How do you picture the forests of Comox in 30 or so years?

The Town of Comox wants to know, as it is launching the first phase of its public engagement period for a new Urban Forest Management Strategy. The plan will assess the current state of Comox's tree canopy, and provide a roadmap to ensure that canopy is maintained and enhanced, creating a diverse, resilient, and healthy urban forest over the next 30 years.

鈥淥ur urban forest is one of Comox鈥檚 greatest assets. It鈥檚 more than just beautiful 鈥� it plays an important role in our community鈥檚 health, well-being, and climate resilience. This strategy will help us plan for the future while preserving and enhancing our natural environment. We look forward to hearing from residents as we work together to create a shared vision for Comox鈥檚 urban forest,鈥� said Comox Mayor Nicole Minions. 

The urban forest includes all trees within Comox 鈥� along streets, in backyards, parks, trails, and playgrounds. These trees provide essential benefits: they offer shade, cool the air, filter pollution from air and water, improve community health and well-being, reduce erosion and flooding, and act as a natural buffer against the impacts of climate change.

In order to support and improve this, the town will be looking at a community-supported vision and action plan, that is based on public input. It will be collecting baseline data on the current state of the urban forest, which will include parameters like density, extent, benefits and needs. Finally, the plan will include goals, targets and indicators that will be used to measure progress over time.

The Town is looking to the community to help play a key role in shaping the plan. Currently available is a survey, which will be open until the end of March. There will also be an open house about the project at d'Esterre Seniors' Centre on Thursday, March 13 from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Residents can also add locations to an interactive map that will show staff "locations where you value the urban forest or where you think it needs improvement. Add as many as you want!"

"Tell us why you value the urban forest at this location or how you think it should be improved," the urban forest map tool says. "You can also upload a photo to show the locations you describe."

For more information on the strategy, to complete the survey, and to provide feedback on the mapping tool, visit . 

The plan should be complete by November, 2025.