This week the League sent a letter to The City of Napa Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission. Our letter urges the commission to support the inclusion of an Urban Forest Master Plan in the 2040 City of Napa General Plan. The letter explains that "In addition to enhancing the natural beauty of our area and mitigating the effects of urbanization and development, our trees and urban forests improve air quality by reducing particulate matter such as dust and smoke, and absorb gaseous pollutants while providing shade and transpiration." We remind the City that "trees and forests reduce CO2 through growth and carbon sequestration."
All formal letters sent by Local Leagues are supported by well-thought-out position. This letter is supported by the League of Women Voters US Natural Resources position.This position was studied when League members became concerned about depletion and conservation of natural resources as far back as the 1920s and 1930s when the League undertook a study of flood control, erosion and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Click on the highlighted blue areas to review our natural resources position.
Read the Letter below:
November 19, 2019
To: The City of Napa Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission
The League of Women Voters of Napa County urges the commission to support the inclusion of an Urban Forest Master Plan in the 2040 City of Napa General Plan.
A long-standing position of the League states that the inherent characteristics and carrying capacities of each geographic area's natural resources must be considered in the planning process.
In addition to enhancing the natural beauty of our area and mitigating the effects of urbanization and development, our trees and urban forests improve air quality by reducing particulate matter such as dust and smoke, and absorb gaseous pollutants while providing shade and transpiration. They save energy by shading dwellings and hardscape and provide windbreaks. Trees and forests also protect the quality of surface waters, such as creeks and rivers, and reduce stormwater runoff.
Governments at all levels need to pay particular attention to global warming and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. We know that trees and forests reduce CO2 through growth and carbon sequestration. In light of the increased understanding of the importance of urban forests and trees to current and future generations, please include an Urban Forest Master Plan in the 2040 City of Napa General Plan.
Sincerely,
Veda Florez
President, LWV of Napa County