Resources
The following tools, publications and links provide valuable information that may be of use to communities in designing successful strategies for urban forest management and/or to combat climate change. In addition, several links are provided to other Provincial initiatives.
Please note that the Province of British Columbia is not responsible for the material and/or content presented on any non-provincial government site listed below.
Tools
Planting Our Future, [PDF - 3.42Mb]
Planting Our Future was designed to provide an overview of the tools and strategies that can be used to help communities to enhance the values in their urban forest and address some of the challenges.
www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp
The Ministry of Environment administers the British Columbia Integrated Pest Management Act and Regulations, which regulates the sale, use and handling of pesticides in the province; and promotes an Integrated Pest Management approach to managing pests.
www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/treebook/classifying.htm
The Ministry of Forests and Range biogeoclimatic zones maps display large geographical areas with similar plants, soil and climate to assist with the ecological management of resources in British Columbia.
www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/silviculture/Compendium
The Forest Practices Branch has designed this compendium for a general reference for making decision about tree species feasibility and suitability.
www.evergreen.ca/nativeplants/lists/view-list.php?list_ID=00189
Evergreen Native Plant Database is a detailed list of native species, including information on average heights and spread, sun, soil and moisture needs of the plant, wildlife value, and other uses such as culinary and aboriginal use.
www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca
The Invasive Plant Council of BC led the development of the Invasive Plant Strategy, a groundbreaking document that outlines an action plan to address the exponential increase in invasive plant population throughout the province.
BC Climate Action Toolkit, www.toolkit.bc.ca
Publications
The Climate Action Plan, www.livesmartbc.ca/plan
The Climate Action Plan is B.C.’s roadmap to a new, prosperous, green economy for the province, which outlines strategies and initiatives to take B.C. approximately 73 per cent towards meeting the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.
The Green Bylaws Toolkit, www.greenbylaws.ca/images/greenbylaws_web1207.pdf
The Green Bylaws Toolkit provides information for conserving sensitive ecosystems and green infrastructure.
A Guide to Green Choices, www.cd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/planning/greenchoices.htm
Ideas and practical advice for communities in British Columbia.
Links
Climate Action Secretariat, www.climateactionsecretariat.gov.bc.ca
British Columbia’s Climate Action Team presents recommendations for strategies and interim emissions targets to assist the Province achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 33 per cent by 2020.
Community Development Trust Fund, www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/
British Columbia’s Community Development Trust Fund helps forestry workers upgrade skills, create new forestry opportunities, and supports older workers as they move towards retirement.
LocalMotion, www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca
LocalMotion provides local governments funding assistance for capital projects that make communities greener, healthier and more active and accessible places in which to live.
Ministry of Forests and Range, www.gov.bc.ca/for/
The Ministry of Forests and Range works to build a strong and diverse forest sector through revitalization, while maintaining high environmental standards, to ensure long-term jobs and economic benefits.
B.C. Spirit Squares, www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca/
B.C. Spirit Squares are gathering places for our communities, created to help celebrate BC150—the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia—as well as many other festivities and milestones in the future.
Union of British Columbia Municipalities, www.civicnet.bc.ca
CivicNet is the official website of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities—an organization that has served and represented the interest of local governments in B.C. since 1905.
Youth Climate Leadership Alliance, www.ycla.ca
Youth Climate Leadership Alliance is for British Columbians between the ages of 17 and 28 who are concerned about climate change and want to take direct action on helping achieve the Province’s goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 levels by 33 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
Urban Afforestation Organizations
Evergreen, www.evergreen.ca
Evergreen is a not-for-profit organization that makes cities more liveable by deepening the connection between people and nature.
Tree Canada, www.treecanada.ca/programs/urbanforestry
Tree Canada is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that provides education, technical assistance, resources and financial support through working partnerships to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in an effort to help reduce the harmful effects of carbon dioxide emissions.