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8. GROWING A HEALTHY FOREST FOR THE NATION’S CAPITAL
AMÉNAGER UNE FORÊT SAINE POUR LA CAPITALE NATIONALE
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve:
1. The acceleration of the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program, Quality Standards and Improvement Strategy report (ACS2006-PWS-SOP-0005) implementing the final 3 years in 2011 with an Operating budget of $2,982,000 and 14 Forestry Field staff FTE’s as well as a Capital budget of $660,000; and,
2. In addition, for consideration as part of the draft 2011 Operating and Capital Budget:
a. An Operating Budget increase of $450,000 for the continuation of the Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy;
b. A Capital Budget increase of $1,175,000 for Lifecycle Renewal – Tree Planting funding to increase replacement tree planting in both the urban and rural forests in response to the loss of trees from Emerald Ash Borer; and,
c. A Capital Budget increase of $625,000 for Community Based Tree Planting initiatives as outlined in the report.
RECOMMANDATION DU COMITÉ
Que le Conseil approuve:
1. L'accélération du Programme d'entretien des arbres et des forêts, normes de qualité et stratégie de mise en œuvre des améliorations (rapport ACS2006‑PWS-SOP-0005) pour l’exécution des 3 dernières années du programme, en lui accordant un budget de fonctionnement de 2 982 000 $ et de 14 ETP pour les opérations sur le terrain en sylviculture, ainsi qu'un budget d'immobilisation de 660 000 $;
2. Également, aux fins d'examen dans le cadre des prévisions préliminaires du budget 2011 de fonctionnement et d'immobilisation :
a. une augmentation de 450 000 $ du budget de fonctionnement pour poursuivre la stratégie de gestion de l'incidence de l'agrile du frêne;
b. une augmentation de 1 175 000 $ du budget d'immobilisation pour financer un programme de renouvellement durant le cycle de vie et de plantation d'arbres afin d'accroître la plantation d'arbres de remplacement dans les forêts urbaines et rurales en réponse aux pertes causées par l'agrile du frêne;
c. une augmentation de 625 000 $ du budget d'immobilisation pour les initiatives communautaires de plantation d'arbres, telles qu'elles sont décrites dans le rapport.
DOCUMENTATION
1. Deputy City Manager’s report, City Operations, dated 11 May 2010 (ACS2010-COS-PWS-0009).
2. Extract of Draft Minutes dated 5 July 2010
Report to/Rapport au:
Planning and Environment Committee
Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement
and Council / et au Conseil
11 May 2010 / le 11 mai 2010
Submitted by/Soumis par:
Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager/Directeur municipal adjoint
City Operations/Opérations municipales
Contact/Personne resource:
John Manconi, General Manager/directeur général, Public Works/ Travaux publics
613-580-2424, extension 2110, John.Manconi@ottawa.ca
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Ref N°: ACS2010-COS-PWS-0009 |
SUBJECT: GROWING A HEALTHY FOREST FOR THE NATION’S CAPITAL
OBJET: AMÉNAGER UNE FORÊT SAINE POUR LA CAPITALE NATIONALE
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That Planning and Environment Committee recommend that Council approve:
3. The acceleration of the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program, Quality Standards and Improvement Strategy report (ACS2006-PWS-SOP-0005) implementing the final 3 years in 2011 with an Operating budget of $2,982,000 and 14 Forestry Field staff FTE’s as well as a Capital budget of $660,000; and,
4. In addition, for consideration as part of the draft 2011 Operating and Capital Budget:
a. An Operating Budget increase of $450,000 for the continuation of the Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy;
b. A Capital Budget increase of $1,175,000 for Lifecycle Renewal – Tree Planting funding to increase replacement tree planting in both the urban and rural forests in response to the loss of trees from Emerald Ash Borer; and,
c. A Capital Budget increase of $625,000 for Community Based Tree Planting initiatives as outlined in the report.
RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement recommande au Conseil d'approuver :
3. L'accélération du Programme d'entretien des arbres et des forêts, normes de qualité et stratégie de mise en œuvre des améliorations (rapport ACS2006‑PWS-SOP-0005) pour l’exécution des 3 dernières années du programme, en lui accordant un budget de fonctionnement de 2 982 000 $ et de 14 ETP pour les opérations sur le terrain en sylviculture, ainsi qu'un budget d'immobilisation de 660 000 $;
4. Également, aux fins d'examen dans le cadre des prévisions préliminaires du budget 2011 de fonctionnement et d'immobilisation :
a. une augmentation de 450 000 $ du budget de fonctionnement pour poursuivre la stratégie de gestion de l'incidence de l'agrile du frêne;
b. une augmentation de 1 175 000 $ du budget d'immobilisation pour financer un programme de renouvellement durant le cycle de vie et de plantation d'arbres afin d'accroître la plantation d'arbres de remplacement dans les forêts urbaines et rurales en réponse aux pertes causées par l'agrile du frêne;
c. une augmentation de 625 000 $ du budget d'immobilisation pour les initiatives communautaires de plantation d'arbres, telles qu'elles sont décrites dans le rapport.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At its meeting of May 11, 2010 the Chair of Planning and Environment Committee requested that the Public Works Department prepare a report outlining the next steps in the tree program, in light of adjustments made in the 2010 budget and the fact that the City was coming to the end of its current tree planting program.
Growing a Healthy Forest for the Nation’s Capital is a vision and a multi-faceted program that will plan, protect, plant and maintain a healthy forest for future generations in the City of Ottawa.
Council has focused on the importance of trees and forests in the City of Ottawa and through the adoption of the Official Plan and Ottawa 20/20. The Environmental Strategy established specific goals for the urban and rural forests as well as a recommended proactive approach towards the maintenance and protection of these green assets. In addition, as part of the Auditor General review of the former Surface Operations Branch, a number of recommendations were made in relation to the need for improved management of the City’s forest cover and the need to increase the funding to Forestry Services to ensure that the best management practices are established and followed.
In September of 2006, Council adopted the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program, Quality Standards and Improvement Implementation Strategy report which directed staff to commence a 5 year phased-in program over the period of 2008 to 2012. The report outlined a plan to move from a 1 in 42 year inspection and tree trimming cycle to a 1 in 7 year tree inspection and trimming cycle, which aligns with arboriculture and forestry best practices.
The benefits of a well established maintenance program range from fostering healthy forests, residents and communities to a reduction in risk and liability for the Corporation as well as creating a more cost effective, productive and accountable service.
“Growing a Healthy Forest for the Nation’s Capital” identifies key services that will help issues that affect the City’s forests. The requirement to plan, protect, plant and maintain the City’s trees is addressed through the following:
· A Life Cycle Maintenance program;
· A strategy to manage the impact of Emerald Ash Borer;
· An Infrastructure Renewal Tree Planting program; and
· A Community Based Tree Planting program.
This report outlines the investments that will be required to achieve the goal of Growing a Healthy Forest and proposes that those investments be included as part of the 2011 budget process.
RÉSUMÉ
À sa réunion du 11 mai 2010, le président du Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement a demandé que le Service des travaux publics prépare un rapport présentant les prochaines étapes du Programme ARBRE à la lumière des rajustements apportés dans le budget de 2010 et du fait que le programme actuel de plantation d'arbres de la Ville approchait de sa fin.
« Une forêt en santé pour la capitale nationale » est une vision et un programme à multiples facettes dont l'objet est de planifier, protéger, planter et entretenir à Ottawa une forêt saine pour les générations futures.
Le Conseil a reconnu l'importance des arbres et des forêts à Ottawa par l'adoption du Plan officiel et d'Ottawa 20/20. La Stratégie environnementale établissait des objectifs précis pour les forêts urbaines et rurales et recommandait une approche proactive pour en assurer l'entretien et la protection. De plus, un certain nombre de recommandations ont été formulées dans le cadre de l'examen mené par le vérificateur général de l'ancienne Direction des opérations de surface quant au besoin d'améliorer la gestion du couvert forestier de la ville et d'accroître le financement accordé aux Services forestiers pour faire en sorte que les meilleures pratiques de gestion soient établies et appliquées.
En septembre 2006, le Conseil a approuvé le rapport « Programme d'entretien des arbres et des forêts, normes de qualité et stratégie de mise en œuvre des améliorations », qui prescrivait au personnel d'entreprendre un programme de mise en œuvre graduelle de cinq ans, sur la période 2008-2012. Le rapport présentait un plan qui faisait passer le cycle d'inspection et d'émondage des arbres de 1 en 42 ans à 1 en 7 ans, ce qui est conforme aux pratiques exemplaires d'arboriculture et de foresterie.
Les avantages d'un programme d'entretien bien établi sont multiples : promotion de la santé des forêts, des résidents et des communautés, diminution des risques et des situations qui engagent la responsabilité de la Ville et création d'un service plus économique, productif et responsable.
