Updating the Land Development Code to Protect Trees in Louisville

"The debate over the future of Louisville’s tree canopy pits the interests of developers and builders against environmentalists concerned with the declining numbers of trees shading Louisville’s neighborhoods," reports Ryan Van Velzer.

The issue is proving a political hot button as the city considers updates to its land development code.

"The problem is that Louisville is losing trees at a rate of about 54,000 per year," explains Van Velzer. "Tree loss contributes to the city’s urban heat island and makes the city’s air quality and stormwater drainage worse."

The article includes more details on the Louisville Metro Department of Planning and Design mandate to protect the city's trees as well as the political debate at community meetings taking place to gauge public opinion on potential developments to the land development code.