Number: 2010-06
WHEREAS, 80% of the United States population lives in urban areas, according to the US Forest Service; and
WHEREAS, urban and suburban sprawl has eliminated, damaged and or fragmented wildlife habitat for both flora and fauna; and
WHEREAS, the urban forest provides tangible environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, storm water/flood retention, noise reduction, cleaner air, better water quality, soil retention, reduction of greenhouse gases; and
WHEREAS, the presence of urban forests has documented, aesthetic benefits to the beauty and safety of neighborhoods, creates a healthier business environment and increases property value; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that when people are engaged in civic improvement activities within their neighborhood, on their street, in their housing unit or in their village town or city, the level of respect for their neighbors and fellow citizens increases significantly; and
WHEREAS, individuals who actively participate in the creation and maintenance of urban forests gain in self respect, learn new job skills, make new friends, earn increased recognition and sense of personal satisfaction and enjoy better mental and physical health; and
WHEREAS, the depletion and lack of wildlife in non-forested areas makes the human habitat less healthy, desirable and attractive resulting in less time spent outdoors and the consequent waning interest in nature; and
WHEREAS, climate change poses a severe threat to our urban forests most especially by increasing the stresses of temperature, drought, and high winds to which urban trees are more susceptible that those in the traditional forest land; and
WHEREAS, trees stressed by climate conditions are more susceptible to disease and premature death; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation has previously recognized that global warming has become the single greatest threat to wildlife and to the natural resources on which we all depend, and that forests can help combat the effects of climate change by storing and sequestering new carbon; and
WHEREAS, the recognition and importance of ‘No Child Left Inside” initiatives can support the creation of urban forests that bring nature to urban areas, provide outdoor recreation space for children, and provide remedies for problems such as childhood obesity, nature deficit, and internet addiction disorders;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled April 8–10, 2010 in Houston, Texas, hereby supports national, state, regional, and community efforts to promote and fund the creation, existence and maintenance of urban forests and urban forestry programs in our communities, especially those that involve community support and ownership; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that state and federal funds for adaptation to climate change support the development and maintenance of large scale urban reforestation programs using regionally appropriate tree species in metropolitan areas across the U.S., and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that communities nationwide be made aware of and encouraged to use programs such as those provided by the US Forest Service Urban Forestry Program and other state and local public agencies, which encourage and promote the creation of healthier, more livable urban environments across the nation by maintaining, restoring and improving urban forest ecosystems.