BMP - Tree Inventories - 8

2. Benefits and Costs
Inventory Benefits
The overarching benefit of a tree inventory is that it gives the manager a
chance to change the operation from a predominantly reactive position-
always " putting out a fire " -to a proactive position, where a significant portion of daily work occurs within the framework of information, planning, and
policy. To attain a proactive position, sufficient maintenance funds must be
designated. The inventory data and analysis provide a powerful rationale to
justify such funds. A well-developed inventory and management plan may
lead to increased funding.

Increased Efficiency

Once an inventory has been completed and the work to be done identified, a
manager can use it to execute that work in a more efficient manner than when
working reactively. Scheduling all work to be done in a geographic area at
the same time, for instance, has been shown to result in substantial savings
in travel and setup time. There is also increased efficiency in the office created by the ability to quickly locate and update records, select and schedule
work, notify the affected residents, and write summary reports.

Improved Community Relations

Tree inventory data can be used to link service requests with individual tree
records and prepare inspection lists. Tree inventories are also useful educational tools. Data, maps, significant individual trees, and summary reports can
be distributed in print or electronically. In this way, the community can gain
a better understanding of the urban forest and its management-and become
more willing and able to provide support. When inquiries are received, if
information can be easily provided to the caller about the tree, the response
promotes confidence in the agency's management and administrative abilities.

Emergency Preparedness

Tree inventories provide a powerful management tool when a disaster strikes.
Knowing the urban forest's size-class and species distribution, for instance,
allows appropriate allocation of resources without waiting for a complete
assessment to be made. Furthermore, good information about the urban forest before the disaster puts application for restoration and/or clean-up funds
on a sound footing.
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BMP - Tree Inventories

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BMP - Tree Inventories