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Farmers Branch sustainability committee hears GIS data showing low tree canopy, high impervious cover
Summary
City staff told the sustainability committee that a Feb. 2023 LiDAR analysis shows about 15% tree canopy and roughly 52% impervious cover citywide, prompting discussion of planting targets, demonstration sites and ordinance work to protect and expand trees.
Farmers Branch staff presented GIS data to the Sustainability Committee on Sept. 11 showing the city’s tree canopy and impervious-surface coverage, and members discussed targets and incentives to slow canopy loss.
City staff said a LiDAR-derived survey flown in February 2023 shows roughly 15% tree canopy (about 50,000,000 square feet out of approximately 336,000,000 square feet citywide). By comparison, staff cited a 2019 Texas Trees Foundation urban canopy assessment that estimated about 22% canopy for Farmers Branch; staff cautioned the LiDAR flight in February may undercount deciduous canopy and that recent windstorms and development have reduced canopy since 2019. Staff noted a commonly…
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