Trees play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As the town of Concord advances towards its climate objectives, the significance of trees often remains undervalued. The town’s mature and healthy trees have stored considerable amounts of carbon throughout their lifespans and will continue to sequester substantial carbon in the future — provided they are preserved. Beyond carbon sequestration, trees enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and contribute to stormwater management.
The large-scale removal of trees from both public and private lands undermines the town’s climate goals. For instance, the proposed Forest Ridge project threatens to remove up to 1,000 mature and healthy trees, many of which exceed 100 feet in height. The impact on the town’s climate objectives is substantial. Experts estimate that to replicate the carbon-removal benefits of a single 40-foot-tall northern red oak, over 150 small oaks would need to be planted, requiring up to 16 years of growth to match the 40-foot oak’s size.
Tree removal should not be equated with weed cutting. Efforts to protect and enhance large trees should be prioritized within broader climate action strategies.
We urge all citizens to actively participate in safeguarding our town’s trees. Attend town meetings, voice your concerns, and support initiatives that promote tree conservation. Together, we can ensure that our green canopy continues to thrive and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for Concord.
Ronald Whitfield
Whit’s End Road