Rapid Assessment of Tree Debris Following Urban Forest Ice Storms    (View PDF)

Richard J. Hauer, Angela J. Hauer, Dudley R. Hartel, and Jill R. Johnson

Abstract: This paper presents a rapid assessment method to estimate urban tree debris following an ice storm. Data were collected from 60 communities to quantify tree debris volumes, mostly from public rights-of-way, following ice storms based on community infrastructure, weather parameters, and urban forest structure. Ice thickness, area of a community, and street distance are significant predictors for estimating debris from ice storms. Results from this study provide a way to estimate woody debris volumes from urban trees immediately following an ice storm. The model can also be used to predict debris volumes for storm preparedness planning.

Keywords: Emergency Management; Ice Storm; Storm Damage; Tree Debris; Urban Forest.

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2011.031