Community Tree Canopy Viewer
The Rapid Assessment Community Tree Viewer, or Community Tree Canopy Viewer for short, helps Minnesota communities track how their tree cover has changed over time. This tool combines field survey data with data collected from aerial photography and mapping software (LiDAR) to show where trees grow, which species are present, and how canopy cover has shifted between 2010 and 2023.
This interactive map is designed for city staff, community foresters, planners, and local partners. Users can explore data, download community level reports, and apply the information to tree planting, maintenance, and management decisions.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Explore Your Community’s Tree Canopy Hands-On Training Sessions Across Minnesota
Join us for an interactive training where you’ll learn to use a new tool that maps local tree canopy, highlights where trees have been lost or gained and helps communities plan for a greener future. This tool also includes a broad-scale overview of tree canopy composition for 300 communities, providing valuable insights into urban forest makeup.
Who should attend
City staff, urban forestry professionals, environmental planners, and engaged residents who want to better understand and use canopy data in their work or community efforts.
Where we’re hosting sessions:
Virtual – March 27, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m., Microsoft Teams
St. Paul – April 8, 2026, 9-11 a.m., DNR Central Office, Lobby Conference Room, 500 Lafayette Rd, Saint Paul, MN
Rochester – April 9, 2026, 1:30-3 p.m., Rochester Police Dept., 4001 West River Pkwy, Rochester, MN
Duluth – April 10, 2026, 10:30 a.m.-noon Duluth Public Library, 520 W Superior St, Duluth, MN
Bemidji – April 16, 2026, 2-4 p.m., Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Ave NW, Bemidji, MN
Moorhead – April 22, 2026, 1-2:30 p.m., Moorhead Public Library, 450 Center Ave, Moorhead, MN
What you’ll learn:
How to explore tree canopy data for your community
Where canopy has changed over time
How this information supports planning, equity, and climate resilience
Ways to apply the tool in your daily work or local projects