban Forest Management Plan, which city leaders say they will review and improve every five years.
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