« Une forêt en santé pour la capitale nationale » détermine les services clés qui viseront les problèmes qui touchent les forêts de la ville. La planification, la protection, la plantation et l'entretien des arbres à Ottawa seront assurés par les moyens suivants :
· un programme d'entretien durant le cycle de vie;
· une stratégie pour gérer l'incidence de l'agrile du frêne;
· un programme de plantation d'arbres pour les projets de renouvellement de l'infrastructure;
· un programme communautaire de plantation d'arbres.
Le présent rapport fait état des investissements qui seront nécessaires pour atteindre le but de « Une forêt en santé » et propose qu'ils soient inclus dans le processus d'établissement du budget de 2011.
DISCUSSION
The business model developed for Forestry Services is comprised of four main business units; planning, protection, field services, and planting. To achieve the vision of “Growing a Healthy Forest for the Nation’s Capital”, an enhanced program for tree maintenance for the protection of the City’s forests and for tree planting is required. This includes the following:
· Forestry Field Services;
· The Emerald Ash Borer Strategy; and
· The Tree Planting programs.
Forestry Field Services
It was recognized by the Auditor General in 2006, that tree maintenance is under funded. A review of best management practices against the City’s current practices shows a gap in funding to achieve the Council approved Maintenance Quality Standards as described in Document 1.
The Trees and Forests Maintenance Program takes a life cycle approach to the maintenance of trees and includes a proactive program that trims, fertilizes and waters City owned trees. In addition, this program also establishes guidelines and policies to preserve and protect trees impacted by development or through construction activities.
The Maintenance Quality Standards define the desirable level of service that the City achieves through the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program. The objectives are to provide safe, dependable and affordable service levels, preserve and protect the green infrastructure and the natural environment, as well as enhance the appearance and health of the City’s tree and forest canopy.
The success of the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program demonstrates that planned, proactive, and productive field services are an integral part of providing successful City services. Achieving the best management practice of 1 in 7 years, not only ensures the health of the City’s trees, it also makes the most efficient use of resources, demonstrates financial value, increases productivity, and lowers the unit costs of maintaining the City’s trees as demonstrated in Charts 1, 2 and 3 provided below. The productivity gains shown in Table 1 demonstrate an annual savings of $2.9M with the investment of $2.0M in field services from 2006 to 2009, which resulted in a 40% reduction in unit cost by moving towards a 1 in 7 year proactive cycle, as indicated in Tables 2 and 3. Based on these gains, there was a review of the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program service delivery model that was adopted in the original report. Forestry Services is recommending a minimum split between contracted and in-house services of 60% and 40% respectively, resulting in adjustments that are contained in the recommendations of this report. This split has reduced the request for new FTE’s and an increase in purchase services dollars to implement the final phases of the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program.
Through the funding increases received from 2006 to 2009, there has been an improvement in productivity that has occurred as a result of additional planning and scheduling which has resulted in a reduction to unit costs. If you compare these numbers, it demonstrates the financial gain obtained which shows the importance of continuing the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program implementation.
Chart 1: Net Value Productivity Gain Per Year
Chart 2: Production – Trees Trimmed Per Year
Chart 3: Unit Cost to Trim Per Tree
In order to implement the final phases keeping with the model described in the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program, Quality Standards and Improvement Implementation Strategy, an increase in the operating budget of $2.982M and 14 FTE’s as well as a one-time increase of $660K to the capital budget for the purchasing of equipment is recommended.
Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer
In July 2008, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered in Ottawa. The presence of EAB represents a very serious threat to forest cover and tree health. Recent tree inventory data confirms early estimates that 20-25% of the City’s forest cover is ash species. A strategy to manage and mitigate the impact of EAB on our communities and urban forest was approved by Council in 2008 (ASC2008-COS-SOP-0012).
As a result of the EAB Management Strategy, progress has been made to protect trees from EAB by using tree injections with a biological insecticide, proactively planting trees in EAB affected areas, communicating important messages to the public about EAB, removing trees when necessary, and properly handling infested wood material.
This invasive pest will continue to cause problems for Ottawa and, in order to mitigate these issues, further funding is required to continue and expand work in the City.
In 2009, 220 trees were injected, 900 trees were planted proactively, and 120 trees had to be removed. In addition, Forestry Services staff attended over 12 community events to distribute education materials, discuss the Strategy, and explain EAB biology. The spread of EAB has been limited by working with the Regional Forest Health Network (RFHN) including the development of a fact sheet for rural private woodlot owners faced with EAB in their woodlots.
An important part of the EAB Management Strategy is continued work with the research community, particularly the Canadian Forest Service, to partner on research projects and to work with the most current information on this invasive forest pest.
