I've lost the stats and don't remember my source. I need info regarding the percentage of carbon uptake for natural areas of mature trees, succession trees, understory trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers vs. what they call a park-like setting of mature trees and manicured grass. Yet another buffer zone is being destroyed for storm drains in an area that it needn't happen. Where do I find as well, the controversy over using additional and larger sewers and storm drains in a flood plain area vs. wide planted swales? What are other cities to prepare for intense storms? Are we not going to need that water above ground to sustain urban canopy that is stressed already from heat and drought?
Jane Hanlon,
Chair St. Catharines
CLIMATE ACTION NOW
[email protected]
Carbon Uptake of Naturalized Plantings AND Flood Plain Storm Drainage Preparation
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Jane,
City planners will likely not be convinced to change their plans on the basis of differential CO2 sequestering. You'll probably have to appeal to them on issues much more aligned with their direct mandates. In terms of the use of swales and other natural storm water mitigation features, I'd suggest the Ontario Smart Growth Network: http://www.smartgrowth.on.ca/
Also, the U.S. based Smart Growth Network may be of use; for ex: http://www.smartgrowth.org/library/article.asp?resource=2741
Regards,
Kevin Devitt
Toronto, CANADA