USE OF JMU TREE INVENTORY DATA TO ESTIMATE CARBON STORAGE

Assessing the cooling impact of tree canopies relies on carbon sequestration, a process that captures and stores carbon dioxide. The extent of carbon sequestration by a tree species hinges on numerous factors such as plant height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and overall plant health. James Madison University conducted a comprehensive tree inventory in 2020 utilizing GIS technology to furnish an educational tool for the public regarding the arboretum's trees. This study evaluated the diversity in carbon sequestration (C storage) among tree species documented in the JMU tree inventory. Key parameters for calculating carbon storage for each species were obtained from the JMU Tree Inventory, accessible as an ArcGIS Web App. Subsequently, the equations developed by Trees for Future (2007) were employed to estimate tree C storage for the Southeastern region of the USA. Initially, plant height and DBH were utilized to compute green weight (GW), dry weight (DW), and carbon storage for individual tree species in the inventory. The total carbon storage was then determined by aggregating each species' individual carbon storage values. Finally, ArcGIS Pro 2.0 was employed to generate maps depicting carbon storage data. These maps were utilized to craft an online story map illustrating the variability in carbon storage based on tree species across the JMU landscape. Results indicate significant variability in carbon storage among varied species, ranging from 0.0085 kg/tree (Taxodium distichum: Bald cypress) to 9,057 kg/tree (Populus deltoides: Eastern cottonwood). The total carbon stored by the trees in the JMU landscape amounted to 1,217,106 kg (1,217 metric tons). The maps highlighted more significant variability in plant species distribution and carbon storage across the campus. These online maps can aid the public, landscape planners, and educators in conservation endeavors and research initiatives.