Burke Mountain Naturalists, Wondrous Tree Fellowship, and Protect Coquitlam’s Urban Forest partner to present the first TriCities Urban Forest Forum (TUFF) at Douglas College in Coquitlam on March 7, 2023. Opening words are to be given by Ian McArthur (President – Burke Mountain Naturalists), followed by a land acknowledgement by MC Nancy Furness (Wondrous Tree Fellowship).

The health of our regional urban forest is currently facing complex challenges due to increased development, population pressures, and effects of a rapidly changing climate. The good news is that TriCities municipalities are currently developing Urban Forest Management Plans. Robust Urban Forest Management Plans will ensure our communities enjoy the benefits of trees now and in the future.

Public awareness and engagement are key to the development of successful Urban Forest Management Plans. The TriCities Urban Forest Forum provides an exciting opportunity for the public, experts, and elected representatives to explore a shared vision and best management practices to ensure a healthy future for our regional urban forest.

The Forum hosts four well-respected presenters in the field of urban forestry and forest management. Richard Boase (Environmental Sustainability (Operations, District of North Vancouver) stresses that while forests outside cities are important for storing carbon and mitigating some effects of climate change, trees in our neighbourhoods protect us from heat domes and atmospheric rivers. Dr. Lorien Nesbitt (Assistant Professor, Urban Forestry & Environmental Justice, UBC) speaks about the importance of considering forest equity (trees distributed equally across the city) as cities try to increase tree canopy. Amelia Needoba (Principal & Senior Forester, Diamond Head Consulting) shares some key issues with respect to maintaining a healthy urban forest, as well as examples of solutions to some of the challenges. Erika Mashig (Manager Parks & Open Space Planning, Design and Construction New Westminster) says developers need to be part of the conversation in determining ways to retain trees through innovative designs and incentive programs.

Stakeholder consultation, engagement of Mayor and Council and interdepartmental co-operation are critical to the development of a successful Urban Forest Management Plan. The forum concludes with questions, discussion, and a call to action to participants to stay engaged and to provide input into Urban Forest Management Plans when they become available.