The City of Trail wants to be more proactive in managing its trees.
A contractor is expected to be hired create an inventory and risk assessment of trees within city parks.
“We want to make sure we manage all of them so they’re available for future generations to enjoy,” said Jared Miner, the general manager of municipal services.
The work will see trees photographed, mapped using GPS co-ordinates, and assessed for species, size, and general health or condition.
Miner noted the city has 83 parks and green spaces, many lined with mature trees.
He said the inventory represents a shift in strategy for managing trees, which until now has primarily reacted to fallen trees or limbs that look dangerous. The data collected will help inform the city’s capital planning.
“We’ll get an indication of [the trees’] overall health to understand if they present a risk to the public or if they need to be supported in any way to maintain the high degree of enjoyment we get from our urban forest,” Miner said.
Several companies responded to the city’s recent request for proposals, and a contract is expected to be awarded soon.
The city has prioritized areas of higher public use, as follows:
High priority: Gyro Park and walkway, Dyke Road, Butler Park, Bilesky Park, Pople Park, Upper and Lower Sunningdale parks, and Reg Stone Park.
Medium priority: Queen Elizabeth Park, Centennial Park, Daniel Street Park, Sunningdale Y, McBride Street Park, Tognotti Park, B Street Park, Jubilee Park and Esplanade.
Low priority: Bear Creek Park, Carnation Green Space, Rotary Park, Rossland Avenue Park, RCMP station, and Bailey Street.
Miner said they will look at all of those areas, subject to time and money, but might have to return in a year to complete the lower priority sites. It’s the first step of a multi-year project that will expand to other parts of the city.
Every tree with a diameter of 20 centimeters (eight inches) or more is to be inspected.
While finding places to plant new trees isn’t part of the project, Miner said the inventory may identify areas where trees need to be removed and replanted to address safety concerns.
It’s the first time the city has systematically enumerated its trees.
“I’m very proud we’re taking this shift,” Miner said. “It marks a new beginning in how we look at these as resources for the city.”
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