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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - 2017-04-04 - Item 4 - Developing a Sustainable Urban Forest Management Program Date: March 20, 2017 To: Heritage Kitchener, Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee, Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee and the Environmental Committee From: David Schmitt, Environmental & Urban Forest Project Manager Design & Development, Operations Environmental Services Subject: Developing a Sustainable Urban Forest Management Program One of the strategic initiatives approved in the StrategicPlan (2015-2018) was to “manage and enhance the urban forest so that it will continue to make a long-term contribution to the livability of Kitchener.” With this direction, the corporate project Sustainable Urban Forest Management Programwas initiatedand staff are now ready to start the first phase of community engagement.A background document, included with this memo, has been developed to provide more information as this discussionstarts. A GIS story map has also been developed allowing residents to discover the urban forest in their neighbourhood and learn about the city’s tree canopy. Itcan be viewed atwww.kitchener.ca\\trees. In attendingthe above citizen committees, staff will provide a brief presentation, answer any questions and will also be seeking input from committee members. David Schmitt David.schmitt@kitchener.ca 519-741-2600x4891 4 - 1 Background DocumentBackground Document Developing a Sustainable Urban Forest ProgramDeveloping a Sustainable Urban Forest Program Operations Environmental Services, Infrastructure Services Department 4 - 2 March 17, 2017 This page left blank intentionally. 4 - 3 Introduction 2 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 Table of contents CHAPTER 1 - IntroductionCHAPTER 4 - Kitchener’s Urban Forest SectionPgSectionPg Table of contents34.1 Kitchener’s tree canopy25 4Quick fact - Setting realistic canopy cover goals26 Introduction54.2 Kitchener’s street & park trees27 Summary of work completed to date64.3 Kitchener’s natural areas28 Quick fact #1 - Natural heritage & biodiversity7Quick fact # 5 - New technology tools ...29 CHAPTER 2 - Project BackgroundCHAPTER 5 - Challenges & Opportunities SectionPg SectionPg 2.1 What is the urban forest9 5.1 Customer service levels31 2.2 Why is the city doing this work?10 5.2 Soil quality & quantity32 2.3 How will the city achieve this goal?10 5.3 Competition for space32 2.4 Are trees really that valueable of an asset?11 5.4 Natural area conservation33 2.5 Large, mature trees provide the most services11 5.5 Invasive species33 2.6 The services trees provide to the community12 5.6 The private urban forest34 Quick fact #2 - Protecting big, old trees13 5.7 Climate change34 Quick fact # 6 - Thriving or alive?35 CHAPTER 3 - Program Overview SectionPg CHAPTER 6 - Next Steps 3.1 Moving from a reactive to proactive program15 SectionPg 3.2 Project outcomes16 Next steps36 3.3 Summary of key project phases17 Contact information36 3.4 Community engagement18 3.5 Project framework - 19 Principles & Program Elements 3.5.1 PLAN20 3.5.2 ENGAGE20 3.5.3 PROTECT21 3.5.4 MAINTAIN21 3.5.4.1 Structural pruning22 3.5.5 PLANT22 23 4 - 4 Introduction 3 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 List of Figures and Tables LIST OF FIGURES #TitlePg 1 Components of the urban forest 9 Strategic direction for Kitchener’s urban forest 210 311 4Percent tree canopy by city ward25 5Four factors that change canopy cover26 Number of street and park trees by life cycle stages. 627 7Age of development by planning community32 8Natural area encroachments33 LIST OF TABLES #TitlePg 115 Comparison of reactive and proactive urban forest program 2 Project outcomes and descriptions 16 317 Summary of key project phases 419 Principles of a sustainable urban forest 5 Program elements 19 620 Five key activites for planning and managing the urban forest 7 How Kitchener’s tree canopy compares to other area cities?25 828 Summary of natural area by size class in hectares (ha) 934 Roles the city could undertake on private lands 4 - 5 Introduction 4 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 1. Introduction This document provides background information on the urban forest to support the development of a sustainable urban forest program. The six sections address the following areas: 1. Background information on the project - why the City is undertaking the work; a description of 2. community engagement. 3. required to work towards a sustainable urban forest. 4. Kitchener’s Urban Forest - provides information about the urban forest today including tree City’s website where you can explore the urban forest spatially across the City. 5. 6. Next steps - provides information on next steps and how to stay informed and connected on the project. 