• 1991  tree by-law must be revised “in order to control the number of trees, woodlots & habitat destroyed annually by development”  (Park Naturalization Policy)
  • 1994   “Methods for protecting trees from development should be developed” (Green Plan)
  • 2003   Environmental Action Plan recommends tree inventory, updating tree by-law to protect natural features and developing guidelines to protect trees during construction.
  • 2003  Tree Protection Report–Background Review & Recommendations, Aboud & Associates, Inc., September 29, 2003 recommends professional forester with a degree in forestry or arboriculture.
  • 2005   Council resolution asking staff to prepare funding request for urban forest study and tree maintenance program
  • 2007  (October)  Staff report states that Urban Forest Plan will be finalized with details for implementation and be presented to council in first quarter of 2008
  • 2007   (November)  Council resolution that staff report back following the visioning process with cost estimate for urban forest management plan
  • 2007  Goal 6.6 “A biodiverse city with the highest tree canopy percentage among comparable municipalities”  (2007 Strategic Plan
  • 2008   (January) Council approves prioritizing the Strategic Urban Forest Management
  • 2009   ‘ Strategic Urban Forest Management Plan Recommendations’ contain 27 uses of the word ‘should’ instead of ‘will’ .  No protection in sight.  Guelph is still losing tree canopy due to construction and high impact development and lack of  protective tree by-law.

We need action now.

We need an interim protective tree bylaw now.

We need an independent urban forestry department.

We need a certified forester to direct tree, shade and water interconnection, public education and enforcement of tree maintenance and protection.

We need an urban forest advisory committee to support this department .

Guelph Urban Forest Friends

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