The Louisiana Senate has passed a concurrent resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to conduct a study and provide recommendations on enhancing urban forestry within the state. The resolution highlights the numerous benefits of trees in urban environments, including their role in improving property values, conserving energy, reducing air pollution, and enhancing the overall quality of life. It notes that urban areas in Louisiana are currently losing more trees than they are replacing, which is exacerbated by inadequate funding for urban forestry initiatives.

The resolution also references a 2021 report that underscores the economic impact of urban forestry in Louisiana, indicating that it generates significant environmental benefits and supports thousands of jobs. Despite these advantages, the state has received limited federal funding for urban forestry programs. The resolution calls for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to explore alternative funding mechanisms to support urban forestry efforts and to submit a report with their findings by February 15, 2025.