D.C. implements first tree-planting initiative

Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., launched the area’s first Tree Summit ("Canopy 3,000"), which is an initiative that strives to add more trees to the region’s public and private properties, Dec. 18.

The mayor has partnered with the National Capital Region, the Director of the National Park Service, the District Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy and Environment to plant the new trees. Both regional as well as local leaders throughout the District have collaborated to implement this initiative.

“It takes many environmental leaders, inside and outside of District government, to plant and protect one of our most valuable resources – our trees,” Mayor Bowser said. “Our efforts to create a platform like the Tree Summit will make us more effective in protecting and expanding our tree canopy. Together, we will continue to work toward achieving our Sustainable D.C. goals and make the District a greener and healthier city.”

The purpose of the initiative is to bring the District closer to its climate goals. This short-term, public-private partnership plans to plant another 3,000 trees in the area throughout 2016. The area has used $400,000 to purchase seeds in order to plant more than 1,300 trees.

“In honor of the National Park Service centennial in 2016, we will plant 1,000 trees to celebrate 100 years,” Bob Vogel, National Park Service regional director, said. “The National Park Service is pleased to make a leading pledge in support of Canopy 3,000. This significant step will help us advance some of our most critical shared goals like reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, and restoring the Anacostia River corridor.”