Urban Forestry Plan Feasibility Study

Urban Forestry Plan Fasibility Study

The North Columbia Environmental Society (NCES) has initiated an Urban Forestry Plan Feasibility Study in Revelstoke. The objective of the project is to complete a study and public consultation/information delivery process that will set the stage for the development of an Urban Forestry Plan for Revelstoke, to preserve and enhance our local trees and green spaces. The feasibility study has been funded by the Columbia Basin Trust through the Columbia-Kootenay Fisheries Renewal Partnership and will be completed by March 2002.

Project Goals

To raise awareness of the value of urban and community forests and green spaces and their impact on our quality of life (economic, aesthetic, and environmental).
To support development of an urban forestry plan for our community.
To involve the community in caring for our trees and green spaces.

Urban Forestry

Urban forestry refers to planning and managing of city trees (and related vegetation) in a manner that promotes their environmental, cultural, and biological health. This can include both public and private urban property. A healthy, well-maintained urban forest serves a variety of functions including conserving energy (by providing shade and evaporative cooling), improving air quality (by absorbing carbon dioxide and ozone, adsorbing particulate matter, and producing oxygen), reducing wind speed and directing air flow, reducing noise pollution, providing habitat for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife, reducing storm runoff and the potential for soil erosion, increasing real property values, and enhancing visual and aesthetic qualities that attract visitors and businesses and serve as a source of community image and pride.

What Is an Urban Forestry Plan?

The exact content of an urban forestry plan depends upon the specific needs of the particular city. However, common issues that may be addressed include:

Optimizing tree cover, age, and species diversity through retention of existing tree cover, tree selection and carefully phased planting and removal. The trees that make up an urban forest have to be removed as they die, when their health, appearance, or structural integrity decline substantially, or when they conflict excessively with utilities and structures. If areas are planted with a single species at one time, a large percentage of the trees will likely need to be removed over a short time period. This results in a rapid reduction in canopy cover and the loss of many of the benefits provided by an urban forest. This undesirable situation is less likely to occur if the urban forest is composed of a variety of tree age classes and species. Species diversity also helps to buffer urban forests against insect pests and plant pathogens that often only attack one or a few tree species.

Maintaining trees in a healthy condition through good cultural practices (soil development, site and tree selection, tree planting and maintenance, disease diagnosis and treatment, and hazard tree identification and management). Promoting tree health helps communities protect their investment in the urban forest. Public health and safety also depend on healthy trees as improperly maintained and unhealthy trees often have an increased risk of breakage or failure, which can result in personal injury and property damage. Cultural practices have a major impact on the health of urban trees. For example, proper and timely pruning can promote good tree structure and health, whereas topping and other improper pruning techniques can result in hazardous structure and decay.

Providing for urban wildlife and linking green areas within and around the city. In Revelstoke this would also involve addressing issues concerning trees that attract bears.

Fostering community support for local urban forestry projects through involving residents in tree planting, replacement, and special tree programs (heritage, historic, and landmark).

Addressing wildfire/urban interface issues to promote protection of the urban forest and property in the event of wildfires in surrounding forested areas.

Avoiding tree and utility conflicts through proper selection, planting, and pruning of trees in cooperation with utility companies and city public works departments.

Encouraging and supporting good tree management on privately owned properties through provision of information, education, bylaws, and incentives.

Selecting, situating, and maintaining street trees appropriately to maximize benefits and minimize hazard, nuisance, hardscape damage (i.e. pavement, sidewalks, curbs), and maintenance costs.

Centralizing tree management to coordinate response to the wide variety of situations that can impact trees in urban environments. Tree related issues arise in a number of different municipal departments (planning, public works, parks and recreation) as well as with utility companies, tree service firms, developers, and private citizens. Overall coordination is required.

Promoting efficient and cost effective management of urban forest resources. To operate efficiently and ensure that resources are directed toward the most critical activities, a tree program must have a clear set of priorities and long-range plan.

Facilitating resolution of tree-related conflicts between citizens such as disputes over trees that create a nuisance, obstruct light or views, or are hazardous.

Local Input Required

One of the components of this project is to seek input from local stakeholders, interested groups, and individuals. Input is required regarding current urban forestry planning and practices, existing problems, concerns, and successes, and the level of interest for the future management of trees and green spaces in Revelstoke. Individuals or groups can provide input to the study via telephone or personal interviews, group presentations and discussion, or written submissions.

The Urban Forestry Plan Feasibility Study is being completed by the NCES Environmental Coordinator Nora Manners. If you would be interested in providing input to this study, please contact Nora at the voicemail or e-mail address below.