Pittsburg Launches $2M Urban Forest Plan for Cleaner Air Now

UPDATE: Pittsburg is taking decisive action to combat rising temperatures and air quality issues with a groundbreaking $2 million Urban Forest Management Plan, announced just today. This initiative aims to expand the city’s tree canopy, ensuring that every neighborhood, particularly those most affected by heat, benefits from increased greenery.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Services awarded this grant in February 2024 as part of a $1.5 billion program under the Inflation Reduction Act. The plan is a critical response to the urgent need for cleaner air and enhanced quality of life for Pittsburg’s over 75,000 residents. Currently, only 6% of the city’s land is covered by trees, far below the average of 14% to 15% found in similar cities.

A recent analysis by PlanIT Geo revealed that neighborhoods like Fremont and Pleasanton lead the way with 14.4% and 25.3% canopy coverage, respectively. In contrast, Pittsburg’s “tree equity score” stands at 67, highlighting significant disparities in tree distribution, especially in low-income and minority communities.

Natasha Farmer, an administrative analyst with the Pittsburg Public Works Department, emphasized the urgency of this project. “We aim to grow our citywide canopy coverage to 10% by 2050,” she stated. Achieving this goal requires planting nearly 30,000 new trees over the next 25 years, building on the approximately 37,700 public trees currently maintained.

The city is not just addressing tree cover but also focusing on improving tree care and management practices. Older neighborhoods often lack adequate tree canopy due to poor planning and problematic species. Farmer noted that while some trees may need removal due to their damaging roots, the city will ensure that shade remains a priority.

Unlike typical 10-year plans, Pittsburg’s vision extends to a 40-year urban forestry master plan, designed to adapt to climate change and budget challenges. The city is actively seeking resident input through a survey to tailor the plan effectively.

However, challenges remain. Only 29% of Pittsburg’s land is suitable for new tree planting, mainly due to impervious surfaces. Nonetheless, the city is committed to maximizing available spaces, with plans to plant 450 new trees by January 2029, half of which will be in underserved areas. Already, around 100 new trees have been planted, with plans to distribute free trees to residents interested in tree care starting in 2027.

For residents like Dulce Bernal, who lives near Highway 4 and struggles with heat and air pollution affecting her child’s asthma, the urgency for action is palpable. “I have to keep the air conditioner running all the time, otherwise my child’s asthma gets triggered,” she shared, highlighting the immediate need for more shaded spaces.

Similarly, Isebel Morales expressed frustration over the lack of green areas in her downtown neighborhood. “Living without air conditioning, we often have to escape to stores just to cool off,” Morales said. She urged the city to prioritize planting in areas with the greatest need, not just once a year.

As Pittsburg moves forward with its Urban Forest Management Plan, the focus on equity, sustainability, and community engagement promises to transform the city’s landscape and improve the lives of its residents. The urgency of implementing these changes cannot be overstated.

Stay tuned for more updates as Pittsburg works to cultivate a greener, healthier future.