Canada/Urban forest preservation strategy adopted in Fredericton
Fredericton City Council adopted an urban forest management strategy on Monday evening. New Brunswick's capital city, which has counted 19,288 trees on its territory, wants to be an active steward at all costs.
The consulting firm Stantec was commissioned in 2022 to develop a 25-year management plan for the protection of Fredericton's urban forest. The report was first presented to City Council on October 17, as an internal document.
It states, for example, that the city has 19,288 trees. Fredericton plays a leading role in urban forestry and boasts one of the most outstanding and well-maintained urban forests in Canada," it states.
The final recommendations, adopted by the City on Monday, are the result of an analysis of existing and newly collected data, public consultations and meetings with various city departments.
There are so many things to be proud of in Fredericton, but for many of us, our trees are a real source of pride," says Councillor Ruth Breen, Chair of Fredericton's Living Community Committee.
Fredericton was once known as the City of Tall Elms, due to the large number of trees throughout the city. Afflicted by Dutch elm disease, many had to be felled in recent decades.
Now, the canopy covers 44% of the city and 70% of the surrounding rural areas. Maples account for half the trees in urban areas, with Norway maple, red maple and sugar maple the most common.
These species are not threatened by major pests, which explains their large numbers.
Plant even more trees
In its report, Stantec describes Fredericton's current forest management as proactive. Every year, 250 trees are felled on municipal land and around 500 are planted.
These measures should ensure canopy proportions for 30 years, barring unforeseen severe weather events.
Stantec's recommendation is to increase the number of trees planted annually from at least 750 to 1,000 and to diversify the species, for example, by planting a disease-resistant type of elm.
Stantec also recommends treating the city's elms, notably with a tree vaccination process.
Stantec describes EAB as an emerging threat in Fredericton. The report does not specify whether the City is currently monitoring for this insect.
The City must also categorically favor trees that are resistant to climate change.
Conditions will be less favorable to many native species, but more favorable to a few more southerly species, says the report.
Local concerns
Stantec's public consultations revealed that forest fires are a source of concern for the local population.
Long-term management of Fredericton's forest, including restoration of the mixed Acadian forest, should reduce the risk of forest fires in the city, the report says.
The report also notes that population growth between 2015 and 2023 has resulted in a 3% loss of canopy in Fredericton.
Stantec points out that this situation is of concern to residents, who want the City to preserve its forest areas despite the population boom.
In addition, many citizens are in favor of an edible forest, along the lines of the edible garden concept. Stantec recommends that the city make this a pilot project.
Source: ici.radio-canada.ca
