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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-055-19 Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: Planning and Development Committee Date of Meeting: December 2, 2019 Report Number: PSD-055-19 Submitted By: Faye Langmaid, Acting Director of Planning Services Reviewed By: Andrew C. Allison, CAO By-law Number: File Number: PLN17.1.6 Resolution#: Report Subject: Environmental Stewardship, 2019 Annual Report Recommendations: 1. That Report PSD-055-19 be received; and 2. That all interested parties and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PSD-055-19 1. Background 1.1 Beginning in 2002, Council has provided annual funding for an ongoing Environmental Stewardship Program. When approving projects for funding, Staff review projects to ensure general public benefit, matching in-kind contributions (labour and/or materials), and how a project meets the long-term objectives of the Municipality. 1.2 The purpose of this report is to inform Council of how the funds were used in 2019. 2. 2019 Stewardship Projects Trees for Rural Roads 2.1 In 2012, Clarington initiated the Trees for Rural Roads (TRR) program in partnership with Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) and Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA). The goal of the program is to plant trees along country roads for the benefit of the environment and local communities. Increasing tree canopy cover improves wildlife habitat and enhances environmental services, including carbon sequestration and cooling of roadways, while preserving the historical rural aesthetics of the area. Trees are offered free of charge to rural residents to be planted on private property adjacent to municipal roadways. Participants have their choice of native tree species including: sugar and red maples, white pine, white spruce, white birch, and red and white oak. 2.2 The TRR program is announced through articles in local newspapers, the Planning E- update and the Municipal website. Applications were received by the March 31 deadline, and in late April 865 saplings were distributed to 57 rural property owners and planted throughout Clarington (Attachment 1 – Map of the roadways planted to date). 2.3 Applications are reviewed by the applicable Conservation Authority staff to ensure planting locations support the intent of the program, do not conflict with infrastructure, and trees have an appropriate separation from each other and from the road. Report Overview Council provides annual funding for an ongoing Environmental Stewardship Program. The program encourages citizens and groups to carry out initiatives that improve municipal lands, such as valleylands and natural areas. Since 2011, this program has also included the replanting of trees along rural roads. The benefits of the program go beyond the monetary value of the projects, and include increased tree canopy, wildlife habitat, climate change mitigation, community beautification, local history preservation and community engagement through volunteerism. In 2019, 875 saplings were planted along rural roads. Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PSD-055-19 2.4 Since 2013 the program has received partial funding through Maple Leaves Forever (MLF), a registered charity that advocates and supports the planting of native Canadian maples across the rural and urban landscape of southern Ontario. Native maples were subsidized at a rate of one third of the purchase price of the planting stock. 2.5 A feedback survey of TRR participants is undertaken in order to help improve the program for future years. Participants who responded indicated that they were pleased with the program, planting information and pickup location. Overall the response and satisfaction of rural residents with this program and its goals is very positive. In August overall survival rate appeared to be in the 70 to 75% range, which is lower than previous years and most likely due to the lack of precipitation during the summer months. Sugar Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report PSD-055-19 maples suffered the greatest loss. It has been suggested the planting information be provided in advance of pick-up to assist with planting preparation. 2.6 In March 2018, to assist with understanding the impact of the TRR program an analysis by EcoBusiness Network (formerly Durham Sustainability) quantified the carbon sequestration provided by the trees. This analysis was part of our contribution to the Climate Change inventory for Durham Region. Based on the report results, EcoBusiness estimated that by 2027, the TRR program will divert greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from 340 individuals in Ontario. 2.7 Staff anticipate that with the work Operations is about to undertake in the rural area on removal of trees affected with Emerald Ash Borer that demand in future years for trees through the TRR program will continue to increase. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report PSD-055-19 Enniskillen Conservation Area Forest Classroom 2.8 CLOCA is creating a new Forest Classroom feature at Enniskillen Conservation Area as part of their education program. In 2019, Environmental Stewardship funding of $1,000 was allocated to assist with the building of split rail fencing and a nature playground that is being installed. The installation will take place this fall and be available for classes next spring. The purpose is to create a safe contained space within the forest as a classroom. 3. Concurrence Not Applicable. 4. Conclusion 4.1 The Environmental Stewardship Program in Clarington is an initiative that has been well received in the community. Since 2002 over $160,000 has been invested in numerous projects; however, the value of the in-kind contributions multiplies the benefits many times over. The benefits go well beyond the monetary value of the projects to include increased tree canopy cover and wildlife habitat, climate change mitigation, community beautification, local history preservation, and community engagement through volunteerism. Municipality of Clarington Page 6 Report PSD-055-19 4.2 Clarington “led the way” with the TRR program. Both programs have been adopted by other local municipalities and continue to garner interest. In 2019 presentations on the TRR program were given at the NECCC and to the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee. 4.3 Additional programs for the renewal of street trees are necessary to address the adverse effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (another invasive species), canopy damage from severe storms and climate change. Public street trees, urban forest canopy and forest management is also being considered through the development of a Corporate Climate Action Plan for Clarington. Attachments: Attachment 1 – Trees for Rural Roads Map of Planting 2012-2019 The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision: Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority