Mecklenburg County Tree Canopy 1985-2008

We are losing trees and open space at a dramatic rate. According to the latest study of Mecklenburg County just completed by American Forests, Inc., between 1985 and 2008 we lost 33% of tree canopy, 2.8% of our open space, and increased our urban/impervious area (roads, parking lots, buildings) by 60%. Lost air quality benefits resulting from this land cover change is $8,771,658.00 annually. Lost greenhouse gas stored in trees is 192 million tons. Lost greenhouse gas removal per year is 1.5 million tons. Increased costs to manage stormwater resulting from this change is $503,578,789.00.

The loss of natural area and trees coupled with large increases in impervio

us surfaces amounts to unsustainable growth and our environment will continue to degrade if we do not act.

Creek Releaf 2011

We had a very successful Creek Releaf tree planting event thanks to the over 500 volunteers who came out and planted just under 2,000 trees in Charlotte this past Saturday, November 19th. The tree planting this year was along Briar Creek where it intersects Park Road, just north of Tyvola. This area needed trees badly due to recent work by CharMeck Utilities to install a new sewer line. We are already planning for Creek Releaf 2012 and you can sign up now for next year here. This work is vital if we hope the bring Mecklenburg streams, creeks and rivers back to a healthier condition and create wildlife habitat. We hope to see you next year.