One year after introducing residents to Penticton's urban forest, city officials say a 20-year plan on how to manage it is ready for review.
The "CommuniTREE Plan" will be subject to a community engagement event on Saturday, June 15, between 9 and 11 a.m., at Gyro Park.
Residents are invited to see the results of the study and have their say on the city's efforts to maintain its urban forest for the next two decades.
"The plan outlines four different scenarios, including a recommended scenario to show how canopy cover will likely change over the next 20 years," said Ysabel Contreras, the city's parks planning and capital projects coordinator.
Developing a tree protection bylaw and updating the city's standards to create more suitable planting environments are among the actions included in the "CommuniTREE Plan."
"Nine big moves have been identified to summarize the action plan and guide the development for each scenario," Contreras added. "We're inviting the community to join us and learn more about these big moves, review the scenarios and share their comments about whether the draft plan aligns with what they envision as a framework for the city's first Urban Forest Management Plan."
The plan can viewed here, and community feedback will be collected until June 28. Its development came after the community gathered in the spring of 2023, to learn more about Penticton's urban forest and identify where the city needs to build up its tree canopy.
An arborist will be at the Gyro Park event on June 15 to answer residents' questions about local trees, the city added.
"If you would like to consult them about your tree health concerns, we encourage you to bring a picture," city officials said in a press release.
