June 27, 2008
On June 23, Ajax Council took another green step in the right direction. The implementation of the Urban Forestry Cover Study has been approved - the initial step in the Town’s Urban Forestry Plan. The study contract was awarded to the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
“This is a key corporate initiative that supports the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions throughout the Town,” said Jeff Stewart, Manager of Environmental Services. “Our urban forest plays a vital role in the Town’s overall urban health. This study will provide us with crucial information on how to build it up, and most importantly, how to sustain it.”
An urban forest is defined as the sum of all woody and associated vegetation in and around dense human settlements. The study will produce a profile of the Town’s current urban forest, also known as the tree canopy cover.
The study will commence in late June. Both privately and municipally owned trees, including those on streets, in parks, and trees growing on commercial or private property, will be included in the study.
The Town will send letters out to households located within the study area informing them about the program and requesting their permission to enter privately owned property in order to conduct the study. The study will be completed by fall of this year.
When TRCA establishes its findings, they will advise the Town on how our urban forest is functioning in its present state, how it can be built upon, and how it can be maintained in order to sustain it.
The Town will hold a public open house in November to report its findings, and gain resident’s insight and ideas about the proposed Urban Forestry Plan. The final draft of the plan will go to Council in December.
For more information, visit www.townofajax.com.
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Media Contact:
Christie McLardie, Manager of Communications, 905-619-2529, ext. 362
