Urban Ecosystem Analysis

AMERICAN FORESTS conducted an urban ecosystem analysis of Northwest Arkansas using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to assess tree cover change trends over the last 15 years and to create a "green data layer" to be used for future planning. The 1.4 million acre analysis covered Benton and Washington Counties and the communities within 20 miles of and including the NWA Regional Airport.

The Northwest Arkansas region is at the brink of major development as a result of the new NWA Regional Airport, designed in part as the future international cargo hub of Federal Express. The anticipated growth will have a tremendous impact on the surrounding communities and landscape.

As community leaders plan for future development, the information and tools provided in this project will become even more useful. The urban ecosystem analysis gives the region the opportunity to plan with natureutilizing the environmental and economic benefits of the areas urban forest.

Urban Ecosystem Analysis for Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas