Tree Canopy Study

Two Salem State University students studied Swampscott’s tree canopy from 2010 – 2016 which revealed significant tree canopy loss. Students Becca Smalley and Danny Szottfried of Salem State University’s Masters in Geo-Information Science (GIS) program completed the study for the Swampscott Tree Committee using satellite data from the National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP).

The study revealed a decrease of 110 acres of canopy from 2010 – 2016, going from 1360 acres of canopy to 1250 acres. The results surprised and concerned the Tree Committee as the six-year study period is a relatively short period of time. Another surprise was the fact that canopy loss can be found throughout the town instead of simply in areas that saw increased development. You may explore the tree canopy loss using this link.

Please note that the tool only shows the full extent of loss if you are fully zoomed out.