4 - 6 Introduction 5 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 1.1 Summary of work completed to date Project Introduction project - developing a sustainable urban forest program. At the time the proposed work received the background document. A number of factors delayed the second stage of this work. work also supports the next stages of work to be undertaken. Background research & review of municipal urban forest program Initial internal stakeholder meetings & interviews GIS analysis of tree inventory \\ natural areas Tree canopy analysis Legal \\ case law review & risk management GIS Story Maps Held two workshops\\lectures on urban soils Developed community engagement plan Developed background document Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program 4 - 7 Introduction 6 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 Kitchener is fortunate to have over 1,000 hectares of natural areas conserved for current and future generations. These “natural patches” are a representation of this area’s natural heritage and showing twenty-eight different species! Can you see all of them? Copyright by Emily S. Damstra Copyright by Emily S. Damstra 4 - 8 Introduction 7 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 2. PROJECT BACKGROUND Copyright by Emily S. Damstra CHAPTER 2 - Project background SectionPg 2.1 What is the urban forest?9 how it will achieve the stated goal. Additional 2.2 Why is the city doing this work?10 provide to the community and the importance 2.3 How will the city achieve this goal?10 2.4 Are trees really a valueable asset?11 11 12 Quick Facts - Big trees13 4 - 9 Project Background 8 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 2.1 WHAT IS THE URBAN FOREST? The urban forest is a collection of trees that grow within a city. It includes trees that have been and industrial lands. It also includes trees that are natural - meaning they were not planted. This have more than one owner. separated into two parts: lands that are the responsibility Urban Forestry is “the art, science, and technology of managing trees and forest resources in and around urban community ecosystems for physiological, sociological, economic, and aesthetic Helms 1998 will be useful as the discussion of creating an urban forest strategy with the community is initiated. Figure 1 - Components of the urban forest Note: Percent value for city and other lands is the current canopy cover Urban Forest CITY LAND OTHER LANDS 44% 56% Street treesPark treesNatural areasOther city landsPrivate landsAgency lands 4 - 10 Project Background 9 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 2.2 WHY IS THE CITY DOING THIS WORK? and infrastructure section: “Manage and enhance the urban forest so that it will continue to make a long-term contribution to the livability of Kitchener.” In addition to the community identifying a high level of support for trees during the strategic plan loss of thousands of ash trees throughout the city due to emerald ash borer; urban forest on city lands is a corporate asset that is to be managed so that they are 2.3 HOW WILL THE CITY ACHIEVE THIS GOAL? Figure 2 - Strategic direction for Kitchener’s urban forest the city created a corporate project with four key objectives: Kitchener’s Strategic Plan (2015-2018) 1. Initiate the development of a sustainable urban forest program 2. Create an urban forest strategy for the 4.1 Strategic Plan Initiative public and private urban forest Kitchener’s Strategic Plan Manage & enhance the urban forest so that it will continue to 3. Create an asset management plan for make a long-term contribution to the livability of Kitchener. trees on city lands 4. Propose a program that can be achieved and maintained based on the true Sustainable Urban Forest Management Program Strategic Action SE6 capacity of the city to manage the This project will initiate the development of a Sustainable Urban resource. Forest Program with the creation of an urban forest strategic plan for the public and private urban forest, and an asset manage- ment plan for trees on city lands. A sustainable program sets the course of action for a socially desirable urban forest that can also be achieved and maintained based on the true capacity of linkages between the strategic plan and this the city to manage the resource. corporate project. 4 - 11 Project Background 10 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 2.4 ARE TREES REALLY A VALUABLE ASSET? “Urban and community forestry has transcended its original niche function in public policy as an aesthetic amenity to to the community. While the soften the landscape. It is increasingly perceived as a solution to many more pressing urban environmental problems and even as a tool for community and social development true value of the urban forest is in the accurately and more often in economic terms ... increasingly communities are realizing that green infrastructure is an economical long-term investment that reduces the need for much greater expenditures in gray infrastructure.” JC Schwab (Ed.), 2009, Planning the Urban Forest a city. TD Economics - Special Report, September 14, 2014, The value of the urban forests in cities across Canada. 