Missoula's Urban Forest Faces a Long Road to Recovery After Devastating Storm

In the aftermath of a catastrophic thunderstorm that swept through Missoula on July 24, the city is grappling with the extensive damage inflicted on its urban forest. While residents have begun to restore power and clean their yards, experts warn that the recovery of Missoula's green canopy will be a decades-long endeavor.

The Storm's Impact: A Devastating Blow to the Urban Canopy

The storm, which unleashed wind gusts reaching up to 100 mph, wreaked havoc on thousands of trees throughout the city. According to the urban forestry department, over 600 trees were either uprooted or scheduled for removal, marking a significant loss for Missoula’s urban ecosystem. Ben Carson, the city’s urban forestry program manager, described the situation as “overwhelming,” emphasizing that the department was already struggling to meet service levels before the storm hit.

Key Statistics from the Storm

• Wind gusts of 80 to 100 mph recorded
• Over 600 trees damaged or slated for removal
• Approximately 1,500 hazards identified in tree tops
• 75,000 to 100,000 cubic yards of downed material collected

The Ongoing Cleanup Efforts

Five weeks post-storm, the urban forestry department remains in triage mode, focused on clearing debris and assessing the damage. Morgan Valliant, the associate director of the city’s ecosystem services division, indicated that the full extent of the tree loss may not be known for months. The immediate priority is to remove hazards from public spaces as the city begins to understand the long-term implications of the storm.

Challenges Faced in Recovery

• Insufficient staff to manage approximately 40,000 trees
• Need for local arborists to assist in recovery
• Identification of 460 trees needing removal
• Potential for additional hazards as assessments continue

Beyond Cleanup: Planning for Future Resilience

As Missoula begins to look toward the future, the focus is shifting to reforestation and resilience. The city plans to work with partner organizations to prioritize the planting of more resilient tree species. Many of the older trees that fell during the storm were not native to the area and lacked the resilience needed to withstand such extreme weather conditions.

Steps Towards Reforestation

• Collaborating with local organizations for tree planting initiatives
• Identifying climate-resilient tree species
• Educating residents on proper planting and maintenance

Community Involvement: A Call to Action

The urban forestry department is seeking volunteers to help inventory tree damage and report hazards. Residents are encouraged to reach out to professional arborists for damaged trees they may not know how to manage. Additionally, those interested in planting new trees are advised to wait until fall or spring for optimal conditions.

How You Can Help

• Volunteer for tree damage assessments
• Report hazards online or by phone
• Consider planting climate-resilient trees

What Lies Ahead for Missoula's Urban Forest?

The aftermath of the storm presents both challenges and opportunities for Missoula’s urban forest. While the road to recovery will be long and arduous, it also opens the door for community engagement and education about the importance of maintaining a healthy urban canopy.

What do you think?

• Should the city prioritize planting more native trees in the future?
• How can residents support local urban forestry efforts?
• Is the city doing enough to prepare for climate-related storms?
• What tree species do you think are best suited for Missoula's environment?
• Do you believe the storm's damage will change public perception of urban forests?

Missoula’s urban forest is at a critical juncture. With collective effort and commitment, the community can help restore what has been lost and lay the groundwork for a more resilient future.