The state of Canada's municipal forests - 1996 to 1998

Urban forests are a day-to-day interface between most Canadians and their natural environments. In spite of the many benefits derived from our urban forests, relatively little is understood about their extent, condiiton and level of management. The results of a survey of Canadian municipalities is used to summarize the level of management and planning in the country's municipally managed forests. The survey indicated that many communities do not have inventories or management plans and the level of funding for the maintenance of municipal forests are insufficient to sustain a supply of benefits to the community.