Community Forestry in Alaska

Trees and forests are important to our way of life in Alaska and as our towns grow the value of trees increases. Healthy trees that are well cared for are beautiful assets that improve the quality of our lives.

Trees are Environmental Solutions

Trees are a critical national and local priority because they:

• Clean the air and help meet air quality standards by absorbing large amounts of harmful pollutants, including greenhouse gasses;
• Improve national energy security by reducing use of non-renewable fuels for heating and cooling;
• Help meet water quality standards by reducing soil erosion and polluted stormwater runoff;
• Create wind and snow breaks and filter blowing dust; and
• Provide shelter and food for birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Trees are Economic Solutions

Community leaders are planting more trees because:

• Trees reduce flooding and runoff for less money than engineered solutions;
• Consumers spend more in retail and business locations with trees;
• Trees reduce residential and commercial heating and cooling costs;
• Property owners receive higher revenue for commercial office space with high quality landscapes;
• Worker satisfaction and productivity is higher with views of green;
• Trees beautify cities and help reduce noise.

Trees are Social Solutions

Research has shown that trees:

• Create stronger ties among neighbors and a greater sense of safety for urban residents;
• Reduce crime, noise, litter, and graffiti;
• Provide areas for recreation, relaxation, and exercise, which relieve stress and improve our health;
• Increase self-discipline and reduce attention de?cit disorders in children;
• Bring nature close to where people live and work.

A community forest includes natural areas, greenbelts, and parkland. It also includes the trees planted along streets and around buildings and homes in cities, villages, and neighborhoods.

Managing this entire landscape as a system is called community forestry