An Urban Forest Strategy is a planning tool that allows municipalities to develop policies and techniques for the planting and long-term maintenance and health of trees for a sustainable urban forest. Developing the strategy requires a practical understanding of the status of the current urban forest including the number, location and density of trees, their species, health, and age.

An Urban Forest Strategy goes far beyond simply assessing the current tree canopy cover or a planting program. The foundation of an Urban Forest Strategy is an understanding of what you have now and a vision for what you want it to be in the future.

The Strategy is based on the findings of an Urban Forest Study to determine the existing conditions of the urban forest. A commonly used model is the Urban Forests Effects (UFORE) analysis, developed by the USDA Forest Services. A random sampling is taken of approximately 200 sites, covering a variety of different land uses.

Each tree in each site over 2.5 cm (1”) in diameter is noted, and its species, size and health are catalogued. Shrub cover may be considered as well. The data collected is sent to the USDA Forest Services, which provides an analysis to help the City in setting urban forest management goals.

• mitigating climate change and urban heat island effects;
• improving air quality;
• restoring natural aesthetics;
• reducing flooding hazards; or
• decreasing community energy use.

Different tree species provide different benefits; therefore, defining a livable City will determine the kind of urban forest that the City will require.

The City of Pickering Council has endorsed the development of an Urban Forest Strategy. Staff have requested funding to allow the Toronto Region Conservation Authority to assist in the Urban Forest Study.