THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2013-24
BEING A BY-LAW to adopt a Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation Policy
WHEREAS Section 270 (1) (7) of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, c. 25 requires a municipality to adopt a plan which describes a manner in which the municipality will protect and enhance the tree canopy and natural vegetation in the municipality;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird hereby enacts as follows;
- The “Township of Laird Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation Policy” is hereby adopted as set out in the Schedule(s) attached hereto and forming part of this By-law.
- The Clerk of the Township of Laird is hereby authorized to make any minor modifications or corrections of an administrative, numeric, grammatic, semantic or descriptive nature or kind of the by-law and schedule(s) as may be deemed necessary after the passage of this by-law, where such modifications or corrections do not alter the intent of the by-law.
Schedule “A”: to By-law No. 2013-24
Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation Policy
Overview
Section 270(1)(7) of the Municipal Act, 2001, SO 2001, c 25 requires the Township of Laird to adopt and maintain a policy setting out the manner in which the Township will protect and enhance the tree canopy and natural vegetation in the Township.
As Laird is a rural Township in northern Ontario, the Township is more than half treed currently.
As such the tree canopy is not truly in need of protection in our area.
This natural resource is important to the constituents of Laird, both personally for firewood and/or commercially for lumber, veneer, pulp or hog fuel.
It should be understood that the long history of Laird Township has been primarily based on Forestry and Agriculture, and for many this tradition continues.
The Township understands the need to protect and enhance its trees while balancing the constituents personal and commercial needs.
It is Laird Township’s intent to support healthy forests and has many areas currently designated and under the “managed forest” program.
This program encourages an interest in forest management which assists and fosters a healthy and robust tree canopy allowing for sustainable harvesting and commercial use.
Planning
Where possible and practical Laird Township will encourage the retention of the tree canopy during new construction and along rivers streams and shorelines where practical and by select harvesting in wood lots.