[CANUFNET] tree canopy target

[Erika Mashig]

Hi Alan,

The City of New Westminster is targeting 27% canopy cover (currently at 18%) in 20 years time. Our target is both "achievable and ambitious" and is based on an analysis of our plantable spots (ie how much available space we have on our streets, boulevards, park edges and privately owned lands).

Cheers,

Erika

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: [CANUFNET] tree canopy target

From: Alan Kemp <Alan.Kemp at nanaimo.ca>

Date: Jun 21, 2016, 9:12 AM

To: 'Canadian Urban Forest Network' <canufnet at list.web.net>
The City of Nanaimo has an Urban Forest Management Strategy. In that Strategy we have a target of increasing our forest canopy to over 30% in the next decade. Of course this is difficult in the urban setting. Our Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw supports this document by requiring tree replacement plans for development, which in general terms works. However, I was asked why 30% or even 35%? What is the scientific reasoning behind that. Although I can explain all the benefits of an urban forest, I could not really give a good science based answer. I have looked through a lot of literature, but don’t seem to be able to give a reasonable answer.

Any suggestions?

Alan Kemp
Urban Forestry Coordinator
Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Risk Assessor
Community Development
City of Nanaimo
250 755 4460 (local 4357)
alan.kemp at nanaimo.ca
www.nanaimo.ca/goto/urbantrees