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New Albany board directs staff to develop long‑term canopy establishment and maintenance program
Summary
The Sustainability Advisory Board voted to direct staff to develop a long‑term tree canopy establishment and maintenance program for New Albany, with staff to work the item into the 2027 work plan and budget and involve the city forester; the motion passed unanimously.
The New Albany Sustainability Advisory Board on March 11 moved to direct staff to develop a long‑term canopy‑establishment and maintenance program and to package the proposal for the board’s 2027 work plan and budget.
The Chair introduced the idea as a coordinated strategy for planting and maintaining urban canopy—prioritizing locations such as walking/leisure paths and streetscapes—after noting multiple offers from outside groups to donate trees. Board members stressed balancing new plantings with care for existing, older trees and asked to ensure species choices support wildlife and long‑term sustainability.
Staff noted there has been outreach from data‑center partner QTS offering a large donation of trees (discussed in the meeting as 140,000 trees) and recommended involving the city forester and stakeholders to draft a realistic, phased plan. The Chair then moved "to direct staff to engage in a long‑term pre canopy establishment and maintenance program for the city of New Albany," a motion that was seconded and approved by voice/roll call.
Why it matters: a coordinated city canopy strategy affects urban heat, stormwater interception, and long‑term ecosystem services. The board’s direction asks staff to scope the program, identify budget needs and include an actionable proposal in fall 2026 budget development for council consideration.
Next steps: staff will work with the forester and stakeholder group to produce a draft five‑year phased plan and budget recommendation for the board’s 2027 work plan and for council consideration. The board’s motion passed with unanimous yes votes recorded at the meeting.
