Our Approach
This analysis evaluated tree canopy conditions in Prince George’s County to support environmental planning, climate resilience, and equitable distribution of green infrastructure. It aimed to assess long-term canopy trends, address inconsistencies in existing datasets, and identify vulnerabilities in both canopy extent and protection, with a specific focus on disparities between Environmental Justice (EJ) and non-EJ communities. The methodology integrated geospatial analysis, dataset validation, and policy evaluation to provide a comprehensive assessment. Tree canopy data from multiple years (1993–2023) were analyzed using PGAtlas layers. The analysis also incorporated an adapted MDEnviroScreen framework to identify EJ areas and evaluate disparities in canopy coverage and benefits. Finally, canopy was categorized into protection tiers based on regulatory status, allowing for comparison of protected versus unprotected areas and highlighting inequities in long-term canopy security across the County.
