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