Ferrysburg’s tree canopy is estimated at 39% (Table 6), which compares favorably with other Michigan communities. Impervious surfaces (buildings and roads) make up 18% of the land cover. Grass and low-lying vegetation comprises 26% of the community. The borders of Ferrysburg, particularly on the far west and east sides of the city, have the greatest canopy cover, while the areas along the main downtown streets near the river have the greatest amount of impervious surfaces (Figure 2).
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The planting priority levels map (Figure 4) can be used to focus on the locations in which plantings may deliver the highest impacts in terms of ecosystem benefits and overall benefits to the community. Ferryburg can use this as a guideline for deciding where future trees can be planted to have the greatest impact on benefits and stormwater runoff. Of the 538 plantable acres, 12% of those acres (65 acres) are listed as a planting priority of Moderate or above. If only these areas are planted, Ferrysburg’s canopy would increase from 514 acres to 579 acres, increasing the total canopy cover to 37%. In many cases the lower levels of priority can be attributed to the land use type. In Ferrysburg’s case this is due in part to the location and levels of agricultural and forested land. More information on the inputs for the planting analysis can be found on the Project Overview.
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