The Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society calls on the Asheville City Council to earmark funds in this year's budget to develop and implement a long-term plan for protecting our urban forest.
Last year, the Asheville Tree Commission formally recommended that the City create and implement a plan to improve the condition of our urban forest, and to reverse the decrease in the City's tree canopy that has been documented over the last decade. The Commission's report called on City Council to create an urban forester staff position and to establish an urban forest master plan "that promotes biodiversity and forestry best practices." As of now, there is no City staff person working to specifically handle tree planting, assessment or protection.
Please call or email Asheville City Council members by Tuesday, June 11 and ask them to fund the Asheville Tree Commission's recommendations to: 1) hire an urban forester and 2) develop a master plan to protect and improve the City's tree resources.
Urban forests are a major component in the fight against climate change. Trees sequester carbon, absorb stormwater runoff, reduce heat, decrease noise, and improve the mental health of those fortunate enough to have trees in their community. Plus, of course, trees provide homes and food for birds and other wildlife!
The planned final vote on this year's budget is set for Tuesday, June 11. Please consider sending an email to the entire City Council at AshevilleNCCouncil@ashevillenc.gov. Urge them to fund the urban forester position and the urban forest master plan. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Cathy Walsh, EMAS Board Member and EMAS Advocacy Committee
A note from the committee
Birds and other wildlife need our help more than ever. EMAS is actively committed to conserving bird/wildlife habitat and protecting climate-impacted species. We
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