Columbia selected for Trees4SC’s community forest project
TL/DR –
The City of Columbia is one of three South Carolina communities selected to participate in Trees4SC, a statewide community forestry initiative aimed at expanding and strengthening urban tree canopies. The initiative, led by the Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, supports local governments in mapping and planning growth of community forests, with benefits including cleaner air and water, reduced flooding, shade, and enhanced neighborhood beauty. Over the next two years, the program will map Columbia’s tree canopy, identify spaces for tree planting, host community engagement events, and launch the program’s third round of funding for tree planning and planting.
Columbia Selected for Trees4SC! Statewide Community Forestry Initiative
The city of Columbia in South Carolina has been chosen to participate in the Trees4SC! program. This makes it one of three communities in the state, including Lexington and Spartanburg, to be a part of the third funding phase of the initiative. The funding will be used for tree planning and planting activities over the next two years.
Columbia’s selection was for the Trees4SC! program, a statewide community forestry initiative designed to fortify and increase the urban tree canopy.
The Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Urban and Community Forestry Program lead the initiative. The USDA Forest Service, via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), provides the funds for Trees4SC!. The program’s aim is to back local governments in their efforts to map, plan, and grow robust community forests. The focus is on expanding access to the various benefits of trees, which include cleaner air and water, flood reduction, shade, improved neighborhood aesthetics, among others.
The program will assist Columbia, along with Lexington and Spartanburg, in executing tree planning and planting activities over the next two years, starting in 2026.
A community forest, as explained by officials, consists of all trees within a city – in parks, along streets and in neighborhoods. These trees collectively enhance environmental health and community well-being. The benefits of trees include reduced air pollution, stormwater filtering, cooling shade provision, wildlife support, and increased property values.
City officials also stated that a tree canopy can help cities like Columbia by mitigating summer heat and reducing energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy’s assertion that “Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses” supports this claim.
In the upcoming year, the Green Infrastructure Center will collaborate with the City of Columbia to map the city’s tree canopy, identify open spaces suitable for tree planting, and determine areas where trees can provide the greatest environmental and social advantages. The second year of the project will involve launching community engagement events where residents can understand the importance of trees and even receive a free tree to plant at home.
Anyone interested in contributing to the development of the city’s community forest plan is invited to join a local advisory committee. To participate, individuals can reach out to Brian Neiger, Superintendent of Forestry and Beautification, at Brian.Neiger@columbiasc.gov.
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