An urban forest strategy ... moving forward

Hello everyone,

Happy April Fool's Day!

I won't write a joke article.  I'm at my worst as far as humour goes when I try.

During March, I continued research into the topic of neonicotinoid pesticides and pollinators.  Basically, that class of insecticides kills 'em.  Of particular concern and media attention is that the Neonics (as they get shortformed) kill bees, the best known and most prevalent pollinators.  I made a presentation to the Advisory Committees on Environment at City Hall, and a subcommittee formed and just had its first meeting.  We hope to put together a succinct report that can make its way through City Hall and - ultimate goal - the city will make a statement that it will do all that it can to support and devise ways to make the city a sanctuary for pollinators.

Also in my city ...

... after much work over the last few years an Urban Forest Strategy document has been written. It's involved meetings of citizens, City staff from many departments, and work by members of  the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee.  An outside consultant did the final work and report so that a fresh eye could get an overall view of the work, which is sensible I think. (I find it hard to edit my own writing, for example, but can zero in on typos and structural problems in someone else'.)

The draft Urban Forest Strategy document was presented to the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee, for any last comments and approval to go on to the next level at City Hall.  Some last minute community support came forward to request that "produce food" be written in as one of the goals of the strategy, beyond its inclusion in the main body of text.  Two excellent presentations on the importance of food producing trees were made at the TFAC (and about 8 other letters came in) and after some conversation and excellent questions and answers (both) TFAC worked out the wording for their recommendations.

I came out of that meeting so happy.

And you all know how seldom I feel that after any meeting at city hall.

It'll take a month or two or three to get the report to the next level, but it is strong and it will get through to Council and be endorsed.  It'll be a way forward to protect and increase our urban forest, and include a wider variety of native trees and food-producing trees in naturalizing areas, environmentally sensitive areas, and in all sorts of community locales ... and encourage individuals to plant them too.

No fooling at all today.

Very best regards,

Why's Woman