Ongoing maintenance required for preservation and improvement of Bracebridge’s urban forest
Bracebridge was advised that ongoing maintenance will be required to support long-term preservation and improvement of its urban tree population, in the February 4, 2025, General Committee meeting.
According to the staff report, last fall the Town awarded a $9,574.35 contract to Davey Tree Expert for an Urban Tree Management Plan (UTMP), to assess the urban forest and provide recommendations “to ensure the health and enhancement of municipal trees as well as ensuring public safety in the Downtown core and parks over the next five (5) years.”
The assessment of the Town’s 753 trees revealed “many larger, older trees have been removed, indicating a natural turnover in the urban forest.”
It also revealed a reduction in Ash trees “primarily due to the destructive impact of the Emerald Ash Border…which shows that Ash trees now comprise only 2.5% of the total tree population (19 out of 753 trees). This represents a decline from their previous status as a dominant species in both urban and natural forests.”
The report adds that the change reflects the challenge of maintaining diversity in urban forests and resiliency from invasive pests and environmental changes.
It continues that 60% of the trees assessed in the urban centre will require “significant tree maintenance” over the next five years. They attribute this need to advanced age of the trees, and increased exposure to vehicles and pedestrians.
Staff suggested that weather, such as snow, rain, and wind have also impacted the aging of the trees.
The assessment recommendations indicated that the Town prioritize tree planting initiatives, in addition to replacing them as needed.
Staff will create action plans that are in line with the UTMP, “which will provide a well-organized and forward-thinking tree management approach to be utilized in operational planning,” to support long-term preservation and improvement of the forest, indicates the report.
It adds that the plan will also help with new stressors and/or pests, and the inventory data from the assessment will help with annual planning and budgeting for future maintenance.
It continues, “Environment Canada has established that a guideline of thirty (30) percent minimum forest coverage in urban areas is the ideal setting to achieve a healthy ecological state and new positive environmental responses, improved air quality, storm water retention, erosion control, reduced energy costs and animal habitats.”
Staff also indicated that they will continue ongoing communication with property owners and community groups about Town projects, such as the Bracebridge 150 Forest and the Commemorative Program – adopt a tree in memory of a loved one.