2.5 LARGE, MATURE TREES PROVIDE THE MOST BENEFITS increase TREE SIZE 4 - 12 Project Background 11 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 2.6 THE BENEFITS TREES PROVIDE TO THE COMMUNITY ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF TREES “The presence of larger trees in yards and as street trees can add from 3% to 15% to home values throughout neighbourhoods.” Green Cities: Good Health http://depts. Boosting residential housing market washington.edu/hhwb/Thm_Economics.html Enhancing commercial activity Wolf, K.L. 2007 (August). City Trees and Property Values. Arborist New Source: http://www.naturewithin.info/New/2016.2.TNC-Outside_Our_Doors_Report.pdf ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF TREES The urban forest is a key part of a city’s green of urban trees. This includes improving: Local climate and reducing energy use Noise abatement Wildlife and biodiversity Calculating the value of individual trees and Soil quality the urban forest using iTree Eco. Source: http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/fote/reports/nrs-62_sustaining_americas urban.pdf_ COMMUNITY (SOCIAL) BENEFITS OF TREES “Having 10 or more trees on your block has self-reported They include: Encouraging active lifestyles Toronto Star, July 14, 205 Nurturing mental and cognitive health (Neighborhood greenspace and health in a large urban centre) Improving neighbourhood safety Increasing environmental equity Source: http://www.naturewithin.info/New/2016.2.TNC-Outside_Our_Doors_Report.pdf 4 - 13 Project Background 12 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 Quick Fact # 2 - Protecting big, old trees. This red oak is a 127 cm in diameter! Trees of this size and age provide taken to protect this tree when Shanley Avenue was reconstructed, ensuring 4 - 14 Project Background 13 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3. Project overview Copyright by Emily S. Damstra A proactive program, illustrated above, includes; structural pruning, protection of the resource, collecting information about the resource, community engagement and stewardship. CHAPTER 3 - Project overview SectionPg of moving from a reactive to proactive 3.1 Moving from a reactive to proactive program15 time lines and planned community engagement 3.2 Project outcomes16 are also discussed. The last section describes the 3.3 Project time lines17 proposed framework that will be used to guide 3.4 Community engagement18 this project and the asset management plan for 3.5 Project framework trees on city lands. The framework includes: 19 (Principles, Program Elements) 3.5.1 PLAN20 3.5.2 ENGAGE20 sustainable urban forest. 3.5.3 PROTECT21 3.5.4 MAINTAIN21 3.5.4.1 Structural pruning22 3.5.5 PLANT22 23 4 - 15 Project Overview 14 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.1 MOVING FROM A REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE PROGRAM understanding that the urban forest needs to also be actively managed. municipalities are working towards today. Table 1 Comparison of reactive and proactive urban forest program Reactive ProgramProactive (Sustainable) Program Trees viewed as providing aesthetic beauty only, Trees are viewed as critical infrastructure. limited support for program investments, except traditional activities (i.e. tree planting, street actions that improve the livability, and health of the raising). community. Customer complaints are addressed based on set Customer complaints drive maintenance program. priorities within an approved plan. Trees / natural areas within cities are thought to be active management guided by a long-term plan. Asset size and growth is directed by an approved Asset (trees, natural area) is allowed to increase in size with no consideration given costs or risks. community. Tree planting is carried out with little consideration Tree planting is focused on selecting trees that will to site conditions and the long-term costs, risks and provide the maximum services for the least cost/risk. Program is guided by historical practices with a Program is based on current knowledge, best focus to address individual customer complaints.practices, advances in technology and engagement. Data collection is limited to the basic information Data collection, analysis and monitoring is seen as a critical activity that ensures the goals are achieved. Issues and decisions are made independently, There is an integrated and coordinated approach, at issue by issue, with no consideration to the big all levels directed by the approved plan. picture. 4 - 16 Project Overview 15 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.2 PROJECT OUTCOMES The proposed framework for this project and the A Sustainable Urban Forest is: development of a sustainable urban forest program for “The naturally occurring and Kitchener is consistent with the approach being taken planted trees in cities which are by municipalities across North America. The idea of a managed to provide inhabitants sustainable urban forest and the associated framework with a continuing level of economic, social, environmental and ecological et al standard adopted by many cities. The project description Clark et al, 1997 A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability provides a description of the four outcomes of this project. Table 2 - Project outcomes and description Description This project will propose the adoption of a new proactive program for the urban forest. The initiation of this program 1. Initiate development of program is seen as a long-term effort that will include all of the parts The strategy creates the long-term vision and goals for the urban 2. Urban forest strategy forest over the next 50-100 years. A time period that is consistent Directed by the approved urban forest strategy and other city 3. Implementation plan policies\\plans, the implementation plan will identify the short, mid, and long-term priorities and their associated costs, based on the true capacity of the city and community. Directed by the approved urban forest strategy