Dear Advocate of Urban Forests,

We are excited to invite you to the legislative briefing on the Municipal Reforestation Act (S.452, H.869) and the Shade Tree Update Bill (S. 1280/H. 2094) on tomorrow, May 4 at 10am in Room 428 of the State House.

Hosted by sponsors Senator Cynthia Creem, Representative Steven Owens, and Representative Jennifer Balinsky Armini, the briefing is an opportunity for legislators and their staff to learn about this important bill to expand and preserve the Commonwealth's urban forests, and the important updates proposed to modernize Chapter 87, the Massachusetts Shade Tree Law.

The Municipal Reforestation Act sets up a structure to provide funding and technical assistance for participating municipalities to create robust urban tree canopy covers, especially in treeless and environmental justice neighborhoods where residents suffer from extreme heat and air pollution. Because they remove carbon dioxide from the air, cool ambient temperatures, and provide numerous other community co-benefits, urban forests are recognized by many as an essential part of the Commonwealth’s plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

What you can do to help:

• Reach out to your Senators and Representatives to ask them to attend this important hearing. You can look up your legislators here.
• Attend in-person briefing at the State House. It is crucial that climate and tree advocates show support for this legislation by appearing in large numbers at this event. We want to fill the room with 100 people! As an added benefit, you will have the opportunity to meet your legislators and to connect with others who share your commitment to planting and caring for trees.
• If you can't attend in person, you may join virtually. The zoom registration link can be found here.
  
  

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Thursday, May 4 at 10 a.m. in Room 428 of the State House.