Hello Urban Forestry Advocates!

On March 13, our city manager communicated there will NOT be funding for an urban forester in the 2020 Asheville budget unless she hears otherwise. Due to the changing times, Asheville City Council is receiving public comment via google form or vm. We must submit our thoughts by 5 pm today for them to be received as public comment at the meeting tomorrow, March 24. Calls can be made to 828 259-5900, comments (350 words or less) to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffN-5pJiIwFGZTGr3f4qUJEn58x6cmfSMCt1uMs1grdGPo_w/viewform Comments must be associated with an agenda item, we suggest “Public Comment”.  Agenda link: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/

Please take action today! If you make a call or send a comment, email us at: urbanforestalliance@gmail.com so we can keep track of our numbers and show clear evidence of our community’s support for a comprehensive urban forestry program in Asheville. 

Easy suggestion for written or voicemail comment:

Hi, my name is __________. Over the last few years I have become keenly aware of the loss of our urban forest in Asheville. Letters to the editor appear regularly about this and community members have often spoken at council meetings to express concerns. The recent Climate Symposium indicated that we have lost nearly 7% of our canopy in the past decade, with even higher percentages of canopy loss in populations living below poverty level. This is environmental injustice and our community deserves better. The City of Asheville needs the expertise and guidance of a professional urban forester to strategically manage, replenish and protect our forest for all residents. We must look ahead for the sake of Asheville’s future generations. I implore you to make 2020 the year that we invest in a comprehensive urban forestry program for Asheville and the long term health of our community. Thank you for listening. 

To view the council meeting:https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/watch-livestream-of-city-council-meetings/

Thank you all for your ongoing support!