PAUL SCHRAG: CITY OF TACOMA IS GOING JOHNNY APPLESEED ON OUR ASSES >>>

City of Tacoma is set to get all gung-ho on going green. I mean really green. Like tree green. City officials in charge of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry program recently presented to Tacoma’s Environment and Public Works Committee a comprehensive set of policy guidelines that would make it easier for citizens and others to plant and manage trees along Tacoma’s crumbling streets, and elsewhere.

Aside from being pretty, trees provide a host of benefits for the cities in which they grow. Trees literally clean the air by absorbing air pollutants and releasing oxygen. They reduce storm water runoff and erosion; they temper climate; they can save energy; they create wild life habitat; they can improve health, serve as screens, and strengthen community. They can even help contribute to a community’s economy and way of life.

Read the rest of my report of the Weekly Volcano Web site.