In 2009, in partnership with the Canadian Forest Service, the City of Ottawa established an EAB trapping and monitoring program to monitor the population of EAB across the City and to estimate the level of EAB activity in a given area. This program was very successful as the information gathered will allow staff to make decisions about where to focus tactics to manage the City’s forest cover and minimize the impact of EAB.
Funded through Council’s one time capital investment, many of the projects undertaken to date were small trials to determine the best future approach to manage forest cover. These projects should continue in future years with continued financial support through a regular operating budget.
At this time there is a need for additional funding to continue and expand the ability to carry out tree injection, insect trapping, and monitoring.
Tree injection with the biological insecticide TreeAzin is one tool to protect trees against the EAB. Treatment with this product is becoming more common on private trees and is also used on a similar scale in other municipalities. In order to expand on the existing program in 2010 and to continue to inject trees that have already been treated, Public Works will require continued financial support to use this management tool.
In addition, Forestry Services continues to work with Canadian Forest Service researchers to develop a monitoring and trapping system for EAB. This work is critical to make decisions about where to focus efforts to manage the forest cover and monitor and predict were EAB is present. To purchase materials to establish a continuous trapping program and work with researchers to set up additional methods for monitoring this insect also requires continued financial support.
Forestry Services continues to work with regional partners through the Regional Forest Health Network (RFHN). One of the primary focuses of this group, particularly in rural areas, has been to communicate information about EAB. Adequate communication through established channels and networks can help to reduce the impact to Ottawa residents in urban and rural areas.
As reported when EAB was discovered in Ottawa, tree removal was inevitable and it is estimated that approximately 75,000 ash trees will be removed through the course of the EAB infestation in Ottawa. Tree removal is the most expensive activity for managing EAB and has the largest future budget implications for the City. Estimates for the initial period based on information available indicate a minimum of 200-500 ash tree removals per year for the first 1 to 3 years, increasing to 500 to 1000 or more ash tree removals per year in future years. The number of removals will depend on the rate of spread and the overall health of the ash tree at the time of infestation.
In order to continue to manage the impact of EAB, there is a requirement for $450K in operating funding to continue applying the techniques and strategies currently utilized to combat this invasive pest.
Tree Planting Programs
The City’s Official Plan adopted the strategy to increase forest cover, and one method to achieve this is to continue to plant trees in suitable locations. Currently, the funding available for planting comes from Infrastructure Renewal and Strategic Initiatives. With Emerald Ash Borer now present in Ottawa, the need to replace trees is on the rise and therefore, increases to the current level of funding are being recommended for the Infrastructure Renewal Tree Planting Program. At the end of 2010, the funding for the successful TREE (Tree, Reforestation, and Environmental Enhancement) program will end. The program has achieved its goal of planting 100,000 trees. In order to continue the positive steps the City has taken through the TREE program, a new Community Based Tree Planting program is recommended. The details of these programs are outlined below.
Lifecycle Renewal – Tree Planting
The planting of trees to replace those removed is essential to the sustainability of the urban and rural forest infrastructure. The expansion of the existing infrastructure renewal funds will allow the City to continue to replace lost trees in the urban forest along streets, in parks, and at City facilities. The planting of trees on rural private lands through the Green Acres program and the reforestation of rural areas in municipal forests and ravines will also be supported by funding for lifecycle renewal.
With the inevitable loss of approximately 18,000 hectares of forest in the rural area and a further 2,600 hectares of tree cover from the urban area, EAB will have a devastating impact on the City’s forest canopy. In 2009, Forestry Services began a pilot project to interplant trees in infested locations. New trees of different species were planted in close proximity to existing ash trees along streets and parks where a large percentage of ash trees were present. This will allow new forest cover to become established prior to the removal of declining ash trees. This pilot has proven successful by determining interplanting guidelines, appropriate tree installation size and species as well as the necessary public consultation and notification process for residents. Funding through the Tree Planting Infrastructure Renewal will allow the expansion of the interplanting program which proactively plants trees in areas of high ash concentration prior to their removal from EAB.
Lifecycle Renewal – Tree Planting ($1.175M) includes:
- Street and Park Tree Planting Lifecycle Renewal;
- Municipal Forest and Ravine Reforestation; and
- Green Acres Rural Reforestation Program.
