Houston's Regional Forest

The population in and around Houston has grown rapidly over the past twenty years, now exceeding five million people. Studies of the area have noted that the loss of trees and changes to the forest makeup have generally accompanied this growth. Trees and urban forestry practices can be used effectively to reduce many of the negative effects of urban growth and other changes occurring in the region. These include reducing urban heat island effects, mitigating negative health and environmental impacts, and improving the overall quality of life. In 2001, the USDA Forest Service approved funding for a special project to build the tools and systems that will help state and local groups monitor and guide the development of the area's green infrastructure. Houston's Regional Forest project brought federal and state government researchers together with local planners, policy makers, and managers to analyze the region's tree cover using field research and computer modeling. This report is one of the major outcomes of this project. It provides detailed information on the structure, functions, and values of Houston's regional forest.