Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg councillors heard a presentation on the final draft of the Urban Forestry Master Plan at its July meeting.
Presented by Cynthia Levesque of Kilgour and Associates Ltd., its aim is to establish a healthy and sustainable urban forest that contributes to the economic, environmental and social vitality of the town.
A process of review and consultation has gone into recommending strategies strategies for such things as tree care, inventory, inspections, risk management and partnership opportunities.
“There was a lot of well-thought, true input that helped us to develop and refine what you see before you,” Levesque said.
More than 6,000 trees were inventoried during the process that ascertained that the tree canopy covers about 27% of the community (with a goal to raise it to 35%, she said). About 38% of these trees are maple, but there are 111 different species. She estimates 80% of them are in good condition.
A healthy urban forest contriutes to a community’s sustainability, Levesque said.
“Studies show people will enjoy and visit more often, and the whole quality of life for residents within the town is enhanced.”
She estimates perhaps $70-million worth of benefits accrue to the town from its tree canopy, not only in things like air quality and storm-water management but also wildlife habitat, biodiversity, increased property values and the way trees encourage outdoor activity.
In offering a 2037 vision, she listed several supporting principles, including a lush, diverse, healthy and resilient urban forest, as well as community involvement in its sustainability.
To meet these principles, she set out nine work-plan programs, including a tree planting program, town heritage tree program and community stewardship program.
Levesque and town arbourist Rory Quigley also referred to the right tree in the right place. This kind of forethought cuts down on what director of public works Laurie Wills described as the eyesore of healthy tree foliage cut into a notch shape to accommodate power wires.
“This document should stand Cobourg in good stead for the next 40 years,” Mayor Gil Brocanier predicted.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
