New collaborative effort will help guide the District’s tree canopy efforts
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, September 16, 2016 — This week, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Department of Transportation (DDOT) hosted the first Urban Forestry Advisory Council (UFAC) meeting. Established by the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016, the UFAC’s primary purpose is to ensure coordination between District agencies and other public and private partners engaged in tree canopy programs and to inform on policy and program initiatives.
DOEE Director Tommy Wells underscored the significance of the Council calling it “an essential, forward-thinking component in the District’s push to increase tree canopy cover in all eight wards. This collaborative effort of District Government agencies, federal agencies, community members, tree-planting partners, and utilities will play a critical role in tree expansion in public parcels and on private lands ensuring the District has a widespread, healthy tree canopy for future generations.”
“The Urban Forest Advisory Council is a key force in ensuring that the District achieves its goal of 40% Urban Tree Canopy cover by 2032,” said DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo. “The Council’s leadership will help us coordinate tree planting initiatives across all landowner types, promote best practices, maintain our status as the city of trees to enhance the lives of District residents and visitors.”
UFAC members are:
Jeff Seltzer, DOEE
Perry Wheelock, NPS
Nathan McElroy, Pepco
Earl Eutsler, DDOT
Robin Snyder, GSA
Brent Sisco, DPR
Maureen Holman, DC Water
Mark Buscaino, Casey Trees
Irv Sheffey, Community Representative
Dennis Chestnut, Community Representative
Delores Bushong, Community Representative
For more information on the UFAC, contact DOEE Tree Policy Coordinator Luke Cole at (202) 724-5348 or [email protected].
MEDIA CONTACT: Julia Robey Christian, PIO, (202) 741-0842 desk, (202) 450-7878 cell, [email protected]