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Save Our Canopy

Help UPG Protect Miami’s Trees – Act Now to Save Our Canopy!

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Trees are the lungs of our community, providing countless benefits that make Miami livable and resilient. They mitigate flooding, provide oxygen and improve air quality, sequester carbon, filter pollutants and toxins from stormwater, protect against soil erosion, reduce urban heat island effect, provide shade and lower electric bills, provide habitats for birds and wildlife, enhance neighborhood beauty, increase property values, and improve physical and mental health. However, the City of Miami Commission has an Agenda Item proposing changes to Miami’s existing Tree Ordinance that put all of this at risk. These amendments would:
 
Weaken tree protections by loosening restrictions on tree removal.

Reduce public oversight by transferring the Tree Trust Fund to the City Manager’s control.

Divert up to 20% of Tree Trust Fund resources to non-tree-related projects, undermining its original purpose of replacing lost trees and expanding our canopy.

The City of Miami Commission is set to vote on this Agenda Item during their meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025, an ordinance proposing to repeal Chapter 62/Article X of the City Code and amend Chapter 17. The ordinance seeks to rename Chapter 17 to “Tree Preservation and Protection” and adjust procedures and definitions, establish new exemptions, and modify the administration of the Tree Trust Fund. If passed, these changes could undermine critical protections for Miami’s already vulnerable tree canopy, harming the city’s resilience against flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-related challenges. While the ordinance claims to refine procedures and allocate Tree Trust Fund resources for education and maintenance, its provisions prioritize flexibility for developers at the expense of Miami's environmental sustainability. We are asking the City Commission to WITHDRAW this Agenda Item—not defer it. This proposed Tree Ordinance is bad legislation that will weaken our tree protections and reduce our already inadequate vital tree canopy. Advancing this flawed ordinance will waste the time of city staff, the HEP Board, the Climate Resilience Committee, and residents, without addressing the real issues residents are facing. Urban Paradise Guild (UPG),  www.urbanparadiseguild.org and Sierra Club Miami has joined forces with environmental organizations, homeowners’ associations, and concerned residents to fight back.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Join The Miami Trees Matter Most Chat

Join Chat
  1. Sign the Action Alert created by Tropical Audubon Society to email Mayor Suarez and City Commissioners. [Action Alert Link: https://support.tropicalaudubon.org/a/protect-miami-trees ]
  2. Call and email the Mayor and Commissioners explaining why our tree canopy is essential and urging them to WITHDRAW this harmful legislation.
  3. Attend the Sunshine Meeting on January 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at City Hall.
  4. Provide public comment urging the Commission withdraw this deceptive legislation. The existing ordinance is not the problem.
  5. The city needs to fix the problems that stem from permitting, lack of training and education, lack of adequate funding for public works, and other management and bureaucracy issues.
  6. Attend the City Commission Meeting on January 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Sign up to speak during public comment and Tell the Commissioners to WITHDRAW this agenda item. Bring your neighbors and friends with you.
  7. WEAR GREEEN!
  8. Spread the word to your neighbors, homeowners’ associations, civic organizations, colleagues, and faith-based communities.
  9. Post graphic images and information on your social media every day, be repetitive.

Together, we can ensure Miami remains a green, livable city for generations to come.