Re: ‘Tree Removal Causes a Stir’, (PQB News, April 23)
Yes, the tree removal did cause a stir because the Town of Qualicum Beach approved the removal of this significant tree without due process, as was indicated by Peter Drummond.
The Memorial Golf Course board was in favour of keeping this tree, as were many in the community. There was no evidence presented, nor public discussion, before this unfortunate event occurred. A much larger issue is the fact that the Town does not have an “Urban Forest Management Plan” and virtually no protection for trees, particularly on private land, which makes up some 70% of Qualicum Beach’s land base.
One year ago the previous council put a “Draft Tree Protection” bylaw forward and requested staff to proceed with the development of a strategy. This work was farmed out to a consultant with a projected date of Jan. 1, 2019 for public consultation. So, one year later, that hasn’t happened, and we don’t even know when, or if, it will.
It is clear that the new QB council does not see this as a priority. Since there is no strategy, there is no plan, thus there is no tree planting. There are no offsets to the continuing loss of our urban tree canopy.
Your readers in weeks past have highlighted these and other concerns about trees, most particularly with respect to extensive clear-cutting for subdivision and development in the Parksville and French Creek areas.
Our area elected officials seem to be on a spending spree with our natural capital. It’s the trees, the wetlands, and other natural assets that provide the best opportunities for climate change mitigation and preservation of our quality of life. We must hold our elected officials accountable.
Pat Jacobson
Qualicum Woods