Release: Special Resolution Promotes Urban Forests and Trees Funding

INDIANAPOLIS -- On Monday, November 7, Councillor John Barth (District 7) will introduce a Special Resolution during the Council meeting to support the development of a carbon credit program to protect and generate revenue for the maintenance of urban forests and trees throughout Indianapolis.  

The Special Resolution follows up on a series of hearings held by the Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, chaired by Barth, focused on green space, urban forests, and new methods to fund green initiatives, including consideration for a city-operated carbon credit program. The potential of protecting trees through selling credits for the carbon sequestration provided by trees has been explored by several cities, including Seattle, and is the focus of an ongoing investigation by the City of Indianapolis.  

According to the Trust for Public Land, parks in Indianapolis compose only 4% of land, much lower than the national median of 15%. In addition, a 2018 analysis demonstrated that Indianapolis’ Urban Tree Canopy coverage was just 33%, with coverage varying in neighborhoods from 3 – 78%. 

“Protecting our green space and investing in urban forests is a priority for me,” said Barth. “The City’s investment in new, innovative approaches to fund investment in our urban forests will pay benefits for years to come in improving air quality, capturing stormwater, and addressing ‘heat islands.'”  

The Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee will consider the Special Resolution, along with an update on the Thrive Indianapolis Plan, at the upcoming meeting on November 21. The Special Resolution is also co-sponsored by President Osili, Vice President Adamson, Councillors Larrison, Boots, Carlino, J. Evans, Jones, and Ray. 

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