Urban Forestry Strategy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Promotes Benefits of Tree Canopy for Rainwater Management

American elm at corner of Mason St & Monroe Ave NW branches out over the road in Grand Rapids. It is the 2014 Mayor’s Tree of the Year (photo credit: mlive.com)

Incentives for Maintaining & Increasing the Number of Trees

“What would motivate you to keep more storm water from running off your property into the public sewer system? What would it take for you to take care of that big, old tree in your yard rather than cut it down? Grand Rapids is exploring incentives to get its property owners to do both things,” wrote Matt Vande Bunte in an article posted on Michigan Live.

“The term ‘tree-hugging mayor’ has gone from being pejorative (at the outset of my tenure in 2003) to being a term of endearment and even of great pride,” said Mayor George Heartwell. “The great mayors of America and the great cities of America are paying attention to their urban canopies. It’s the mayor and the city that’s not doing this kind of work is out of step.”

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To read the complete story, click on Save trees, manage stormwater: Grand Rapids explores incentives for property owners