As development surges, advocates push tree protections

5 hours ago

Kinsey Rothenberger,

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As election day approaches, a hot topic for political candidates is the Wilmington area’s massive growth at the expense of trees.

Advocates claim over the past decade, 7% of the area’s tree canopy has been eliminated due to building and construction.

An advocacy group called “Cape Fear Alliance for Trees” has devised a “code” for developers to preserve our treescape.

Alliance for Cape Fear Trees Executive Director Isabelle Shepherd hopes elected leaders and businesses will utilize the guidelines while planning future projects.

“We are thrilled that, during this election cycle, so many candidates have been talking about the importance of green spaces, of natural areas, of trees, that is wonderful and heartening. We are hopeful that once these city council members are elected, once our local leaders are in place, that they will act on those promises,” said Shepherd.

The code calls for retaining and protecting mature trees instead of replacing them and lowering the impact development to reduce canopy loss. The code also calls for improving storm water infrastructure and enforcing existing codes instead of loosening restrictions on green space.