Urban Forest Management Plan

About the Urban Forest Management Plan

A healthy urban forest improves our quality of life. Trees, plants and shrubs help clean the air, conserve energy, increase property values, and make Guelph’s neighbourhoods more beautiful and enjoyable.

Guelph is working to maximize the health and size of its urban forest, and is committed to having the highest tree canopy among comparable municipalities. To succeed, the City, residents, businesses and community partners must work together to increase the size and health of Guelph’s urban forest.

Latest updates

City hires new manager of forestry
November 5th, 2013

Emerald ash borer discovered in Guelph’s south end
June 10th, 2013

Emerald Ash Borer confirmed in Guelph’s south end
May 17th, 2012

Purpose

To provide a 20 year plan that will allow the City to shift to proactively and adaptively manage the urban forest on both public and private land. This Plan provides the City with recommendations and tools to move forward in a practical and progressive manner.
Vision

“The City of Guelph will foster the health and sustainability of its community by maximizing its urban forest cover. Continually pursuing and promoting the implementation of best practices for tree protection, tree establishment and tree maintenance will provide a range of environmental, social and economic benefits for residents, and habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species. By setting an example on its own lands and supporting expanded local stewardship, the City will enjoy and sustain its urban forest for the long term.”

The vision is to build a strong and healthy tree canopy using a variety of growing and maintenance techniques best suited for Guelph and its residents. The plan will guide the development and implementation of recommendations. The 20 year plan is broken into a framework of four, five year periods, but is comprised of a workable time frame that allows for flexibility and revisions in response to changing conditions or practices in forest management.

Documents and reports

Urban Forestry Management Plan – October 15, 2012 PBEE Report

Report
Attachment 1: Report 12-14 Draft Urban Forestry Management Plan
Attachment 2: Community and Stakeholder Workshop Summary Spreadsheet

Attachment 3: UMFP – Executive Summary
Attachment 4: Urban Forestry Management Plan
Attachment 5: 2011 Canopy Coverage Study
Committee presentation

Stakeholder and Community Presentations/ Workshops April 17, 2012

Using input from the community, several environmental groups and developers, the City has drafted an Urban Forest Management Plan that includes 21 recommendations to protect and promote a diverse and sustainable urban forest over the next 20 years.

Community members were invited to attend workshops held on April 17, 2012 to review, discuss and provide feedback about Guelph’s draft Urban Forest Management Plan before finalizing the plan and presenting it to the City’s Planning, Building, Engineering and Environment Committee later this year.