A permanent oak ordinance would protect our environment

We need a permanent oak tree ordinance consistent with San Luis Obispo County’s adopted Climate Action Plan. It would implement CAP’s community forestry program, which is identified as a greenhouse gas reduction measure. CAP encourages tree planting for carbon sequestration, the heart of reducing the effects of climate change.

In their mission statement, the Board of Supervisors committed to policies and actions that enhance the economic, environmental and social quality of life in the county. Oaks contribute to each of these qualities, and a permanent preservation ordinance fulfills this mission.

▪  Oaks emit oxygen that we breathe to survive.

▪  They are a crucial component of carbon sequestration.

▪  Their roots stabilize hillsides and help to infiltrate groundwater.

▪  Oaks provide shade, food and nesting habitat for wildlife.

▪  Oaks attract home buyers.

▪  People seek oak settings for their weddings.

▪  Oaks are part of our culture. We have a city, events, schools, streets and wineries named after them.

Climate change is killing oaks. Disease, drought-induced weakness and fires threaten oaks in a changing climate. If oaks are dying from circumstances that are so difficult to change, why should we allow their continued demise over something we can change?

This story was originally published August 26, 2016 at 7:50 PM with the headline "A permanent oak ordinance would protect our environment."