Trees and Parks
Below, Chicago mayor-elect Brandon Johnson responds to our environmental questionnaire on the topic of trees and parks.
Q: Chicago’s tree canopy continues to decrease to levels far below what is recommended. The city historically has not prioritized protecting our green infrastructure despite mature trees providing significant health and environmental benefits such as mitigating the impact of climate change related to heat islands, improving air quality, flood management, supporting biodiversity and improving citizen health. Will you prioritize protecting our green infrastructure and if so, how will you increase the tree canopy and ensure the survival rate of newly planted trees and retention of mature trees?
A: Increasing the tree canopy and protecting the green infrastructure in Chicago is essential to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and promote citizen health.
Q: The City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District plan to cut down 2,580 mature trees in Jackson Park with at least 30 inches in diameter, which produce about 243 pounds of oxygen annually, in a South Side neighborhood where up to 59% of children have asthma. A referendum showed citizens want these trees protected. What will you do to protect and preserve Jackson Park’s at-risk 2,580 trees in order to mitigate air pollution and improve citizen health?
A: Citizens and community organizations will continue to advocate for the preservation of these mature trees by contacting their local elected officials, writing letters to the editor of local newspapers, and using social media to raise awareness about this issue.
Q: As a supporter of treating city ash trees against the emerald ash borer, upon taking office will you secure treatment for all of the city’s treatable ash trees in 2023 and spring of 2024? Chicago has increasingly exploited city parks as revenue generating resources instead of spaces for residents, community groups and local biodiversity (such as the proposed golf course expansion in Jackson Park or various music fairs). Other areas of the city have documented racial inequity in park access and resources (2018 State of the Parks report) with fewer facilities and less maintenance. What will your policy be regarding park use for all residents and communities and will you work to expand and protect our green spaces, especially in under-resourced areas?
A: The treatment of ash trees, it is important to consider the long-term environmental impact of such treatments. While treating the trees will help preserve them in the short term, however, it might not be the most sustainable solution in the long run. It may be worth considering alternative tree species that are better adapted to the local climate and less susceptible to pests and diseases.