We need your help!
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 impervious surfaces amounts to unsustainable growth and our environment will continue to degrade if we do not act.
Join Our Effort
The 2010 Creek ReLeaf® event is scheduled for November 20! This is the Tree Fund’s flagship program. Creek ReLeaf focuses on reforestation of stream side buffers and adjacent areas to preserve stream health and water quality.
This year’s Creek ReLeaf® event will be held on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway between Parkwood and Belmont in the Belmont neighborhood.
Get involved and be part of the solution!
Charlotte Public Tree Fund on Facebook
Sign up now to volunteer for Creek ReLeaf 2010.
