Urban Forest Equity Planning
Manchester, New Hampshire
BETA is supporting the City of Manchester in the development of its Urban Forest Equity Project, funded by the U.S. Forest Service’s Justice40 program. The project is designed to identify and address disparities in tree canopy coverage through GIS-based analysis, environmental justice indicators, community engagement, and a comprehensive tree inventory and canopy assessment. BETA has worked with city staff, local partners, and community groups to ensure the methodology aligns with Manchester’s climate action goals while addressing longstanding gaps in access to green space.
Using advanced GIS analysis, BETA evaluated existing tree canopy, impervious surface conditions, heat vulnerability, socioeconomic indicators, and public health variables to identify priority planting zones. Field verification was conducted to assess planting feasibility, document right-of-way constraints, and confirm opportunities for future greening projects. The results identified neighborhoods with disproportionately low canopy coverage and higher environmental burdens, forming the basis for targeted urban forestry investment. BETA developed recommendations for species selection, planting strategies, and long-term maintenance approaches aligned with urban forest equity principles.
The project will provide the City of Manchester with detailed GIS heat maps, equity analysis dashboards, planting opportunity layers, and a comprehensive implementation strategy outlining actionable next steps. These deliverables will provide a clear, data-driven roadmap for expanding and sustaining the city’s urban tree canopy while prioritizing underserved neighborhoods and supporting future grant applications, community outreach, and long-term climate resilience planning.
