Ottawa Forests & Greenspace

Event: Heritage Tree Workshop

Ontario Urban Forest Council Heritage Trees Workshop

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

1. THE VALUE OF TREES
   This session addresses the value of (urban) trees with a focus on understanding the economic, ecological, social and cultural value of trees to the urban community. Current research will be reviewed to assist in understanding TEV (total economic value) of trees.
   
   
2. HERITAGE TREES
   A brief session defining “heritage tree” using the definition of Paul L. Aird (Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto) which reflects the physical and cultural requirements for designation. It will address, with photographic examples, the unique “natural and cultural heritage value” requirements that has qualified specific individual trees/groves and cultural heritage landscapes and provides a differentiation between “Heritage trees”, “Ancient trees” and “Champion trees”.
   
   
3. TREE STORIES
   How communities and individuals have identified their potential heritage trees and worked to celebrate and protect them. One of several options to be discussed is “The Great Community Tree Hunt”… how to organize this event. Then… what is next?
   
   
4. RESEARCHING, NOMINATING, EVALUATING
   A review of the Evaluation Criteria and Guidelines used to assess those trees identified by individuals and/or communities in order to create a list of “heritage trees” worthy of designation and protection. This section:
   A] Explains the evaluation criteria (physical and cultural) used the Toolkit’s evaluation forms (an overview)
   B] Addresses the criteria of cultural significance under the Ontario Heritage Act and how to undertake cultural research on trees.
   Note: the “how to” of physical tree evaluation will take place in the field at the end of the workshop.
   
   
5. PROTECTING HERITAGE TREES
   A session on the legal and policy options available for celebrating and protecting heritage trees under the Municipal Act, the Planning Act and the Ontario Heritage Act.
   
   
6. GOOD HERITAGE TREE STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES
   The proper implementation of renewal, and maintenance activities known to be appropriate for Heritage Trees which maintain a tree’s health, aesthetic and heritage values… and how this may differ from general tree stewardship practices.
   
   
7. EVALUATION
   Workshop Evaluation and curriculum input.
   
   
8. TRAINING THE EVALUATOR (FIELD SESSION)
   Field training session for arborists, other forestry professionals and cultural historians in evaluating heritage trees.
   
   [Certification will be provided for qualified attendees that fill the requirements of full attendance and training.]

Ottawa Tree Canopy Mapping Project

Act locally, think globally.  You can do this by taking part in the “Ottawa Tree Canopy Mapping” team.

To be a part of the team, you will be spending a little time at home on your computer with data provided by us. It’s not difficult, and we will explain how this works at the session.

If you plan on attending this session, please send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we’ll know how many people to expect. Thanks!

To get a better idea of what we are trying to achieve and also learn more about our methodology, please read the following PDF:

Ottawa Tree Canopy Mapping Project - Information.pdf [900Kb]

Tree Day in Ottawa

The following proclamation was presented to Nicole Parent, Chair of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee and David Barkley, Manager of Forestry Services:

WHEREAS, National Tree Day serves as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us: clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature; and

WHEREAS, trees filter the air by producing oxygen and sequestrating carbon monoxide and other pollutants; they also reduce water run-off and soil erosion and keep local waterways clean; and

WHEREAS, the Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee approved a motion to designate an official day in observance of the International Year of Forests and that this be during Canada's National Forest Week from September 18-24, 2011;

THEREFORE, I, Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, September 20^, 2011 as Tree Day in Ottawa.

OThis item can be found at 0:03:32 on the Environment Committee Archived audiocast

Planting in Sensitive Clay Soils

The attached draft was presented to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Hume and Councillor Harder, for consideration. At their request a copy was submitted to the City's GM of Public Works, J. Manconi,  and to the Manager of Forestry Services, D. Barkley, for review and comments.

OFGAC Planting in sensitive clay soils.pdf [500 KB]

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