Faced with a costly urban heat island effect, Louisville is working on a new tree-protection ordinance that could be headed for a vote this week.

Louisville is nearing the finish line on a new tree-protection ordinance a year after starting work on the project and several more years of debate.
"What started out three years ago as a call for a no-let-loss [sic] tree policy for Louisville by a now disbanded mayoral advisory commission now strictly focuses on protecting trees planted in Louisville Metro public rights of way," according to an article by James Bruggers.
Among the specific provisions of the tree-protection ordinance, according to Bruggers, are provisions that property owners abutting city-owned rights-of-way must maintain trees and receive permits for removal. The ordinance would also establish a tree advisory commission and create an urban forestry division within the metro government.
"The ordinance would do nothing to address the loss of trees on private property during land development," adds Bruggers. As previously reported by Planetizen, a 2013 study found that Louisville has the worst urban heat island effect of any city in the United States, and the tree-protection ordinance is a component of the city's response.
FULL STORY: Louisville may require homeowners to replace lost street trees

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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