In Altadena, California, a conservation group called Altadena Green is working to save trees damaged by the Eaton and Palisades Fires. These trees, vital for absorbing carbon dioxide, are at risk of being removed during cleanup efforts led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The group, composed of volunteer arborists, argues that some trees are being prematurely removed and should be preserved to help maintain the local environment.
Wynne Wilson, a member of Altadena Green, emphasized the resilience of the oaks, saying, “They are going to come back, and we have seen many oaks marked for removal.” The group is advocating for better assessment processes and educating homeowners on the importance of preserving these trees. Homeowners can now fill out a waiver to indicate if they want to keep their trees during the cleanup process.
The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for clearing debris, uses its arborists to determine if a tree is hazardous. However, there is concern that their assessments may not consider the local tree species’ resilience. According to NBC Los Angeles, USC professor William Berelson noted that trees in the area absorb about 60% of fossil fuel CO2 during the day.
Altadena Green’s efforts highlight the importance of preserving the urban canopy, which helps mitigate urban heat island effects and contributes to the community’s environmental resilience. As the community rebuilds, the preservation of these trees remains a crucial part of the recovery process.
Recent Comments