Comment Log Display

California ReLeaf is statewide non-profit organization whose
mission is to empower grassroots efforts and build strategic
partnerships that preserve, protect, and enhance California’s urban
forests.  We also represent a statewide Network of urban forestry
groups that work at the local level to enrich and augment community
health through tree planting and tree care.

Since the passage of AB 32, the urban forestry community has been
very supportive of the efforts by the state to implement this
program, including the strides made by the Air Resources Board over
the years.  Like so many hear today, we believe AB 32 is an
important program that will help to reduce impacts to people and
the environment from the effects of climate change.

In regards to the issue immediately before us, we believe that
investments must support AB 32 goals and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, and we do not support any expenditure that would
jeopardize the overall program.

To this end, we would like to echo the comments provided by The
Nature Conservancy and others at the hearing in that we think the
Board should identify investments that also promote job creation in
the state, special consideration for disadvantaged communities,
protection and enhancement of our environment, and improvements to
public health.

As a statewide urban forestry organization, we and our membership
Network are currently making those investments in local communities
and urban environments that reduce GHGs and provide multiple
additional benefits.  This is, in part, achieved through the strong
partnership this community shares with the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Strategic Growth Council
which currently provide critical funding throughout the state to
projects that impact every community.  

Specifically, The Urban Forestry Program at CALFIRE and Urban
Greening program at the Strategic Growth Council work with local
governments and community groups to protect and enhance our natural
resources in urban areas.  This includes parks and urban
recreational space, investments in urban forests, river parkway
development, stormwater capture and reuse, green roofs, community
gardens, and a number of other nature-based investments that lead
to significant GHG benefits that accrue through direct carbon
sequestration, energy savings, and through assisting the state in
implementing SB 375.  As you may have guessed, underserved demand
is a continuing challenge for both of these programs.

For this reason, we hope that the board will identify significant
investment in urban ecosystems and green infrastructure, especially
with CALFIRE Urban Forestry and the Strategic Growth Council, as
priorities as this discussion continues now and in the months that
follow.