Trees and Forests Advisory Committee

Report

The 3rd Meeting of the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 12:15 P.m. - 1:15 P.m.

Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting - during the COVID-19 Emergency

Attendance

• PRESENT: A. Morrison (Chair), A. Cantell, M. Demand, A. Hames, J. Kogelheide, and A. Valastro; A. Pascual (Committee Clerk).
  
  ABSENT: R. Mannella
  
  REMOTE ATTENDANCE: A. Beaton, K. Hodgins, D. MacRae, S. Rowland, M. Schulthess, and B. Williamson.
  
  The meeting was called to order at 12:20 PM; it being noted that the following members were in remote attendance: A. Cantell, M. Demand, A. Hames, J. Kogelheide, A. Morrison, and A. Valastro.
   

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1.

Call to Order

1.1

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

2.

Scheduled Items

2.1

Neighbourhood Street Renewal Program

• That Municipal Council BE ADVISED that the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee recommends that road narrowing be a priority for the Neighbourhood Street Renewal Program projects, to maximize the space for trees and sidewalks within the right of way;

  it being noted that a verbal presentation from D. MacRae, Director, Roads and Transportation, with respect to this matter, was received.

2.2

Veteran Tree Incentive Program

• That the following actions be taken with respect to the Veteran Tree Incentive Program:

  a)        the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to explore options to target recipients who genuinely need additional financial support in order to maintain their veteran trees;

  b)        the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to consider and compare, during its review of the above-noted program, its cost-efficiency relative to the canopy cover that is expected to be gained; and,

  c)        the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to seek to prioritize low canopy neighbourhoods and non-invasive species for the above-noted program, given that funding is limited and not all of the veteran trees can be maintained;

  it being noted that the presentation, as appended to the added agenda, from S. Rowland, Urban Forestry Planner, with respect to this matter, was received.

2.3

Overview of London's ESA Management

• That it BE NOTED that the presentation, as appended to the added agenda, from B. Williamson, Land Management Technician, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, with respect to this matter, was received.

3.

Consent

3.1

3rd Report of the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee

• That it BE NOTED that the 3rd Report of the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee from its meeting held on March 24, 2021, was received.

3.2

Municipal Council Resolution with respect to the 1st Report of the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee

• That it BE NOTED that the Municipal Council Resolution from its meeting held on April 13, 2021, with respect to the 1st Report of the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee, was received.

4.

Sub-Committees and Working Groups

None.

5.

Items for Discussion

5.1

Review of Implementation Tasks - Urban Forest Strategy Implementation Plan

• That the matter presented by A. Cantell, with respect to the Review of Implementation Tasks - Urban Forest Strategy Implementation Plan, BE DEFERRED to the next Trees and Forests Advisory Committee meeting.

5.2

City of London Tree Planting - Tree Varieties 

• That the matter presented by A. Valastro, with respect to City of London Tree Planting - Tree Varieties, BE DEFERRED to the next Trees and Forests Advisory Committee meeting.

5.3

TFAC 2021 Work Plan

• That the 2021 Trees and Forests Advisory Committee Work Plan, as appended to the agenda, BE FORWARDED to Municipal Council for consideration and approval.

5.4

(ADDED) Tree Care Communications 

• That the following actions be taken with respect to the communication, as appended to the added agenda, from J. Kogelheide with respect to tree care communications:

  a)        the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to implement the Trees and Forest Advisory Committee's recommendation with respect to the distribution of promotional materials related to tree care practices including:

  i)         proper tree mulching;

  ii)        watering newly planted trees; and,

  iii)       not travelling with firewood; 

  it being noted that the above-noted communication, with respect to this matter, was received.

5.5

(ADDED) Creating Ecosystems 

• That the communication from J. Kogelheide, with respect to Creating Ecosystems BE DEFERRED to the next Trees and Forests Advisory Committee meeting.

6.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3:12 PM.