Signing of U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement spurs grass-roots tree planting effort downtown; Chattanooga, TN; 3/9/09

Chattanooga: Grass-roots efforts boost tree count downtown Chattanooga Times Free Press - Chattanooga,TN,USA
In 2006, Mayor Ron Littlefield signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which committed Chattanooga to cutting carbon dioxide emissions 7 percent below 1990 levels. The next year Leadership Chattanooga, with the assistance of city forester Gene Hyde, formulated the project and hired Preston Roberts as its coordinator.
Mr. Roberts said they hope about 800 more trees can be planted in the downtown zone within the next year or two.
But that will take more money. The first 620 trees were planted at an estimated cost of $88,000 obtained through private and corporate funding, as well as a $100,000 grant from the Benwood Foundation and a matching $12,000 state grant. Chattanooga has not provided financial support, but the city has provided offices for Take Root and consultation services by Mr. Hyde.