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Davey Resource Group, Inc. Tree Inventory Analysis & Maintenance Strategy Page 26 Conclusion When properly cared for, public trees offer valuable, enduring benefits that can significantly surpass the investments of time and resources put into their planting, maintenance, and eventual removal. The 4,602 inventoried public trees generate at least $18,675 annually in estimated benefits, including stormwater reduction, carbon sequestration, and air pollutant removal. It is important to note that these are just the quantifiable benefits provided by trees in the community. The complete array of benefits from Orono's public trees extends far beyond what can be calculated through inventory data and i-Tree Eco modeling alone. The successful execution of the five-year maintenance program is expected to amplify the benefits that the community’s public trees provide. This five-year maintenance initiative, with a focus on proactive tree care, necessitates a substantial upfront investment. While addressing Extreme, High, and Moderate Risk trees through removal or pruning can be costly, it is a vital step to enhance public safety and reduce long-term tree maintenance expenses. Once this priority work is accomplished, the remaining tasks can be spaced out over a more extended period, as dictated by budget, staffing, or equipment availability. This Tree Inventory Analysis & Maintenance Strategy can assist the community’s tree care staff in advocating for increases in the urban forestry budget to support the recommended maintenance efforts. The community’s forestry program is making commendable progress toward cultivating a sustainable and resilient urban forest. To stay on course, it is crucial to establish clear goals, take action to achieve those goals, regularly update inventory data to assess progress, and be prepared to revise objectives as needed in an iterative manner. The Urban Forest Program Continuum, as designed by DRG and illustrated on Page 2, can serve as a valuable roadmap for Orono as it continues its ongoing mission to elevate the care of the community’s public trees. This mission will enrich the lives of all residents, workers, and recreational enthusiasts within the city of Orono. EVALUATING AND UPDATING THIS PLAN This Public Tree Inventory Analysis & Maintenance Strategy provides management priorities for the next five years. To ensure the maintenance schedule and budget remain accurate, it is important to update the tree inventory using TreeKeeper® or other asset management software as work is completed, so the software can provide updated species distribution, maintenance needs, and benefit estimates. Keeping the inventory up to date empowers the community to assess its progress over time and set goals to strive toward by following the adaptive management cycle (flow chart). 38