[CANUFNET] Heritage Trees

[Mark Ventresca]

Hi Mark,

The issue, as can be seen in some of the replies to your inquiry, is that it is very messy. The basis in Ontario for that mess and likely elsewhere is the use of “Heritage” which legally means one thing and we are all mostly applying it another way.

Heritage is defined as a human story, if the tree has a human story it may be “Heritage” but even if the human story is compelling it may take too long or not be useful should it ever manage to get designated. As well the property owners have a huge say in what happens, example are the Vimy Oaks in Scarborough (compelling human story, obvious heritage connection, reluctant property owner (who does maintain the trees, but does not want the attention)).

We use the word heritage to identify, an often large, tree in good health that should be preserved due to uniqueness or similar to heritage “an excellent example of the species” that is threatened by some damaging action.  A heritage tree would have a story period, the condition, size or species of the tree is irrelevant.

I think this confusion needs to be sorted out and a different designation be placed on significant biological entities (trees, cows, ecosystems, habitats). The issues of a “heritage” cow is similar to a tree (except the cow can be relocated/saved with no property impacts). A “significant” tree could have heightened protections either provincially (best) or municipally (though there are drawbacks in Ontario unless we can have the Municipal and Toronto Acts changed). Perhaps there is a better term than “significant”, but it must not be “heritage”.

Obviously doing this requires a list of requirements to be met in order for a tree to be considered as well as process to designate, and what specific protections this designation provides. In Toronto the current “work-around” is that permits to injure/remove trees that are likely to be heritage/significant or could be heritage/significant must be approved by Council, this is an increased review level as most permits are issued at the staff level. Obviously, the downside is a lack of clarity of what meets these requirements. I think this is the biggest challenge is coming up with a consistent list of characteristics that make a significant / remarkable tree.

Mark

Mark Ventresca
ISA Certified Arborist/TRAQ
Toronto, ON


Mark Ventresca
Senior Project Manager – Subways
Parks Planning & Strategic Initiatives
Parks, Forestry & Recreation
City of Toronto

Phone: 416-394-5583
Email: Mark.Ventresca at toronto.ca



From: CANUFNET <canufnet-bounces at list.web.net> On Behalf Of Mark Carroll via CANUFNET
Sent: April 16, 2024 10:56 AM
To: UMass Extension (Dr. Rick Harper Urban Forestry Today) <uft at umass.edu>; Canadian Urban Forest Network <canufnet at list.web.net>
Cc: Mark Carroll <environment1st at rogers.com>
Subject: [External Sender] [CANUFNET] Heritage Trees

Good day to all

This is where we are with developing a heritage tree bylaw.



"Developing a heritage tree bylaw or policy is a great initiative for preserving the natural heritage of your town. While the Ontario Heritage Act provides a framework for heritage preservation, creating additional measures specific to trees can further enhance conservation efforts. Here are some suggestions and examples you might find helpful:

  1.  Research Existing Policies: Look into other municipalities in Ontario or even beyond that have implemented successful heritage tree bylaws or policies. Some examples include Toronto's Significant Tree Bylaw and Vancouver's Heritage Trees Program. Analyze their frameworks, criteria for designation, and enforcement mechanisms to glean insights for your own policy.

  1.  Define Criteria for Designation: Establish clear criteria for designating heritage trees, considering factors such as age, size, rarity, historical significance, cultural importance, and ecological value. This ensures that only trees meeting specific criteria receive protection."

I am looking for anyone or City or Town that might have a good heritage tree bylaw or policy. I am looking to develop one for a small Town in Ontario. We want it to go above and beyond the Ontario Heritage Act or designation. If anyone knows of some good wording or examples that will preserve some of the more recognized or larger trees within a municipality.

Thank you for your attention to this request,

Mark Carroll
ISA Certified Arborist
Municipal Consultant
Certified Soil Biologist

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