District of Sechelt Urban Forest Plan

District of Sechelt Urban Forest Plan 2010
Executive Summary
Sechelt’s urban forest is defined as the total collection of trees, soils, and associated plants growing
within District municipal boundaries, in parks and yards, along roadways and paths, including both
public and private lands. Our urban forests are a major asset. They provide important services and
benefits to the community from aesthetic appeal and psychological well-being to reduced infrastructure
costs associated with moderating storm water, and repaving roads. Trees help reduce home energy
consumption costs by providing shade and moderating the climate. Trees improve air and water quality,
and provide important habitat for wildlife.
The District of Sechelt produced this Urban Forest Plan to fulfill the need for a comprehensive long term,
goal oriented approach to urban forest policy.
Sechelt’s Urban Forest Plan makes recommendations and provides information that will guide decisions
relating to our urban forests over the next 50 to 100 years. This report should be viewed as a living
document. Over time goals may change, or be re-prioritized to adapt to a changing population, climate
change, new information regarding ecosystem function and other circumstances. Changes to the Forest
Plan should be documented and appended to this report. To ensure this Urban Forest Plan remains
relevant it should be reviewed and updated every five years.
This Report has been prepared by Crystal Boeur, Master of Public Administration for the District of Sechelt.
[1] Photos credits: all photos contained in this report have been taken for illustrative purposes within the District of Sechelt by Crystal
Boeur. Title page: Big Leaf Maple, Kinnickinick Park Forest, and Fern Frond.
November 2010 Page 4