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Citywide Tree Canopy Assessment

At a glance

  • What: Assessment of Concord's tree canopy conducted by UNH Sustainability Fellow. Found ~60% of Concord covered by tree canopy (about 30,000 acres); 35% on public land, majority on private property. Canopy declined since 1985. Estimated $18.4 million in annual environmental benefits.
  • Where it stands: Interactive dashboard created showing current/historic canopy, canopy loss/gain, potential planting areas, urban heat risk, ward-level priorities. Dashboard underwent color-accessibility review. To be made public through City website and shared across New England sustainability network.
  • Next: Dashboard and underlying data serve as resources for future tree-planting initiatives, public education, field-based assessments.

The assessment

Scope: City-wide evaluation of tree canopy coverage, loss/gain since 1985, and environmental benefits.

Key findings:

  • Tree canopy coverage: approximately 60% of Concord (roughly 30,000 acres)
  • Public vs. private: 35% on public land; majority on private property
  • Historic trend: overall decline in canopy since 1985
  • Environmental benefits: reduced flooding, urban heat mitigation, improved air quality, noise reduction, increased wildlife connectivity
  • Estimated annual value: approximately $18.4 million in environmental benefits

Output: Interactive dashboard with:

  • Current and historic tree canopy maps
  • Canopy loss and gain tracking
  • Potential tree planting areas
  • Urban heat maps
  • Ward-specific planting priorities
  • Accessibility features (color-blindness tested)

Next steps: Dashboard and methodology designed to be improved and expanded by future sustainability fellows, forestry staff, and others. Methodology allows other municipalities and property owners to conduct similar mapping using available online tools and resources.

Presentation and discussion (August 10, 2026)

Presenter: Danielle Melius, UNH Sustainability Fellow.

Emphasis: Importance of private property owners in expanding tree canopy. Benefits of planting native and pollinator-supporting species.

Council reaction: Strong appreciation for presentation and dashboard value as City resource. Fenstermacher confirmed dashboard and research will be made available through City website; coordination underway with GIS Coordinator to transfer data to City system. Project referenced through City trees webpage; to be shared with other communities in New England sustainability network for replication.

Fellowship funding: Fenstermacher noted fellowship cost increased from $4,000 annually to approximately $12,000 in recent year; sponsorship opportunities being explored to support future fellows.

Accessibility: Dashboard underwent color-accessibility review, including testing for color-blindness, to ensure presentation and data visualization meet accessibility requirements.

Council praise: Noted value of ward-level information for identifying priority areas and supporting public engagement/education regarding tree planting and canopy benefits. Emphasized relatively small City investment producing significant benefits and valuable product for community.

Motion: Councilor Horne moved to accept report; Councilor Todd seconded. Passed unanimously.

Sources

Log

2026-08-10 - City Council

UNH Sustainability Fellow Melius presented Citywide Tree Canopy Assessment. Concord ~60% covered by tree canopy (30,000 acres); 35% public, majority private. Canopy declined since 1985. $18.4 million estimated annual benefits. Interactive dashboard created with current/historic maps, loss/gain, priority areas by ward, urban heat. Dashboard color-accessibility tested. To be public via City website and shared across New England network. Report accepted unanimously. Fenstermacher noted fellowship cost increase ($4,000 to ~$12,000 annually); sponsorship opportunities being explored.