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Transforming Community Resources: Urban Wood Recovery in Central Michigan

In a groundbreaking initiative, the cities of Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan are embracing a shared approach to urban wood recovery. This collaboration aims to effectively manage fallen trees, which are increasingly becoming a renewable local resource. Partnering with Urban Ashes, a leader in urban wood utilization, these two cities are developing systems and strategies designed to turn downed trees into valuable community assets.

Urban wood encompasses trees that have fallen for reasons beyond their timber value, such as storm damage or old age. As the number of such trees increases every year, the urgency for effective recovery planning becomes more pronounced. Lansing has completed initial phases of their urban wood recovery strategy and is now looking forward to potential joint efforts with East Lansing. By aligning their planning processes, both cities hope to establish a cohesive framework that fosters collaboration and maximizes the benefits of urban wood utilization.

Lori Thomas, the Sustainability Manager for the City of Lansing, emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy urban tree canopy, a core commitment outlined in their Sustainability Action Plan. By focusing on urban wood utilization strategies, the city aims to ensure that fallen trees are used to their highest potential rather than going to waste. Cliff Walls, the Environmental Sustainability and Resiliency Manager in East Lansing, added, “When a tree reaches the end of its life, we want to make sure that's not the end of its story. This work is helping us explore how to give those trees new purpose that continues to enrich the community they've long helped shape.”

This initiative is particularly crucial as Michigan faces an increase in severe weather events, such as high winds and flooding, which are taking a toll on the state's trees. The analysis conducted by Urban Ashes indicates that Lansing alone could recover as much as 122,000 board feet of lumber annually from fallen trees. This effort not only has the potential to store up to 89 metric tonnes of carbon but also to prevent over 328 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere. Statewide, Michigan's fallen trees hold an approximately estimated 1.7 billion board feet of recoverable lumber each year. Harnessing even a fraction of this resource could result in significant carbon storage and economic benefits for local communities.

The progress being made in Central Michigan builds on the pilot model launched in Ann Arbor in 2024. This pioneering initiative established how urban recovery systems could align with climate goals, and now Lansing and East Lansing are furthering this momentum. By focusing on feasibility, collaboration, and measurable outcomes, they are setting up a regional model at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

With more than three decades of experience in sustainable materials and urban wood utilization, Urban Ashes supports cities, schools, and businesses nationwide in designing systems that turn fallen trees into measurable benefits for people, the economy, and the environment. Each tree that is successfully recovered adds value, not only in economic terms but also as a step toward climate action.

This innovative project reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in urban management. By focusing on the dual goals of environmental stewardship and community enrichment, Lansing and East Lansing are not just addressing the consequences of urban forestry challenges—they are creating a blueprint for other cities to follow. The future of urban wood recovery in Michigan looks promising, with the potential for transforming community resources in ways that could benefit generations to come.