The City of Brampton announced this week that it is developing its first Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) – and residents are invited to provide input to help develop the new strategy via an online survey.
In a statement, t city said the UFMP will provide strategic direction to maximize the ecological services and benefits of Brampton’s urban forest by identify- ing a vision and actions to sustain and enhance the urban forest. The plan will also explore opportunities such as: strengthening the current policy and regulatory framework, expanding community engagement programs, undertaking more proactive forest management, working with partners on collaborative tree-establishment and implementing urban forest monitoring.
The city began working with Urban Forest Innovations Inc. to develop the UFMP in December 2019. The UFMP is scheduled for completion in 2021. A community survey will be made available online from Nov. 2-30 on brampton.ca/trees for feedback from community.
A number of community partners were also consulted during the process, including key stakeholders and citizen committees. “As a citizen-led committee, with vested interest in the health and sustainability of our natural environment, I’m excited that we’re involved in the engagement process,” said Preethi Anbalagan, the co-chair of the city’s Environment Advisory Committee.
“Community voices are critical in environmental decision-making, so I look forward to seeing what priorities the Urban Forest Management Plan will set and accomplish in the short and long term.”
