Sussex residents urged to complete tree survey by Sept. 8

Sussex Preservation Coalition, which advocates for conservation of trees and woodlands, is conducting a public survey that will help ensure residents’ voices are heard by the Sussex County Council.

The survey is available at the SPC website, sussexpreservationcoalition.org, through Friday, Sept. 8. The results will be shared with the public and the council.

“SPC is conducting this survey to gain public perspective on the importance of trees and woodlands, and the support for stronger regulations for their preservation and protection,” said Jane Gruenebaum, coalition president. “The council will soon begin reviewing certain regulations, so it’s critical that local residents make their views known.”

Unlike all surrounding jurisdictions, Sussex County has no effective codes or ordinances protecting trees and forests, Gruenebaum said.

Sussex County has lost 36,000 acres of trees since 1986, approximately 1,000 acres of woodlands annually. This loss not only diminishes quality of life for residents, but also affects animal habitats and waterway quality. Trees also are critical to converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, and their loss contributes to climate change and rising sea levels that will adversely affect Delaware.

SPC recently launched a Trees = Livable Communities campaign focused on securing comprehensive and enforceable protections for trees and forests.