Eco Researchers Examine Tornado Replacement Trees in Springfield
Posted October 2nd, 2012 by Richard Harper
Casey Clapp, Measures a Newly Planted Tree in Springfield, MA
UMass Eco Extension Assistant Professor Rick Harper has begun a research initiative in Springfield, MA, which will examine the establishment and survivability of trees planted in the city in response to the June 2011 tornado which devastated much of the city’s urban forest. The study, being completed in cooperation with the City of Springfield, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station aims to better understand how large numbers of new urban tree plantings perform under real-world conditions.
Harper, along with Dr. Brian Kane and Dr. Dennis Ryan are currently collecting information on over 2,000 new street trees planted along Springfield’s roadways. Research Assistants Casey Clapp and Tood Beals are gathering information related to tree size, condition and vigor. Additionally, Dr. Dave Bloniarz from the US Forest Service and Alex Sherman, Assistant City Forester are providing technical assistance to this initiative.
Initial findings from the study are expected to be available in December 2012.
