Technology in City Forestry with Minnetonka's City Forester Hannibal Hayes

The Public Works Nerds

This episode took some time to get out there! Blame vacations and some tech issues, but I am finally dropping the 7th episode in Season 2 - and its a good one! Super fan and Tree Nerd Hannibal Hayes from the City of Minnetonka, MN joins me to talk about using technology to better manage the urban forest. We go off on some tangents about Emerald Ash Borer and tree species diversity and even birthing calves!
This was a fun episode to record with a true renaissance man, Hannibal Hayes. Sit back and enjoy!
Here's the AI generated description for the episode (scroll to the bottom for some good links in the show notes):
Embark on an enlightening expedition through the lush avenues of urban forestry with our esteemed guest, Hannibal Hayes, Minnetonka's city forester and a connoisseur of all things arboreal. From his formative years on a hobby farm to paving the way in managing a bustling city's canopy of over 40,000 trees, Hannibal's narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with professional prowess. Our latest episode captures his innovative strategies, rooted in horticultural sciences and arboriculture, which propel Minnetonka's green infrastructure towards a more diversified and climate-resilient future.
Delving deeper into the technological forest, we unravel the advancements revolutionizing tree management from AI-infused 3D LiDAR scans to the proficient use of drones. These groundbreaking tools aren't merely enhancing tree inventories; they're redefining the very fabric of urban forestry operations. Discover how these high-tech aids combat threats like the emerald ash borer and foster the meticulous care of our urban jungles, ensuring they thrive amidst the challenges of a changing climate.
We round off our arboreal adventure with a narrative on the transformative journey of fallen trees through Minnetonka's wood utilization program. Hannibal regales us with tales of giving these timber giants new purpose, fashioning everything from benches to Instagram-worthy lumber slabs. So tune in, as we not only explore the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship but also inspire you to join the conversation on social media, where sharing the love for our urban forests has never been more vital.
Show Notes:
City of Minnetonka Natural Resources Division
https://www.minnetonkamn.gov/our-city/natural-resources-3502

Greehill Tree Inventory and Analysis Platform
https://www.greehill.com/about

Minnesota Dept of Agriculture – EAB Information
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/index.html

https://mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9

US Dept of Agriculture Information on EAB

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/emerald-ash-borer

Chapters

1. Technology in City Forestry with Minnetonka's City Forester Hannibal Hayes (00:00:00)

2. City Forestry (00:00:01)

3. Tree Inventory and Urban Tree Planting (00:08:04)

4. AI and Tree Inventory Technology (00:14:51)

5. Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota (00:29:30)

6. Smart Tree Inventory and Pruning Technology (00:35:23)

7. Exploring Drone Programs for Tree Management (00:47:51)

8. Wood Utilization Program and Hobby Farm (00:54:02)

9. Spreading the Word on Social Media (01:07:38)