and 4. Asset management plan implementation plan, staff will develop an asset management (City Lands Only) plan for all trees and the larger urban forest on city lands. As urbanization continues to alter our environment, the understanding and management of trees and forests in and around urban areas is essential to provide optimal forest services and values to David J Nowak, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 4 - 17 Project Overview 16 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.3 SUMMARY OF KEY PROJECT PHASES awareness and understanding of the urban forest within the corporation and community will occur throughout this project. three will provide the opportunity to review and have input on the draft strategy. Table 3 - Summary of key project phases 20172018 WinterSpringSummerFallWinterSpringSummerFall Background Information (Document) Gap Analysis & Benchmarking Increase urban forest awareness Community Engagement - Phase 1 Community Engagement - Phase 2 Community Engagement - Phase 3 Approval Urban Forest Strategy Approval Implementation Plan Asset Management Plan 4 - 18 Project Overview 17 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.4 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community engagement Neighbourhood Strategy & The City of Kitchener’s vision for engagement is to be The Urban Forest a community in which the public is engaged and active in decision-making about local issues. The guiding The goal of Kitchener’s Neighbhourhood principles for this project state the urban forest is a shared Strategy is to help people connect and work together to do great things in their community resource, with multiple owners and requires an neighbourhoods. Through the community informed and engaged community. engagement process the importance of the urban forest on public and private Community engagement will be an important part of this theme. project which will include: The potential connections and Informing the community by increasing awareness opportunities between the urban forest and understanding of the urban forest; and neighbhourhood strategy are Consulting by seeking public input on the strategy; develops, a key objective will be to identify and support these connections Collaborating with the community in the stewardship and opportunities. Communications - increase awareness and understanding Increasing the awareness and understanding of the urban forest is a key objective of this project. trees.” “The main conclusions of the Green City - Why Nature Matters to Health found; 1) Green space Toronto Public Health. (2015). Green City: Why nature matters to health – An Evidence Review. Toronto, Ontario. 4 - 19 Project Overview 18 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.5 PROJECT FRAMEWORK A framework that consists of guiding principles and program elements is proposed for this project. This framework will guide the development of of a sustainable urban forest and are common themes in plans developed Table 4 - Principles of a sustainable urban forest A sustainable urban forest: 1. Is a shared community resource, with multiple owners. 2. 3. Provides valuable, long-term services, contributing to the health and resiliency of the city. 4. Is a key part of the city’s green infrastructure, and plays a key role in climate mitigation \\ adaptation. 5. Maximizes the economic, environmental, and social services, while minimizing the associated risks and costs. 6. 7. increase it. Utilizes and adapts to emerging science, technology and best practices. discussed further on the following pages. Table 5 - Program elements 1) PLAN for the future & existing urban forest 2) ENGAGE the community 3) PROTECT the existing and future urban forest 4) MAINTAIN and restore the existing urban forest 5) PLANT the future urban forest 4 - 20 Project Overview 19 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.5.1 PLAN \\ Manage for the future and existing urban forest Planning is the cornerstone of working towards a sustainable urban forest. Without long-term Table 6 below must occur. Table 6 - Five key activities for planning and managing the urban forest PLAN - creates the long-term vision, goals and priorities (e.g. urban forest strategy) 3.5.2 ENGAGE the community canopy are on private lands and engaging the community is vital to maintain and\\or increase Kitchener’s tree canopy. Community stewardship is a key component that must occur to increase tree health and longevity. community groups and business. focuses on stewardship of the city’s natural areas is well-developed and has strong community support. The stewardship of the city’s street & park trees is in the early stages of development with the establishment of the volunteer tree watering program for new trees. The opportunities for urban forest stewardship on private a role to play in encouraging and supporting urban municipalities shows that such programs are often best Tree planting Lakeside park (top), volunteer tree watering program (bottom) 4 - 21 Project Overview 20 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.5.3 PROTECT the existing urban forest community in their mid-to-late life stages - protecting these assets to ensure they reach maturity is a key objective. Since the urban forest is a dynamic and living Trees and the soil they grow in must be protected for trees to reach maturity. Increasing community awareness and understanding is a key objective of any protection strategy. To ensure the asset is protected there also needs to be the appropriate damage to the asset while also providing appropriate compensation when the asset is damaged or removed. 