A new study released today from the South LA Tree Coalition (SLATC) – in partnership with USC Dornsife Public Exchange and USC Price School of Public Policy – explores South Los Angeles community leaders’ views on the urban forest and tree equity issues in South L.A. While prior research has documented patterns of injustices leading to urban canopy inequalities in South L.A., this study was developed and conducted in partnership with a community-based organization in South L.A.
The research team conducted interviews with community leaders to explore perspectives, needs, and challenges around urban forestry in South L.A. The findings aim to inform advocacy efforts and increase representation of the area’s diverse communities in tree-related policy and decision-making processes.
“The study shows that community leaders are aware of tree canopy disparities in South L.A. compared to other parts of the city, as well as the health risks associated with the lack of trees,” said Theresa Maysonet, co-founder, South LA Tree Coalition. “Study participants emphasized the importance of local policy makers correcting these systemic inequities. We hope the study’s findings ignite community-led tree planting efforts and lead to a thriving, more equitable urban canopy across Los Angeles.”
Compared to L.A.’s average of 21% tree canopy coverage, South L.A. communities average only about 13% – with some areas falling as low as 5%.* This lack of trees contributes to the environmental injustices experienced daily by South L.A. residents. As the City and local decision-makers pledge to expand the urban canopy in high-need communities, the report highlights the importance of elevating the voices of historically underrepresented and marginalized South L.A. residents in tree planning and policy-making.
“Public Exchange has been connecting researchers with community partners to grow a more equitable urban forest in Los Angeles since our work began in 2020. This latest project with SLATC represents a new chapter in our USC Urban Trees Initiative, providing new insights into community member’s diverse perspectives of trees and enabling us to prioritize future research that addresses their needs,” said Monica Dean, Climate and Sustainability Practice Director, USC Dornsife Public Exchange.
Key findings from the report include:
- Trees in South L.A. play a role in community leaders’ perceptions of neighborhood identity, environmental conditions, as well as public health and safety.
- Competing priorities, limited resources, and lack of awareness present barriers to tree-related planning efforts in the community.
- Community leaders value healthy tree canopy in South L.A. and envision a future with equitable and intentional greenery supported by community initiatives and proper maintenance.
“As climate change intensifies, tree shade will become an increasingly important way to stay cool and avoid the worst effects of intense heat,” said Santina Contreras, an Assistant Professor at the USC Price School and the study’s Principal Investigator. “While these facts have been well understood, the voices of vulnerable communities have frequently been left out of the conversation on these issues. Our study works to contribute to this space by identifying key issues and recommendations for future improvement from the perspective of South LA residents. In this way, our findings contribute to efforts to create a robust urban forest in South L.A. in a way that protects and benefits the entire community.”
The study’s sample audience focused on community leaders due to their extensive knowledge of broader community needs and interests across South L.A. communities. For the purpose of this study, Service Planning Area (SPA) 6, as defined by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, was used as the bounds for South Los Angeles, which includes the neighborhoods of Athens, Compton, Crenshaw, Florence, Hyde Park, Lynwood, Paramount, and Watts.
The in-depth report (“Rooted Connections: Understanding South Los Angeles Community Leaders’ Relationship to the Urban Forest) is available for download on the USC Dornsife Public Exchange website. The findings will be disseminated widely to local decision-makers, council districts, and neighborhood councils to amplify community voices and advocate for removing barriers to tree planting and planning efforts.
ABOUT SOUTH LA TREE COALITION
The South LA Tree Coalition (SLATC) was founded in 2021 in response to the removal of a grove of protected Sycamore trees in South L.A. for a development project. Their mission is to close equity gaps throughout LA’s urban forest and facilitate the preservation, protection, and growth of South LA’s tree canopy through progressive advocacy and community-based efforts.
ABOUT USC DORNSIFE PUBLIC EXCHANGE
USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange (PX) fast-tracks collaboration between academic researchers and the public and private sectors to define, analyze and move the needle on the world’s most complex issues. PX is delivering research that drives policy, programs & products to build a better future.
