A Request for a Tree Protection Bylaw

Quamichan Lake Neigbourhood Association

To advocate for the natural environment, scenic beauty, historic and rural character of the Quamichan Lake neighbourhood and for the collective stewardship of the Quamichan Lake watershed.

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Tree roots protect against erosion and landslide.

The magnificent tree canopy that covers North Cowichan has been dwindling quickly over the last few years. We have municipal forests, but most of our trees are found on private land--and many are being taken down by property owners. At the same time, unhealthy trees are commonly left in place to cause future trouble. And we have to wonder, “Is it really necessary for developers to scrape every last bit of vegetation off the land, in order to build homes?”. We need our mature native trees. They clean and cool the air, sequester carbon and mitigate flooding. Tree roots protect against erosion and landslide. Trees provide comfort in outdoor areas, making a neighbourhood more walkable and perhaps more friendly. The Quamichan Lake Neighbourhood Association has some ideas to bring balance to North Cowichan’s approach to its urban forest: • Developers could post a bond for trees removed, to be returned upon replanting, before an occupancy permit

would be issued. • Property owners could receive a tax credit for the total area of tree canopy on their land, as this provides the public benefit of cooling the air and stabilizing the soil, A REQUEST FOR A especially on steep TREE PROTECTION slopes and areas prone to flooding. BYLAW • Property owners could be required to obtain a cutting permit or be fined. These fines could be mitigated by planting appropriate trees. • MNC could contract consulting arborists to assess unsafe trees. In high risk situations, the municipality could require and assist the owner with removal. Such a provision could save taxpayers the cost of removing wood and debris from roads after damaging windstorms, such as we saw in the winter of 2018 -2019. • Mature, native trees could be retained in riparian areas, on steep slopes and around endangered ecosystems. It’s the Quamichan Lake Neighbourhood Association’s hope that, as part of its revised Official Community Plan, North Cowichan will at last have its own tree protection bylaw, as is found in so many of our neighbouring municipalities.

Cynthia Montgomery is a retired teacher, a grandmother and a concerned citizen of the Cowichan Valley