The Town of Altona is enhancing and sustaining its urban greenery by hiring Davey Resource Group to develop a comprehensive vision and framework for the town’s urban forest.
This includes creating a strategic and operational plan for the planning, planting, protection, maintenance, and care of trees, forests, greenspaces, and related resources within the community.
Part of this effort involves devising a detailed road map for managing the urban forest, including long-term pest and disease management. The proposed cost of the project is $53,774.
Mayor Harv Schroeder highlighted the importance of a long-term strategy for the urban forest.
“These trees and developments take time. For instance, the trees in Altona Park, planted many years ago, are now falling away, prompting us to think about long-term planning.”
Schroeder pointed out the threats from diseases like Dutch Elm Disease and the Ash Borer, which can affect many trees in town.
“We need a plan to tackle these issues, including replacement options. Losing a 100-year-old Elm tree is heartbreaking and changes the dynamics of the community.”
The project aims to set long-term goals for the town’s tree canopy.
“An aerial photo of Altona shows a vast number of trees, but there are also areas that need attention. Whether it’s open spaces or green spaces, long-term planning is necessary,” Schroeder explained.
Davey Resource Group will assess the current tree canopy and its benefits, set target canopy goals, and develop strategies to achieve these goals. They will also recommend policies, bylaws, and enforcement of tree management and establish a monitoring plan to track progress and effectiveness.
A town employee is receiving training to support these efforts. Public engagement will also be key in assessing urban forestry needs and recommending participation and education programs.
“It’s to take care of the environment and the future of our trees,” Schroeder noted. “The Town of Altona is committed to adopting a sustainable lens when making decisions for the future, seeking opportunities to reduce the community’s environmental impact and improve climate resilience.”
The plan is expected to be developed and implemented in 2025.
Efforts are also being made to revive the town’s arborist training, which had lapsed over the years.
“We’re trying to do what we can with our current staff, but larger projects may require hiring outside contractors and engaging the public,” Schroeder noted.
The town addresses the removal of private trees by adding replacements.
“Part of it is being good stewards of the climate and the town’s appearance,” Schroeder said. “Walking through the park, the presence of trees, birds, and squirrels creates a peaceful environment.”
The tree program, including boulevard tree planting, has also been a significant part of the town’s efforts.
The mayor notes that practicing good stewardship and climate resilience involves having a management plan that looks ahead and considers the types of trees to plant.
“Make sure you’re planting the best trees that will be sustainable for many years, not ones that could die in five years,”he said. “This is a community of tree lovers. If we know their life span, we will want to know if there’s a plan in place to replace them. It leaves a big hole when things don’t get replaced.”
