Residents are reminded to use caution around creeks, ponds and the lake.
Long-term monitoring of our urban forest is important in order to evaluate the status of the resource over time and determine whether it is improving or declining. The state of the urban forest is always evolving as a variety of biotic and abiotic factors continue to shape the forest structure. By monitoring the urban forest, relevant baseline data can be collected and changes, trends, and patterns can be tracked over time. The results of the Urban Forest Health Monitoring program help formulate the Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan.
A third of the town’s woodlands are assessed each year on a three-year rotational basis for signs of pests, disease and other disturbances. A report card of the woodlands surveyed in each year is produced to evaluate the health of forest.
As a result of Oakville’s response to the many challenges facing its urban forest, the town has been recognized by the Canadian Forestry Association and the Society of Municipal Arborists and has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification through the forest certification program of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF).
In partnership with its consultant, BioForest Technologies Inc., the Town of Oakville engages residents to help monitor neighbourhood street trees for invasive insects, disease and other issues related to forest health. Learn more about the Forest Health Ambassador program.