Development of a Tree Management Strategy aims to enhance urban forest
Lincoln, ON – (February 22, 2024) – The Town of Lincoln is excited to announce the establishment of a working group to review tree-related Town practices and policies. The goal of this Urban Forest Management Review will be to develop a Tree Management Strategy for the Town.
The working group, led by senior staff, was formed following a direction from Council that sought to initiate a review of tree-related Town practices and policies. The overall goal of this endeavour is to improve the health of the Town's trees and increase Lincoln's tree cover by implementing proven best practices already employed in other municipalities so that Lincoln’s citizens can reap all the economic, environmental and health-related benefits of a healthy urban forest.
“It’s inspiring to see this project initiating at the community level,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “The ultimate strategy will play a crucial role in addressing some of the gaps and challenges we see in our daily practice while ultimately protecting and enhancing our urban forest.”
“While this project is being led by the Town, it is through community members on the working group and the participation of the community at large that we will reap the benefits of this important work,” said Ward 2 Councillor Tony Brunet, who initiated this motion in September 2023. “We have an immense opportunity ahead of us to educate, engage and ensure everyone can be a part of this community improvement project.”
The finalized strategy will support Climate Change and Natural Environment goals as outlined in the Town's Official Plan. The strategy will be implemented through policy changes, improvements in practices and by tree plantings on public and private lands.
The working group consists of several community members as well as representation from Town of Lincoln Council and staff and will seek guidance as required from experts in other organizations. These may include groups such as the Vineland Research Innovation Centre (VRIC) and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) who have collaborated on other Town-led environmental initiatives, as well as any other groups who become engaged throughout the course of this project and help contribute to its success.
The Town’s Chief Administrative Officer added that the project team has developed a series of goals and actions to anchor the project, many of which are already underway. “As we engage the community more fully on tangible actions, we will collectively improve Lincoln’s tree canopy for the betterment of our local residents, businesses and visitors, and for the natural environment, for generations to come.”
There will be many opportunities for public input and participation as the plan develops. For more information and for updates on this project, visit Speak Up Lincoln.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
Phone: 905-563-2799 ext. 230