Municipalities in B.C. take care of civic buildings and other capital assets by putting money aside to eventually replace them.
But that's not always the case when it comes to natural assets — that is, the community’s forests, waterways, foreshores, open areas, wetlands, aquifers and riparian areas.
These natural resources can provide a flow of services, called ecosystem services, that can help or even replace engineered assets.
For example, forests can provide water filtration, carbon sequestration and clean air while waterways can offer stormwater management and wildlife habitat. The foreshores can control erosion and provide recreational opportunities while parks can also store carbon in the soil.
Putting a value on such natural assets can be difficult, but the campaign is gaining traction around the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, as well as in progressive countries around the world such as Australia.
In 2019, the District of West Vancouver prepared a summary that estimated its natural capital at $3.2 billion.
That kind of valuation is a good way to tie future environmental policies with asset management practices and financial reporting, say Nancy Furness and Grayson Barke, who are organizing the second annual Tri-Cities Urban Forest Forum next week.
The event takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Douglas College's Coquitlam campus (1250 Pinetree Way); there is no cost to attend.
Moderated by Furness, who has a PhD in plant ecophysiology from UBC, the forum is presented by the Burke Mountain Naturalists, Protect Coquitlam's Urban Trees and Wondrous Tree Fellowship and features five speakers:
- Erin Gorby, manager of urban forestry and parks services with the City of Coquitlam
- Karin Johnson, sustainability project specialist with the City of Coquitlam
- Andreanne Doyon, director of SFU’s resource and environmental management planning program
- Isabel Gordon, director of financial services with the District of West Vancouver
- Brian Minter, master gardener, author and Order of Canada recipient
During an interview on Friday, Nov. 3, Furness told the Tri-City News that last year's forum filled the college’s lecture hall with people who wanted to talk about the best management practices for protecting trees, as well as climate change and the physical and mental well being that urban forests provide.
This year, however, touches on a controversial topic: How to meet housing demands while retaining a healthy urban forest.
Furness said the question is especially relevant given Premier David Eby's announcement this week that single-family lots could soon be converted to allow up to four homes.
“What does that mean for trees on private properties?” asked Grayson Barke, an SFU undergrad in environmental science who is helping with the forum.
“You can essentially build from one lot line to the next with little green space,” Furness responded.
Grayson said the “hyper commoditization” of land comes at the determent to future generations because “we know if we barrel ahead with development without creating considerations, it’s going to take a long time to build that back up. That’s not good for the environment.”
Furness said it’s going to be a balance act.
“We want to make sure we get the direction and municipal planning right…. If you look at the whole ecosystem, then you start planning differently.”
Furness said a number of civic staff from around the Lower Mainland will be at the forum to listen, share ideas and, perhaps, coordinate efforts regionally.
As for Tri-Cities residents unable to attend, she and Barke offer three tips for homeowners to add to the urban forest and cut greenhouse gases:
- plant trees
- grow pollinator gardens
- install permeable surfaces
For more details about the Tri-Cities Urban Forest Forum, you can email [email protected].
