Community Tree Study

Athens-Clarke County Community Tree Study Executive Summary OverviewCommunity Forester Rodney Walters measures a tree

ACC Community Tree Study Final Project Report

During the summer of 2021, ACCGov’s Community Forestry Program partnered with UGA and the Georgia Forestry Commission to conduct a countywide Community Tree Study on both public and private properties. UGA student field teams lead by Dr. Jason Gordon collected the tree information that informed the Community Tree Study analyses. 

Athens-Clarke County has the highest documented tree canopy coverage of any city with a population of 100,000 or more. The Community Tree Study has facilitated a better understanding of the structure, function, and benefits of Athens-Clarke County’s trees.  This now may allow the value of Athens' Community Forests to be more fully considered by the Athens' community. 

The study consists of a statistical survey followed by a set of analyses that has revealed many informative details about the Athens community forest on a countywide scale. This information will help facilitate a strategic approach to maintain or increase tree benefits.

Tree data was collected on 316 random generated 1/10 acres plots around the county.  Many of these plots were on private property. Residents were contacted for permission to collect tree information, such as tree species and size, as part of the study.  

The Georgia Forestry Commission provided matching grant funding and support for the project with the goal of replicating similar future efforts around Georgia.

Athens-Clarke County's Community Tree Study

The Athens-Clarke County tree study was initiated by Rodney Walters who worked in partnership with Dr. Gordon at UGA and the Georgia Forestry Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of all the trees in Athens-Clarke County.  

What to Expect from the Community Tree Study

Tree data was collected on 316 random generated 1/10 acres plots around the county. Some of these plots were on private property. Residents were contacted for permission to collect tree information, such as tree species and size, as part of the study. This video was created to explain more about how the teams would gather data on private properties.