Tree Canopy Steering Committee’s First Quarter Results

Apr 06, 2021

Councilmember Jenny Spencer launched the Ward 15 Tree Canopy Steering Committee in January, comprised of residents along with subject matter experts and collaborators, to effect ways to increase the tree canopy.
 
Tree canopy coverage for the Detroit Shoreway and Cudell neighborhoods stand at only 19% and 16%, far short of the Cleveland Tree Coalition’s canopy goal of 30%.
 
“When we began the Ward 15 Tree Canopy Steering Committee, we established a set of guiding principles because we knew we’d need to take an all-of-the-above approach,” says Councilmember Spencer. “The Steering Committee is prioritizing preservation of the existing mature tree canopy that can be saved, along with planting new trees on both public and private property. We’re using an equity lens to first target parts of our Ward where canopy coverage is lowest.
 
“We will also work collaboratively with the City of Cleveland’s Division of Urban Forestry and other City departments to increase coordination and information-sharing. Ultimately, City Council may continue to build off of existing ordinances championed by my predecessor, longtime Councilman Matt Zone,” said Spencer. 
 
Committee results from January-March 2021 include:
 

• The Tree Preservation Subcommittee participated in two walk-throughs with officials from Dominion Energy and the City of Cleveland to review a gas line replacement project as well as impending WEST 65TH IMPROVEMENTS, in order to maximize the preservation of existing mature trees.
• Sidewalk widths were reduced from 6’ to 5’5” on replacement sidewalks for an existing Dominion Energy project in order to reduce damage and disturbance to mature tree roots.
• In collaboration with the Ward 15 Council office, DETROIT SHOREWAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION and CUDELL IMPROVEMENT, INC. successfully secured a $19,900 grant from the CUYAHOGA COUNTY HEALTHY URBAN TREE CANOPY INITIATIVE in order to replace trees that will be removed during construction projects, such as WEST 65TH IMPROVEMENTS or LAKE AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS. 
• Committee members will participate in an Arbor Day Tree Planting with WESTERN RESERVE LAND CONSERVANCY to add 31 trees to the green space at Michael J. Zone Recreation Center. 

 
“I appreciate the Steering Committee members for their time and commitment as we continue to work towards a more climate resilient and equitable Ward 15,” Spencer said.
 
A listing of the Steering Committee members can be found on the group's Google drive.