The Town of Gibsons says the launch of its first Urban Forest Plan will mitigate challenges around climate change, invasive species and development in the area.
According to the town the new Urban Forest Plan will involve four main objectives which are said to provide direct benefits to human health and well-being while enhancing the livability of neighbourhoods across the region.
The four objectives are to gather baseline information on the current state of Gibsons’s urban forest, develop a long-term vision informed by public engagement, provide goals, recommendations, and targets for reforestation and conservation and create an implementation plan based on the recommended actions.
Mayor Silas White says the project aligns with the town’s strategic plan to balance growth with the need to protect trees and green space.
“Formalizing a plan that reflects our community’s values will help ensure our long-term vision and provide guidance to staff and council with decisions concerning development and training,” he says.
The town says they have invited members of the public to share their opinions in an online survey which will be open for three weeks starting Jan. 26. The results will then be used to develop future initiatives for the Urban Forest Plan.
Completion of the plan is scheduled for June.