3.5.4 MAINTAIN the existing urban forest throughout the tree’s life stages to minimize costs and Maintenance activities for trees can be grouped into four Protecting the urban forest from invasive species (i.e. emerald ash borer) is an increasing challenge. Maintenance programs also need to respond to customer requests about trees are received yearly. With this level program is a reactive program. described as the heart of a urban tree management Maintaining the existing urban forest includes removing trees that are at the end of their lifecycle or unsafe. 4 - 22 Project Overview 21 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 3.5.4.1 Structural pruning - Implementing best practices reduces long-term reactive maintenance costs and the practice of street raising; reduces the number of customer complaints; reduces the risk of tree failure and the potential for personal death\\injury or property damage. Structural pruning is the heart of a sustainable urban tree management program (Edward Gilman, 2012, An Illustrated Guide to Pruning) 3.5.5 PLANT the future urban forest Tree planting is an activity that is carried out to maintain TREE PLANTING MAINTAINING OR INCREASING SERVICE LEVELS number of the yearly requests the city receives for forestry is for the replanting of a tree that was removed as well as From an asset management perspective tree planting can be requests to plant a new tree. separated into two groups; Historically there has been the belief that tree planting is 1. The replanting of a tree to an easy activity that will produce the same results across replace a tree that was removed. Existing service levels remain the the city. Today it is recognized that just planting trees same because there is no change in the number of trees to be maintained. must be put on the quality and quantity of the soil that is 2. The planting of a new that tree required to grow healthy and vigorous trees. did not exist before. An action that increases the size of the asset (# of trees). If existing service levels are to be maintained, an increase in increased it requirements for tree planting in new subdivisions. 4 - 23 Project Overview 22 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 Quick Fact # 3 shows the life stages (establishment, juvenile, semi-mature, mature, and senescent) of a large coming when the tree is in its mature life stage. The red graph shows the associated costs to maintain the tree in a pro-active program (i.e. tree watering during establishment, structural pruning during the juvenile and semi-mature life stages, initial investments when they reach the semi-mature life stage (40 years). To maximize the potential for as long as possible. 4 - 24 Project Overview 23 Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 4. Kitchener’s urban forest This chapter provides a high level introduction CHAPTER 4 - Kitchener’s urban forest SectionPg 4.1 Kitchener’s tree canopy25 Quick Facts - Realistic & achievable canopy goals26 You can see much more detail and the 4.2 Kitchener’s street & park trees27 characteristics of the urban forest in your 4.3 Kitchener’s natural areas28 neighhourhood by visiting our urban forest Quick Facts - LiDAR advances in technology29 story map at it stores 360,000 tonnes of carbon, removes 12,5000 tonnes of carbon each year, and contributes 1.7 million in energy savings each year. City of London Urban Forest Strategy - Enhancing the Forest City, June 2014 4 - 25 Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 24 4.1 KITCHENER’S TREE CANOPY maintain or increase the existing canopy. Table 7 How Kitchener’s tree canopy compares to other area cities? KitchenerCambridgeLondonOakvilleMississauga 26%27%23%19% Figure 4 - Percent tree canopy by city ward. 35% 30% 25% 32% 29% 35% 26% 32% 20% 24% 27% 15% 21%20% 16% 10% 5% % WARD1WARD2WARD3WARD4WARD5WARD6WARD7WARD8WARD9WARD10 To see what the tree canopy looks in your neighbhourhood and across the city explore our urban forest story maps at www.kitchener.ca/trees 4 - 26 Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 25 Quick Fact # 4 Setting realistic and achievable canopy cover goals As the urban forest strategy is developed, part of the discussion will be about Kitchener’s forest provides there is often a strong desire to set an ambitious canopy cover goal, with the focus on tree planting. While tree planting is an important activity to maintain and increase a community’s canopy cover, it is only one of four factors that controls changes in canopy cover. The other three factors affecting canopy cover are; 1) tree mortality, 2) tree growth and 3) natural regeneration. Collectively these four factors determine whether the canopy cover stays the same, increases, or decreases. Figure 5 Four factors that change canopy cover. CANOPY TREE TREE NATURAL TREE = + + - CHANGEPLANTINGGROWTHREGENERATIONMORTALITY To set realistic and achievable canopy cover goals all four of these factors must be addressed. With the recent canopy study work completed by the University of Vermont and establish baseline data. Monitoring and setting canopy cover goals is complex and the iTree suite of tools developed by the United States Forest Service. Today these tools are used by cities worldwide to estimate the ecosystem’s services and structural characteristics of the urban forest through the establishing of permanent sampling plots. and discussed further in the next phase of this project. 