​​​​GHG-02

Maintain and enhance urban forest

Measure

The County will maintain and enhance the urban forest to provide shading that improves energy conservation in adjacent dwellings and reduces the urban heat island effect (UHIE).


​​​​​​​Started

The efforts for this measure have started. ​

Implementation

Partner with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to use existing programs such as NeighborWoods and NATURE to increase the tree canopy, including in redeveloping areas. Planting of drought-tolerant tree species will be strongly encouraged. Priority planting locations shall be in the County’s Environmental Justice Communities identified in the Environmental Justice Element. Ensure that trees required to be planted through the Zoning Code are properly maintained to maximize tree health and ensure longevity in order to realize the benefits of urban trees. Forge partnerships with community cooperatives to organize tree-planting and maintenance events. 

In addition, new development projects that have incorporated all feasible on-site GHG mitigation may be permitted to contribute financially to this program subject to quantification of the costs per MT CO2e. This quantification shall be submitted by applicants for review and verification by the County or a qualified third party selected by the County.​

Timeframe: Near t​​​​erm 

GHG Reduction Potential: 1,681 MT CO2e per year by 2030​​

Co-benefit 

This measur​​​e supports adaptation measures Temp-07 and Temp-08. 

Sector: Agriculture 

Target Indicator: Tracking of projects where the County has participated in preserving or adding to the urban forest, setting goals for 20,000 new trees by 2026 and 47,498 new trees by 2030​​.​


Status of Implementation

Sacramento County's Planning and Environmental Review Division coordinates directly with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to direct funds for tree planting at various locations throughout the County. Future opportunities for partnership include identification of suitable tree planting locations in Environmental Justice Communities and organizing tree planting and maintenance events with community-based organizations.

Updated 10/11/2023