By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
MIAMI | On Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, People Acting for Community Together (PACT) hosted the first of its two-part annual meeting with a “mini-action” to increase the tree canopy throughout several local communities.
PACT leaders identified 15 low-income communities throughout Miami-Dade County that have 20% or less tree canopy. Lack of tree canopy in communities leads to hotter temperatures, respiratory ailments and limited time spent outdoors for persons vulnerable to extreme heat.
PACT leaders received support from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who agreed to join forces to achieve the goal of 30% tree canopy in 15 targeted urban communities that are experiencing extreme heat conditions. Mayor Levine Cava’s commitment is backed up by more than $4 million in the recently approved county budget to support tree planting, maintenance, and collaborative efforts with MDCPS.
PACT is a multi-faith grassroots organization that works to hold public officials accountable to create systemic change in Miami-Dade County. More than 150 people gathered for the meeting at Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church in Miami Gardens – one of the communities targeted for tree expansion. They heard personal testimonies about the impact of extreme heat on escalating utility bills and respiratory illnesses.
PACT member Dorothy Okubo, a parishioner at Christ the King Church, testified about the difficulties she faces due to extreme heat.
“We are being impacted by extreme heat because air conditioners are running all the time leading to higher utility bills or having to replace your air conditioner altogether. For me, my homeowners’ insurance has increased over $1,000 as many providers no longer provide coverage in Florida and the rates keep me up at night,” said Okubo.
Mayor Levine Cava said that the 30% tree canopy has been a county goal since 2008. She added that she believes, with PACT’s support and collaboration with the county, the goal is achievable. The expanded tree canopy plan will also include broader tree plantings on county properties in the targeted areas. The mayor also highlighted the county’s Adopt-A-Tree program and appealed to private homeowners to accept the trees made available through this program.
“Thanks to PACT for always being in the forefront of justice issues, and on this issue of the tree canopy, you have set some very important and ambitious goals, and I thank you for that,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Through your advocacy we have included the tree canopy issue in our discussions with the school system as this is a good opportunity to utilize school property... especially targeting those neighborhoods with low socioeconomic [levels] and low tree canopy.”
PACT identified expansion of the tree canopy as one of its key issues at its annual Nehemiah Action in March and continues to press local county and school system officials to agree to a set of conditions that include:
- A commitment to planting Florida natural and Florida-friendly trees and a five-year maintenance plan.
- A joint Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade County Public Schools program to incentivize planting trees on school property in order to achieve the 30% tree canopy goal by 2030.
- Staff from Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces or the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources Division of Environmental Management will provide training and support to MDCPS
- Trees planted on MDCPS property will be included in the county’s tree planting reports in each of the upcoming three years (2023-25)
Mayor Levine Cava and school leaders representing MDCPS Superintendent Jose L. Dotres agreed to all components of PACT’s proposed Memorandum of Understanding, which is set to be signed by February 2023. Both leaders also committed to attending PACT’s Annual Nehemiah Action event in March 2023.