4 - 27 Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 26 4.2 KITCHENER’S STREET & PARK TREES park trees by their life cycle stages. Information like this can be used to identify existing and future Investing in and maintaining a up-to-date tree inventory is a key requirement of a sustainable conditions. Figure 6 - Number of street and park trees by life cycle stages. Kitchener’s street & park trees at www.kitchener.ca/trees. 4 - 28 Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 27 4.3 KITCHENER’S NATURAL AREAS leaders that took action to ensure Briethaupt and Homer generations. The city’s natural areas are important areas for the Discovering and learning about nature. for the community to participate in urban forest stewardship. Snapping turtle natural areas by size is provided in the table below. Summary of natural area by size class in hectares (ha) < 1 ha 1 to 10 ha10 to 20 ha 69721612 Trails in natural areas provide opportunities to explore Urban forest stewardship and experience nature close to home. There are close to 100 km of organized and unorganized trails in the city’s natural areas. Many of these trails have developed over at the same time ensuring they are also conserved for To learn more about Kitchener’s urban forest explore our urban forest story maps at www.kitchener.ca/trees. Great horned owl 4 - 29 Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 28 Quick Fact #4 New technology tools for urban forest management. The map below shows the height of the tree canopy. These heights were measured using new LiDAR imagery and complex GIS analysis. Only available in the last few years, this technology can also separate trees into different sized patches, from individual street trees, to large natural areas. This kind of information allows communities to monitor future changes in their urban forest at a very detailed level across the city. Your can learn about Kitchener’s urban forest by exploring the story maps at www.kitchener.ca/trees. Canopy Height 0 - 5 m 5 - 10 m ¯ 10 - 15 m 15 - 25 m 4 - 30 Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 29 5. Challenges & opportunities In working towards a sustainable urban CHAPTER 5 - Challenges & opportunities forest program and strategy it is important SectionPg to understand the existing challenges and 5.1 Customer service levels31 opportunities to achieving such a goal. This 5.2 Soil quality & quantity32 5.3 Competition for space32 5.4 Natural area conservation33 5.5 Invasive species33 5.6 The private urban forest34 5.7 Climate change34 climate change. Quick Facts - Thriving or Alive ?35 The United States Forest Service notes that “urban forests play an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Active stewardship of a community’s forestry assets can strengthen local resilience to climate change while creating more sustainable and desirable places to live”. 4 - 31 Challenges facing Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 30 5.1 CUSTOMER SERVICE LEVELS its residents when there is a concern about a city-owned area. about the urban forest on city lands; this represents the Services. The vast majority of these calls were about a city tree in front of a residential property. This is not Environmental Services is responsible for: during both the ice and summer storm events the number received it can take at least four to six weeks before a call 1,036 hectares of natural area is investigated during peak periods. And in 2015 they: removed 1,767 trees stumped 1,556 trees planted 1,039 trees (Note includes removal of ash trees due to Emerald ash borer) it can take up to two years before a new tree is planted. work request. The largest number of complaints received The city is currently carrying out a gap analysis to determine existing service levels and identify opportunities to improve service levels. This work will In recent years there has been a focus on reducing the large backlog of stumping. 4 - 32 Challenges facing Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 31 5.2 SOIL QUALITY & QUANTITY A key limiting factor of tree health and growth is the quality and quantity of soils trees have recently implemented new soil and tree planting standards for residential developments. Planning Community Average Development Date 1900 - 1924 visited Kitchener to further increase awareness 1925 - 1949 1950 - 1974 1975 - 1999 2000 - 2015 Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community Figure 7 - Age of development by planning community restoring poor quality soils and increasing their as strategies to increase the health and growth of 5.3 COMPETITION FOR SPACE While trees have always had to compete for the limited space within the road right of way the competition for this space has increased for the limited space within the road right of key factor is to ensure that there is adequate soil for the tree to reach maturity. This requires the innovative and co-operative design that works for all assets including trees. no room for trees in city boulevards. 