Urban forest management in small Ontario municipalities

Abstract

Urban forestry has emerged as an important and timely discipline in an urbanizing world. The practice of urban forestry has focused mainly on large urban centres but urban forests in small municipalities provide the same benefits to the residents within and around them. Small municipalities face many challenges similar to those in urban centres but a lack of resources may worsen the negative effects on small municipalities. Urban forestry in Ontario is undertaken by municipalities with little involvement from upper-level governments. Thus, the effectiveness of urban forestry in Ontario is inconsistent and sporadic, with many small municipalities unable to manage urban forests optimally. Ontario's legislative framework governing urban forestry is critiqued and compared to the system employed in the United States. Recommendations are provided for action toward a centralized urban forestry program in Ontario.