Urban Canopy Mapping Project Impact in Idaho Cities
GrantID: 9867
Grant Funding Amount Low: $1,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $20,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Idaho's Urban Canopy Mapping Project
Idaho is experiencing rapid urban growth, with cities like Boise seeing a nearly 25% population increase over the last decade. This brings about significant environmental challenges, particularly concerning the urban heat island effect and air quality. Urban landscapes typically have less vegetation cover, which can exacerbate these issues, leading to increased health risks among residents. The lack of comprehensive data on tree canopies in Idaho’s urban areas poses an additional challenge in addressing these problems effectively.
Various stakeholders in Idaho, including local governments, urban planners, and community activists, face the barrier of insufficient data on existing tree coverage and its associated benefits. Without detailed information, it is difficult to strategize urban planning effectively, prioritize tree planting, and measure the benefits of existing tree canopies. For instance, many neighborhoods in Boise and Coeur d'Alene struggle with both air pollution and heat, making it crucial to implement targeted interventions that can be accurately assessed.
The Urban Canopy Mapping Project will address this barrier by using advanced aerial mapping technology to quantify tree cover in Idaho's urban areas. The project will produce high-resolution maps that will allow local governments and organizations to visualize current canopy coverage and identify areas needing greenery. The goal is to achieve at least a 15% increase in urban canopy cover over the next five years, improving air quality and lowering daytime temperatures in these communities. For Idaho, where outdoor recreation and natural beauty are significant assets, enhancing urban environments with trees is vital.
Why does this matter? Idaho's public health outcomes are interlinked with environmental quality. Recent studies have shown that urban areas with higher tree canopies experience lower rates of respiratory issues among residents, making this initiative not only an environmental priority but also a public health intervention. Moreover, as communities participate in this project, they will build awareness around the ecological benefits of trees, thus fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Implementation will involve collaboration with local universities for data collection and analysis, ensuring that the project is grounded in scientific evidence. Local governments will also engage with residents during the mapping process to promote transparency and community input, reinforcing the importance of collaborative urban planning. As Idaho distinctively blends urban life with its outdoor heritage, the combined impact of scientific data and community engagement will drive significant improvements in both environmental and public health outcomes across the state.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
