SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and TreeUtah today announced ReTree SLC, a joint effort to replace thousands of trees lost throughout the City during the windstorm on September 7 and 8. The effort’s donation portal launched today and funds raised will go toward the replanting of the more than 1,500 public trees that were lost within Salt Lake City boundaries.

“As a certified tree-lover, this has been difficult, especially since we know the benefits that trees and tree canopies provide residents, including reducing air pollution, conserving water and increasing walkability,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “Trees are indispensable. But luckily, they aren’t completely irreplaceable; we’re going to do our best to regrow what was lost and more.”

“All of us at TreeUtah are saddened by the devastating loss of trees during the storm, but it just heightens our dedication to plant as many trees as possible toward a healthy urban forest. The trees we plant now will provide a better quality of life in Salt Lake City for generations,” TreeUtah’s Executive Director Amy May said.

Trees in Salt Lake City parks were hit especially hard during the storm, with Liberty Park losing 69 trees and the Salt Lake City Cemetery losing 255 trees. 

Donors to ReTree SLC have the ability to make single donations or sign up for an ongoing monthly contribution, and they can specify that their donation go toward replanting in Liberty Park, the Salt Lake City Cemetery, the Jordan River Park/International Peace Gardens, Rosewood Park, or wherever a tree is needed most. 

To help kick off the initiative, Rocky Mountain Power will be matching the first $10,000 raised. Ivory Homes has also committed to supporting the effort to replant trees throughout the City.

“As our crews worked day and night to restore power following the historic windstorm earlier this month, they witnessed the devastation to the urban forest firsthand. Rocky Mountain Power immediately recognized the value of forming partnerships and providing resources to jumpstart a replanting effort to begin healing Salt Lake City’s most prized natural spaces,” said Jeff Barrett, Rocky Mountain Power regional business manager for Salt Lake City.

Funds raised will directly help purchase trees that are selected to be hardy in the City’s urban environment for generations to come.

ReTree SLC will also include a volunteer effort through TreeUtah for the public to assist in planting trees. Everyone who contributes will be informed of planting opportunities via email and all TreeUtah events are available at treeutah.org/events. 

Donations can be made at www.retreeslc.com.

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