The City of Burnaby is taking steps to protect and preserve its urban forest.
In a news release, the city says it's developing an Urban Forest Management Strategy that will help protect, preserve and expand the forest canopy in the city while delivering significant quality of life and climate action benefits.
According to the city, an urban forest includes all trees and vegetation in the city, including park and boulevard trees.
"The urban forest delivers many environmental, social, health and economic benefits," the release says.
"These include improved air quality, urban cooling, beautification, wildlife habitat, rainwater absorption and reduced energy costs."
Factors such as climate change, urban development, diseases, invasive pests and aging threaten urban forests, according to the city.
"Today, more than 25% of our city is parks and open spaces, which is something residents cherish and appreciate,” City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley states.
"This strategy will build on that strength and ensure a greener, climate-resilient future for Burnaby, its residents and our environment."
The strategy will outline a clear, long-term and sustainable approach to managing the urban forest. Work will apparently included developing a tree canopy map and boulevard inventory to help set a canopy target and a yearly planting program.
Development of the strategy is expected to be finished by the middle of 2022.
