Post on 28-Dec-2015
SUFC Policy Working Group
UpdateTCIA Hill Day
June 17, 2015
What is the Sustainable Urban Forest Coalition? an assembly of national organizations
working to advance a unified urban forest agenda for our nation's communities.
composed of city planners, educators, landscape architects, non-profit leaders, scientists, arborists, foresters, nurserymen and women, and many other professionals who care for, monitor and advocate for trees and our urban forests as a whole.
How does the SUFC Define Urban Forests? SUFC views urban forests as the aggregate of all vegetation and
green spaces that provide a myriad of environmental, health and economic benefits for a community
Why is this Coalition Necessary?Although the functions and benefits of urban forests are becoming increasingly clear, there is a lack of understanding about the full range of urban forests within a community’s infrastructure.
Coalition members work together to educate and advocate for better maintained and expanded urban forests nationwide with a unified national voice.
a unified national coalition strengthens relationships, creates synergy between like-minded organizations, and builds bridges between diverse organizations with overlapping interests.
Together, the SUFC can raise the national profile of urban forests, their benefits, and the people who help keep urban forests healthy.
What is the Policy Working Group? Uses a variety of advocacy tools to increase
tangible support for urban forests and green infrastructure on a national, regional and local level;
It seeks to educate diverse audiences about the value and need for healthy trees and green infrastructure in our communities; and
Members network and leverage resources and knowledge among a growing community of organizations to promote healthier, more vibrant cities.
Co-chairs: Gerry Gray (ACTrees) Rebecca Turner (American Forests)
Highlights from 2014 - 2015 Advocated for $31.3 million for U&CF in FY
2015 and secured an amount larger than President’s request
Conf Report included language supporting UF Research.
Used a new process to develop a broader set of requests for federal programs for FY 2015
Worked with SUFC members to convene first “fly-out” (Rep. Joyce, OH) and explore others.
Developed urban forestry recommendations for President Obama’s Climate Change Action Plan.
SUFC Policy Goals for 2015+ Secure more funding for key programs within the
federal government that supports urban forests and green infrastructure
Identify and build relationships with potential new urban forestry champions on the Hill
Support key pieces of legislation that enhance urban forests and green infrastructure
Provide consensus-based substantive comments on key regulations
Increase knowledge about SUFC efforts within a variety of federal agencies working on green infrastructure and urban forestry issues
Identify a clear policy agenda to advance research and development
Fly-outs in 2015 and 2016CA
Rep. Valadao – (R-CA21)Part of Kings and Fresno County
MDRep. Sarbanes (D-MD3)
Annapolis and Towson area