Wisely Steward and Protect the Woodlands and Overall Canopy
Concern:
I was the Co-Chair of the Town of Wake Forest Urban Forestry Advisory Board. We discussed this issue a lot and often. In fact, my Urban Orchard proposal (see below) speaks to cultivating a beautiful and usable canopy. I’ve talked with many Wake Forest residents at ForestFest and the Garden Club Festival who are deeply concerned about our diminishing tree canopy, as well.
Let’s talk about it.
Wake Forest’s growth is not a bad thing, as it’s a sign of economic prosperity, but the growth should not come at the cost of our beautiful namesake woodlands, which is currently between 40-50% canopy coverage.
Additionally, according to studies, the more trees you have, the more carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, giving us cleaner, fresher air. Trees also cut down electricity costs in regulating building temperatures, give shade, provide habitats for wildlife, attract pollinators, and boost psychological health.
While Commissioners are restricted to their jurisdiction regarding the tree canopy, I will always be an advocate for preserving and restoring abundant and mature trees for the vigor of our residents and natural ecosystem.
I’ve listed some valuable resources below:
Carbon Storage by Urban Forests, National Park Service
Resilient tree-planting strategies for carbon dioxide removal under compounding climate and economic uncertainties, National Institute of Health
Understanding Northwest Forest Carbon, United States Department of Agriculture
Air Temperature Reductions at the Base of Tree Canopies, Environmental Protection Agency
Effect of roadside trees on pedestrians’ psychological evaluation of traffic noise, National Institute of Health
Maximizing the pedestrian radiative cooling benefit per street tree, Arizona State University
My Solution:
1. Update the UDO
a. Amend Section 12.6.D regarding watershed zoning WS-IV from 70% maximum High Density Development Option with municipal utilities to 50% maximum.
b. Amend Section 8.5.2.A.1 so that SF Detached Residential, Duplex Proposed/Existing have a Type C buffer, an increase from Type X/zero buffer.
2. Establish Urban Orchards – fruit and nut tree groves strategically placed around Wake Forest. This will not only supplement the canopy but also provide healthy food sources.