We, the undersigned residents of the City of Boston, support an immediate moratorium on the removal of existing trees from land owned and/or managed by the City, its agencies, departments, and outsourced contractors, until there is an effective tree ordinance in place to protect, preserve, and increase our dwindling urban tree canopy on both private and public land.
 
When it comes to counteracting storm water flooding, depleted oxygen levels, and extreme heat, trees are critical infrastructure.

We are in a climate emergency and all Boston neighborhoods must be empowered to protect themselves by retaining and strengthening their existing critical tree canopy. We cannot wait until a tree ordinance and an urban forest plan are in place to enact measures that will protect and preserve the trees that support us today.

Life is impossible without trees. Oxygen is essential. The way we breathe affects every aspect of our lives.  Our city’s tree canopy is a communal asset - a proven tool for mitigating the life threatening impacts of climate change.  Poor planning and misguided  development that results in the destruction of our City’s existing tree canopy puts the residents of Boston at a disproportionate risk of death by heat and poses a public health hazard for older adults and those with cardio-vascular illness, asthma and other respiratory disease.

We demand an immediate halt to the removal of trees across the city. We demand that Boston’s urban tree canopy be preserved and expanded for the good of our collective public health. We demand mature tree equity for all Boston residents.

Please do not feel obligated to donate money. By signing this petition, you are using your voice to take action and be a part of the movement to protect Boston's trees.