4 - 33 Challenges facing Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 32 5.4 NATURAL AREA CONSERVATION The city’s natural areas are vital areas where citizens can explore and relax. They are also important areas for conserving our local natural heritage and biodiversity. Natural areas along watercourses and those containing wetlands are prevention and climate mitigation. Historically natural areas have not been managed and left to take care of themselves. Challenges facing Kitchener’s natural areas include the loss education are key themes to conserving these valuable areas. common encroachments in city natural areas by adja- cent residents. Combined, these individual acts post a 5.5 INVASIVE SPECIES With the recent and ongoing impacts of the become more aware of the impact of invasive Dog-strangling vine vine and common buckthorn are already which is already present in the GTA. A key strategy to mitigating these threats is to monitoring and active management. Asian Long-horned beetle 4 - 34 Challenges facing Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 33 5.6 THE PRIVATE URBAN FOREST Table 9 Roles the city could undertake on private lands these lands have the greatest opportunities to Lead by example, practice best practices urban forest cannot be understated. Institutional Increase awareness of the urban forest, Increase awareness of the importance of important components of the private urban forest. the private urban forest The fact that there are tens of thousands of Monitor and share key information (i.e. tree canopy, iTree Eco) on public and private lands Encourage and support urban forest and conservation. This will be a key part of the stewardship on private and public lands discussion as the urban forest strategy is developed in the next phase. The potential roles the city Utilize tools (i.e. bylaws) to maintain, protect and enhance the urban forest could undertake to support the development of a sustainable urban forest on private lands are 5.7 CLIMATE CHANGE term events was close to one million dollars. recent report Localized Climate Projection for predicts that the frequency of more extreme heat days will increase in future years. These changes will have a negative impact on the urban forest. At the same time the urban Trees that are not maintained (e.g. picture above), often develop structural defects that make them more forest plays a key role in mitigating climate vulnerable to failure during extreme weather. change and increasing community resiliency Establishing a pro-active, structural pruning program occur during extreme weather events. 4 - 35 Challenges facing Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 34 Quick Fact #1 Quick Fact # 5 - Thriving or Alive? New technology tools for urban forest management. The map below shows the height of the tree canopy. These heights were measured using new LiDAR imagery and complex GIS analysis. Only available in the last few years, this technology can also separate trees into different sized patches, from individual street trees, to large natural areas. This kind of information allows communities to monitor future changes in their urban forest at a very detailed level across the city. Your can learn more visit our Urban Forest Story Maps at Canopy Height 0 - 5 m 5 - 10 m ¯ 10 - 15 m 15 - 25 m A thriving tree showing excellent A tree that is just alive - showing health condition.very poor health condition. While both of the trees, shown above, were planted around the same time their health condition is very different. The tree on the left, with the dense canopy, is in excellent condition. In contrast the health condition of the tree on the right is very poor, and this tree will die in the next few years. The primary goal of a sustainable urban forest is to maximize the services the urban forest provides, while minimizing the associated costs and risks. The cost loss. Building on recent work initiated by the city (e.g. new tree planting and soil standards for new development, tree watering program, etc.), the urban forest strategy will identify actions that can be taken to increase the services the urban forest provides while at the same time minimizing the associated costs and risks. 4 - 36 Challenges facing Kitchener’s urban forest Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 35 6. Next Steps completion of the community engagement plan this phase of work is completed. with the community by participating in special events and by holding pop up events in city parks website and through social media. Work also continues on the collection of information for the gap analysis that will identify the How can I stay informed? The city's website (www.kitchener.ca/trees about this project. You can also send an email to trees@kitchener.ca Questions? If you have questions about this project please contact us by email or phone (see contact links below). If you have concerns about a city tree (e.g. requires pruning, tree is dead) please contact our Corporate Con- tact Centre 519-741-2345 or at info@kitchener.ca. Contact links Website: www.kitchener.ca/treesEmail: trees@kitchener.ca Twitter: @CityKitchenerFacebook: City of Kitchener Phone: 519-741-2600 x4891 (David Schmitt MES, Environmental & Urban Forest Project Manager) 4 - 37 Next Steps Background Document - Developing a sustainable urban forest program - March 17, 2017 36