Urban Forest Management Plan

Burlington residents enjoy a high quality of life in a vibrant, healthy and prosperous community. All of the city’s trees, whether they are along streets or in parks, in yards or in woodlands, in the urban or in the rural areas, contribute significantly to the city’s health and are considered part of the urban forest. The effective management of this diverse and valuable resource is the focus of this plan.

Burlington’s urban forest includes trees of different species, ages and sizes. Some are large, old remnants of the area’s natural forests; others are small, young saplings. Some have been planted; others have regenerated on their own. All of these trees form part of the city’s green infrastructure, which sustains the community by filtering air pollution, providing shade, reducing energy use and bringing nature to the city.

Burlington’s urban forest, as in many cities, is confronted with various challenges that threaten its health and sustainability. Primary pressures include changes in land use, urban intensification, conflicts with infrastructure, climate change, invasive pests, plants and diseases, and limited allocation of resources. 
 
To maintain and enhance the urban forest under these conditions requires careful planning, effective management, adequate resource allocation and ongoing cooperation between the city, its residents and other local stakeholders.

In Future Focus Seven, the city’s strategic plan, city Council committed to the development and implementation of an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP).

The purpose of this plan is to increase urban forest management effectiveness and efficiency, improve tree health and diversity, minimize risks to the public and maximize the benefits provided by a healthy and sustainable urban forest. 
 
This plan identifies opportunities on both public and private lands, in urban and rural Burlington, and focuses on five key areas:

1. Management and Implementation
2. Community Engagement and Stewardship
3. Protection and Preservation
4. Replenishment and Enhancement
5. Tree Health and Risk Management

Recommendations for each of these areas have been developed based on a comprehensive review of Burlington’s current practices, evaluation of leading examples from other jurisdictions and input from Council, city staff, various stakeholders and the community.

The recommendations have been assigned priorities within the plan’s 20Ͳyear framework, considering actions likely to provide the most tangible benefits in the short and longͲterm. These priorities will need to be reviewed every five years and may be adjusted to reflect changes in existing conditions and/or resource availability.