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Officials back tree-planting and nature-based options but say trees and reefs won’t stop major storm surge
Summary
Mayor Cogswell promised expanded tree-planting and work to bury power lines to preserve urban canopy; the Corps said nature-based elements like oyster reefs and marsh retention help dissipate wave energy but won’t stop major storm surge.
Audience members raised concerns about tree removal and the urban canopy’s role in reducing flooding. Mayor William Cogswell said the city is prioritizing tree-planting programs, partnerships with advocacy groups and efforts to bury power and communications lines to protect the canopy. "We have the relief program where we're looking to plant, thousands of new trees across the city," he said.
Lt. Col. Todd Mannering warned that "you're not gonna stop a storm with nature based solutions," but added that marshes, oyster reefs and other natural features can dissipate wave energy and be used to complement structural protections. Officials described combining nature-based measures with stormwater retention and conveyance to maximize benefits, while acknowledging limits to what such solutions can achieve alone.
