TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Come Discuss Tampa's Trees

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

TAMPA - A symposium Thursday will explore the economic and social benefits of the city's trees and urban forest.

The event is the "first step in the development of a city strategy to manage the city's trees and woodlands in a manner that supports human health and economic and environmental sustainability," the city said in a news release.

An estimated 8 million trees cover slightly less than one-third of the city's landscape, according to an analysis released in April. The remainder is almost equally split between grass and shrubs and buildings and paved surfaces.

The report says the tree canopy saves millions of dollars in energy costs. It estimates the replacement value at $1.4 billion.

"Tampa's urban forest plays a significant role in maintaining the vitality of urban life," claims the 79-page City of Tampa Urban Ecological Analysis.

However, the second most common tree in Tampa is Brazilian pepper, an invasive species that disturbs the ecosystem.

This month, more than 300 volunteers from HSBC-North America joined the Mayor's Beautification Program and the city's Parks and Recreation Department to remove 20 tons of invasive plants from McKay Bay Nature Park in Palmetto Beach.

The symposium is sponsored by the city, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida and Hillsborough County Extension.

A staff report

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Mayor's Symposium on Community Trees and Urban Forest
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St.

RESERVATIONS: The event is free, but reservations are required by calling (813) 931-2608 or (813) 931-2104.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT