Tree Planting on June 4

Post Date:05/26/2017 2:46 PM

On Sunday, June 4th, Park City Municipal and Summit Lands Conservancy are partnering up to plant trees, and we need your help!

**Click HERE to sign up**

  • Who: You! Volunteers are discouraged from bringing dogs and small children as the work will be moderately strenuous and there will be a lot of activity going on.
  • Why: to help tackle climate change
  • When: Sunday, June 4th at 9:00 am
  • Where: meet at the Quinns Trailhead by the Park City Ice Arena. We’ll plant the trees in Round Valley.
  • What (to bring): gloves, a shovel, water and snacks.

Park City has the most ambitious climate goals in North America: net-zero carbon and running on 100% renewable electricity by 2032 for the whole community (and by 2022 for municipal operations). Being a leader means we need to get creative.

Not only are we looking at ways to reduce our carbon emissions, but also exploring how we can increase the amount of carbon that our lands soak up; our carbon sinks. Plants and trees are one of nature’s best carbon sinks, as they capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and lock it away from the atmosphere for some time.

With advisory from USU extension, we have identified the best tree and shrub species native to Park City that will soak up the most carbon. Now we want to get them in the ground to test which native species grow the best, with the least amount of maintenance and water. The plantings will not be a part of a landscaped area, rather in natural areas. This pilot project, and the outcomes that come from it, will help shape future tree planting sites and carbon sink strategies. Need more info? Contact celia.peterson@parkcity.org

 

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Renewables

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Converting our electricity to 100% renewable is a major part of our transition to become a carbon neutral community. Renewable electricity is created using technologies that don't burn any fossil fuels to create energy, such as water, wind or the sun. There are no associated greenhouse gas emissions with creating energy from renewables. We're confident that the future will be powered with renewables.

Approximately one-third of our community-wide carbon footprint comes from the electricity we use. Decarbonization means removing the carbon emitted from our energy sources. Transitioning to renewables is how we will decarbonize the energy that Park City uses.

In 2016, Park City made the decision to work with the local utility, Rocky Mountain Power, to work together to bring 100% renewable electricity to Park City. Salt Lake City, Summit County and Moab have joined the effort and in total we will convert eighteen percent of Utah’s electric grid to renewables. While Park City is a small community of only around 8,000 people, we believe we have the power to influence to create a pathway for other communities to transition to 100% renewables.

Not only does renewable energy emit drastically fewer carbon emissions as it produces electricity, it will transform Utah’s economy, produce jobs and provide stable electricity. It will also clean the air as we transition our homes, buildings, and transportation to fully electric. Renewables are becoming cheaper than fossil fuels. Renewable energy has plunged is price, and now is competitive, and often cheaper, when compared to traditional coal and natural gas generation. Renewable electricity often has zero cost fuel. The sun and wind don’t ever send a bill. Compare this to traditional coal and natural gas generation, where the fuel price can fluctuate. PacifiCorp, Rocky Mountain Power’s parent company, recently stated that thirteen of its twenty-two coal plants are uneconomic.

In addition, renewable energy keeps the dollars spent on energy close to home. Park City alone spends over $245 million per year on energy, much of which ends up in unstable or even corrupt regions of the world. Imagine if that money was spent on local jobs, benefiting our local economy?

energy spend infographic (1)