City’s Urban Tree Plans Deemed Critical by White House Adviser

Charlotte Receives Grants to Maintain Tree Canopy in Underserved Areas

Helping the Community and the Environment

The city of Charlotte is set to receive two grants totaling $1.1 million to maintain its tree canopy in underserved areas. This initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nationwide program aimed at combating urban heat and climate change through tree planting and maintenance.

The Benefits of Tree Canopy

According to Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, communities with trees can experience temperatures up to 17 degrees cooler than those without. Trees also help stabilize roots, reduce flooding, and improve air quality. Therefore, the program’s impact extends beyond climate change.

Funding Source

The grants are made possible by last year’s climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act. To learn more about the grant funding, click here.

Preserving and Expanding Charlotte’s Tree Canopy

Charlotte plans to use the grants to prune, preserve, remove, and replant trees in its six designated Corridors of Opportunity. These areas, historically low-income with limited investment, will receive much-needed attention to preserve and expand the city’s tree coverage.

A Long-Term Goal

The city’s goal is to restore tree coverage to 50% by 2050. However, Charlotte is currently losing an average of three football fields of tree cover each day. Mayor Vi Lyles emphasizes the importance of taking action now to ensure a positive impact in the future.

Expanding the Program

A pilot program has already begun in three neighborhoods, with plans to expand throughout the corridors in 2024. The grants will enable more maintenance work to be completed, benefiting communities that typically receive less attention.

Positive Outlook for Charlotte

Charlotte is known for its large tree canopy across all income levels. With this grant, the city can focus on specific communities in need and provide assistance with tree care and preservation, even on private property.

Statewide Impact

North Carolina is receiving a total of $9.2 million in funding for tree canopy initiatives. Other cities benefiting from grants include Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Cary.

For more information about the grants, visit here.

Read More of this Story at www.whqr.org – 2023-10-23 04:52:00