Introduction

I am a long-time, (20 year), resident of White Rock and, an experienced Horticulturist. My intention in this paper is to raise awareness in our community about the value of trees, as well as the present lack of trees, especially tall native conifers, like Douglas firs and Western Red cedars, and the lack of a sustainable Community Plan and supporting Tree Management Policy and Bylaw. In 2014, we need to create a strong, ethical, sustainable Community Plan with a supportive, comprehensive, effective Tree Management Policy and Bylaw, to preserve and protect in perpetuity ALL existing and future planted trees, on ALL lands, in our community; to ensure long-term diversity and a healthy environment. This Community Plan and Policy and Bylaw, as they relate to trees, must not be changeable or amendable in future, in order to forever preserve this precious resource. In White Rock, trees, notably the tall conifers like native firs and cedars, are endangered, possibly due to our lack of understanding, fear, selfishness and greed. It seems that we want views, view (re)establishment, or want to buy view properties for the re-sale value; and we also want easier, cheaper development. Unlike today’s children, we generally have little desire to become knowledgeable about, or be responsible for trees or the environment. The action we must also take now is to implement a “BIOPLAN” to increase biodiversity which will include first planting native conifers like firs and cedars and then other compatible tree species that will become the mature healthy specimen trees. Then we must maintain and care for, protect and preserve ALL trees on ALL lands, in perpetuity. We must educate ourselves about the value of trees, thus learning to value a view of trees, as well as understanding that trees sustain life.