Alabama cities and towns are growing. Economic development is the major engine that is driving this dynamic. As a result, more and more people are relocating or staying in our state. By the start of the 21st century, 55.4% of Alabama’s population was classified as urban . Continued economic development is expected to increase this percentage.

But another change is also occurring. Local municipalities are expanding their boundaries ever deeper into our state’s rural forest to make room for urban population growth. What were once managed forestlands are now being added to Alabama’s developing urban forest. Alabama’s urban forest is the largest of any state in the country, except Georgia.

Number of Urban Trees	Urban Trees per capita	Urban Tree Cover (%)	Portion of State Tree Cover (%)	Urban Area (km2)	Portion of State that is urban (%)
243,400,000	99	40.1	56.9	4,618.9	9.7
Source: Urban and Community Forests of the South Central East Region, 2010.

There is growing evidence that the urban forest provides tremendous value. Research is showing that urban forests make for healthier lifestyles, improve the environment, boost the economy, and enrich the human experience. Alabama’s urban forest is no exception. Local government, nonprofit organizations, and individual citizens all have a role in managing the urban forest to help make Alabama a better place for people.

Carbon Storage (tons)	Carbon Storage Value ($)	Gross Carbon Sequestration (tons/year)	Gross Carbon Sequestration Value ($)
46.4 Million	1.1 Billion	1.5 Million	34.9 Million
Source: Urban and Community Forests of the South Central East Region, 2010.

If you would like more information on the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program please contact Clifford Hawkins.