Tree Protection

Council is presently looking at a Tree Bylaw for private land. I feel strongly that unless a tree is a weed tree, unless the tree is destroying infrastructure or unless the tree is diseased, it should not be removed. Trees impacted by the bylaw will likely be named species (and will probably not include trees such as alder).

A tree by definition has a dimension of (for example) 12″ at chest height. So saplings and squirrel planted trees will not be included. If you have an opinion on this, I would be glad to hear it. You can email me about this at ” Tree Bylaw Comments“

In any case, nothing will be passed until we have had a chance to have at least one public meeting, perhaps more than one.

In the last year we have developed an Urban Forest Strategy. You can view it here, from the City’s Web Site. Here are excerpts from the Strategy:

A Vision for Duncan’s Urban Forest

Duncan’s Official Community Plan (OCP) states that it will

“encourage environmental sustainability by accommodating change and development in a manner that improves Duncan’s environmental health and
recognizes the City’s interconnection with the ecology of the broader region”.

As part of the community vision, the OCP emphasizes that

“The City is green and takes pride in its sustainability practices: Streets are lined with trees, the River sparkles, commercial areas are well-landscaped, permeable surfaces have replaced pavement, community gardens are found throughout, natural areas are protected, clean air and water are vital community attributes, reduction, recycling and reuse are widely employed.”

A vision statement for the Urban Forest Strategy was drafted in consultation with the City of Duncan. It supports the environmental goals of the OCP and forms a foundation for sustainable management of the urban forest. It should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to represent the community’s principles and values.

“The City of Duncan will be a community identified by its trees. The City will invest in its urban forest and actively encourage public participation in its protection and enhancement. The sustainable management of the urban forest will maximize its social, economic and environmental benefits for current residents and future generations.”