While politicians regularly commit to planting new trees when the cameras are rolling, city council hasn't approved a Urban Forest Management Strategy since before 2003 when the last plan expired.
The benefits of an official plan are self evident - councillors can approve multi-year budget allotments to the city's forestry department that reflect the real scope of work needed. Equipment purchases, staffing resources and re-planting options need the benefit of formal plan to avoid costly mistakes made on the fly. The City's ash trees were largely planted to replace trees killed by Dutch Elm disease. Let's have a plan. Sign our petition calling on Ottawa to adopt a clear, publicly available Urban Forest Management Strategy.
Click here to sign the petition!
Latest posts
Ecology Ottawa welcomes Interim Executive Director, William van Geest
I write as Ecology Ottawa’s new Interim Executive Director. As Interim Executive Director, I look forward to leading our small but mighty organization in its impactful organizing, programming and community-building work.
First Draft of Ottawa’s New Zoning By-Law: Exciting changes ahead!
The first draft of the new Zoning By-Law was released last month and is open to public consultation. Given the importance of this document to the City’s shape and functioning, we will highlight the exciting ecological benefits this draft could bring.
Ecology Ottawa Voices Support for Tree-Planting Strategy
Pour le français, cliquez ici.
We delegated to City Council's Environment and Climate Change Committee at their June 18 meeting on the City's Tree-Planting Strategy. In short: it's great, but doesn't go far enough. Read our delegation here!