| Roanoke
Rumblings-The Roanoke Valley Urban
Forestry Council presented recent findings from
Citygreen reports to Vinton Town Council, encouraging them to
increase their tree canopy and to adopt a public tree ordinance. According
to Urban Ecosystem Analysis, Vinton's tree canopy had decreased to 30%, and
their goal is to increase it to 40% or greater. At the Council meeting
December 17, Vinton adopted the public tree ordinance by a vote of 5-0 in
favor. Vinton should now be able to qualify for Tree City USA status.
For the first time, all four Roanoke Valley governments will be eligible for
Tree City USA recognition, a long time goal of the Roanoke Valley
Urban Forestry Council and Valley Beautiful. Credit Anita McMillan,
Planning Director, with doing the work necessary to make this happen.
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Tree Cops
Can your landscape help deter crime? Everyone is familiar
with how uncontrolled vegetation can provide areas to hide. Is it possible
for trees and shrubs to actually help improve surveillance, access control,
and territoriality? Joseph Murray has received funding from the
Virginia Department of Forestry to begin researching the role that
landscapes can play in crime prevention. Virginia is one of only two states
forming a special committee specializing in crime prevention through
environmental design (CPTED). Joe is working with the committee to
update existing landscape recommendations and to suggest additional ways
landscapes can help in crime prevention. To learn more about the role of
landscapes in CPTED, visit:
http://www1.br.cc.va.us/murray/research/cpted/default.htm |
900 Natural Resources Drive, Ste 800