What is the current state of publicly owned woodlots? How can we monitor the long-term health of these woodlots?
Problem: As diseases and invasive species enter the City of Hamilton, we are unable to accurately protect publicly owned forested woodlots because we lack 1) knowledge of the locations and current state of publicly owned woodlots, and 2) tools to assess and monitor the long-term health of these woodlots. In addition, without the knowledge of what the current state of these woodlots are, we cannot prioritize improving their health through different Forestry management initiatives (e.g., planting, invasive species removal).
As the Project Manager of Forest Health, her two main priorities are increasing canopy cover and managing forest health to maintain the current canopy. This project connects both aspects of the position.
Project Components
Synthesize and compile current woodlot data (across the entire Hamilton Boundary) from stakeholder groups across Hamilton (i.e., Parks, Forestry, Hamilton Conservation Authority, Halton Conservation Authority)
Develop a layer of existing woodlot inventory with detailed information regarding woodlots.
Develop health assessment criteria including direction on next steps for woodlot improvement.
Analyze literature for key health information for publicly owned woodlots.
Apply similar techniques for health assessment from other organizations.
Design and implement a long-term management tool to maintain and monitor woodlot health.
Potential Deliverables:
Primary Research (ie. conducting surveys and/or collecting data)
Secondary Research (i.e. review of literature and finding information from books and online)
Prototype (physical)
City Staff: Kristen Bill, Project Manager of Forest Health, Forestry and Horticulture
