An urban forestry model, Columbus, Indiana

The condition of our urban forest is vital to the sustainability of our comfort and survival within the urban environment. The health of these forests throughout Indiana and the Midwest is in serious decline due to neglect and inappropriate management. The following report addressed the issues facing cities throughout the Midwest and more specifically, Columbus, Indiana. The primary focus of this report was to establish an urban forest model which reflected the benefits of a proposed tree ordinance. Additional problems such as maintenance, master planning, regulation, and education must be dealt with before the state of our urban forests improves. The model and related issues was addressed in a comprehensive set of guidelines, or tree ordinance, to illustrate the importance of community concern regarding the urban forest. These guidelines provide a solid foundation for the beginnings of an effective and beneficial urban forestry program. The urban forestry model for Columbus, Indiana, included a five by ten block area within the downtown. The boundaries of the model were Brown Street to the west, Pearl Street to the east, First Street to the south, and Eleventh Street to the north.