[CANUFNET] Preserving Mature Trees in Urban Public Parks

[Lorraine Johnson]

There's an article in Ground: Landscape Architect Quarterly (issue #13, Spring 2011, page 32) on the National Capital Commission's study of impacts of festival events on parks/trees. (You can download a copy of the magazine at www.oala.ca.)

cheers,
Lorraine Johnson
Editor, Ground: Landscape Architect Quarterly
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gina Brouwer 
  To: canufnet at list.web.net 
  Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 12:02 PM
  Subject: [CANUFNET] Preserving Mature Trees in Urban Public Parks


  Hello,

  I am a part-time student in the Master of Forest Conservation program at U of Toronto and I will be completing my final research paper this coming fall semester.  I have been doing studies for the Town of Cobourg throughout this program including tree inventory, EAB Management Plan and coordination of their Heritage NeighbourWoods pilot program this past summer with the town arborist.  



  I am starting to conduct background research for my final paper which will focus on mature and heritage tree preservation and management options.  I am looking at mature boulevard trees in the heritage dristrict as well as mature trees in Victoria Park along the Cobourg beach.  Of particular concern are the park trees and the impact of increased park use and major festivals primarily relative to soil compaction.  There has also been media attention lately surrounding the impact of 'Ribfest' due to heat and grease.  The main park study area has recently seen the death of two mature elms due to DED and branch union failure of large silver maples.  The remaining mature trees are primarily silver maple, a butternut and some massive cottonwood along the boardwalk which have been getting attention as heritage candidates from council and the community.  



  I have not yet found much background information, guidelines or precedents on managing user impacts in public urban parks and would appreciate any experience or insight this group can share.  The Town has started doing some investigation this year including compaction testing around trees.  Testing leading up to the Canada Day festival in dry conditions revealed extreme compaction. This will be an ongoing study to gather data under various conditions in spring and fall.  There are also discussions about mitigation measures such as radial excavation and mulching.  



  I appreciate any feedback.  



  Many thanks!  



  Gina Brouwer, OALA, CSLA, ISA

  * MFC Candidate 

  Manager of Landscape Architecture 

  Planning, Design and Development

  Canada Central East 

  D 905.372.2121 ext.249

  Gina.Brouwer at mail.utoronto.ca 

  Gina.Brouwer at aecom.com



  AECOM
  513 Division Street
  Cobourg, ON  K9A 5G6

  T 905.372.2121 F 905.372.3621

  C: 905.373.5015
  www.aecom.com
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