Cedar Rapids will adopt ReLeaf Plan

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – After the derecho destroyed the city’s tree canopy, city leaders came up with a plan to not only replace the trees that were lost, but also to think about what might happen in the future when the city tries to grow trees again.

The City of Cedar Rapids formed a partnership with Trees Forever in order to create a plan that would serve as a guide for real decision-making when it comes to the restoration of the city’s tree canopy.

“We are proud of this plan and the partners who worked with us to complete it. Not only was the tree loss in Cedar Rapids unprecedented, but this type of work and dedication to restoring the canopy is unparalleled, ” said Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz.

This plan focuses on restoring the canopy while maintaining an unique neighborhood identity and being conscious of environmental problems. According to the plan, more than 42,000 trees would be planted along the city. It provides strategies that may help private landowners in replanting trees as quickly as possible.

“After a year of hard work, we are excited to share great resources and information with the public about the plan to recover. This plan outlines how we grow our canopy back better and smarter with results that will benefit citizens in as few as five years and as long as generations,” said Sandi Fowler, Deputy City Manager.

More information on the plan may be found at www.CityofCR.com/ReLeaf.