An inventory of large trees along the canopy roads was completed in 2004, paid for in part by a grant from the Florida Division of Forestry. The purpose of the inventory was to provide a "snapshot" in time of the large canopy road trees.
Trees are typically measured in "Diameter at Breast Height" (DBH) which has been standardized at 54" above the ground. Trees greater than 17" DBH within 20 feet or the road were inventoried. Larger trees contribute the most to the canopy effect. They also are older and may be more likely to develop problems as they age.
Six aspects of each tree were measured. They were location, species, DBH, height, condition, and whether power lines were present. The location of each tree is very specific, using Global Position System (GPS) equipment to locate and map each tree. The species of tree is important in understanding how different tree species are distributed across the canopy road system. The DBH of each tree tells us about the contribution of that tree to the canopy, and also is an indicator of age. The height contributes to this same understanding. The condition rating of the tree relates to its health, as well as its structure. The condition can be an indication of needed pruning or intervention to prolong the life of the tree. It can also indicate that the tree has structural deficiencies and that it should be removed. The presence or absence of power lines helps indicate how the tree could affect power lines and how power line pruning could affect the tree. Although the inventory is not complete, the statistics generated give a good indication of how many large trees are out there and how they can be managed to sustain the canopy.
Link to Natural Features Map