NASF joined the Sustainable Urban Forestry Coalition’s (SUFC) letter in support of appropriations for the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The letter also highlighted the urgent need for research funding to establish benchmarks that can be used to measure the impacts of these investments. Over 30 organizations also signed the letter.
“Our nation’s current and expanding 138 million acres of urban and community forests and trees are key to supporting healthy, livable, and thriving communities of all sizes. Members of the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) and its extended network urge you to continue championing robust funding for the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program and other programs that support and protect neighborhood and community trees and green infrastructure.”
“Urban and community forests and trees provide a multitude of scientifically proven social, economic, and environmental benefits to people, wildlife, and businesses. The ability to reduce air pollution and stormwater runoff, decrease energy consumption, mitigate the heat island effect, enhance resilience to natural disasters, and improve human health and quality of life are just a few of the essential services trees provide to communities. Every year, community trees and forests account for almost 20% of carbon sequestration in US forests and provide $18.3 billion in cost savings related to reductions in air pollution, energy use, and greenhouse gasses. Furthermore, the urban forestry sector directly contributes $35 billion annually to the US economy in part by employing more than 500,000 people nationwide.”