Community Based Tree Planting Initiatives
The engagement of communities in the improvement of their neighbourhoods is integral to increasing the quality of life in Ottawa. Community based tree planting initiatives help to include communities in decision making and actively involve them in accomplishing set projects. The TREE program, scheduled to end in Q3 2010, has several initiatives that rely on community groups, schools, and individual residents to plant trees for the betterment of their local neighbourhoods.
The Community Based Tree Planting Initiatives will see the continuation of one of the most popular parts of the TREE program, the Trees for Tomorrow tree distribution. This initiative delivers a tree to residents to plant on their own property and allows the City to increase the urban forest cover on private lands. This program literally brings the benefits of trees into our own backyards.
Community initiatives will also see the continuation of the tree planting grant program. This program provides funding for schools, local interest groups, and other not-for-profit organizations for tree planting projects. Through the TREE program, dozens of schools have received hundreds of trees for their school yards, making a difference every day for thousands of school age children across Ottawa. Many of these projects have involved volunteers coming together to plant trees creating ownership for their projects.
The TREE program is also successful in involving community groups to determine where trees are needed the most in their neighbourhoods. Community based tree planting initiatives will continue to involve community associations, residents, and local interest groups in the identification of locations in parks, along streets, and at City facilities where new trees may be planted by the City.
Community Based Tree Planting Strategic Initiative ($625K) includes:
- Community Tree Planting Grant;
- Urban Forest Enhancements; and,
- Tree Distribution to residents.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
The City of Ottawa’s Official Plan has set specific goals for its urban and rural forests and takes a proactive approach towards the maintenance and protection of these green assets. The Official Plan also directs staff to implement best management practices for City-owned street trees and forest.
In addition, with the discovery of the EAB, ash trees are threatened both on public and private lands. The establishment and enhancement of the Council approved EAB Management Strategy is crucial to mitigate the impact on our communities and urban forest. Programs like the Trees, Reforestation and Environmental Enhancement (TREE) program and community tree planting programs all play major roles in restoring the forest cover lost by invasive species.
RURAL IMPLICATIONS
It is estimated that 25% of the current forest cover in rural areas is made up of ash trees and that 18,000 hectares of rural forest will be lost to EAB. The loss of these trees without an effective strategy for tree replacement will result in a negative impact on the rural quality of life. Rural trees have environmental, economic, and cultural benefits that will be impacted as a result of EAB.
CONSULTATION
Consultations were conducted with citizens, Advisory Committees, Community Associations and through Committee and Council reports in the preparation of the Trees and Forests Maintenance Program, the development of the EAB Management Strategy as well the programming of the TREE program.
This report proposes investments to be included as part of the 2011 budget. Subject to approval of this report by Committee and Council, further consultations would be undertaken as part of the 2011 budget consultation process.
COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR(S)
This is a city-wide report.
LEGAL/RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no legal/risk management implications associated with the adoption of the recommendations of this report.
CITY STRATEGIC PLAN
This report is consistent with the Sustainable, Healthy and Active City Priority priorities (Objective 3: Expand the amount of City-owned green space in Ottawa) of the City Strategic Plan.
TECHNICAL IMPLICATIONS
The Information Technology Services Department has been consulted and there are no technical implications associated with this report
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
If approved the following items will be included in the 2011 Draft Operating and Capital budget for consideration:
- The request for 2011 Operating $2,982,000 and 14 FTE’s and Capital $660,000 Budgets to implement the remaining 3 years of the Trees and Forest Maintenance Program, Quality Standards and Improvement Implementation Strategy Report (ACS2006-PWS-SOP-0005);
- The request for 2011 Operating Budget of $450,000 for the continuation of the Emerald Ash Borer Managament Stratgey;
- The request for 2011 Capital Budget of $1,175,000 for the Lifecycle Renewal – Tree Program; and,
- The request for 2011 Capital Budget of $625,00 for the Community Based tree Planting Intiatives.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1 - Trees and Forests Maintenance Program, Quality Standards and Improvement
Implementation Strategy - ACS2006-PWS-SOP-0005 (On file with the City Clerk)
Document 2 - Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy - ACS2008-COS-SOP-0012 (On file
with the City Clerk)
Document 3 - 9 May 2007 Auditor General - 2006 Annual Report and Detailed Audit Reports of
the former Surface Operations Branch (On file with the City Clerk)
DISPOSITION
Upon approval of this report and of the operating and capital budget requirements for the Forestry Inspection and Lifecycle Program, the last 3 years of the Improvement Implementation Strategy, the Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy, the Tree Planting Infrastructure Renewal and the Community Based Tree Planting Strategic Initiative, the Public Works Department will enhance and continue the implementation of the programs as outlined in this report.