Town of Drumheller council received an update on the flood mitigation program’s urban forest report and summary during a special council meeting on Thursday, November 21.
The flood mitigation program had previously committed to a 5:1 replacement ratio for replacing healthy trees which needed to be removed for construction of berms throughout the community, and in February 2024 Green Drop Tree Care. were contracted to implement urban reforestation and develop a management plan for the Town, which included looking at some of the challenges new trees may face in Drumheller.
“Some of the challenges and recommendations we identified in the Town was limited rainfall,” explained Matt Vinet of Green Drop during the special council meeting, though he noted this is not limited to just Drumheller area.
One unique challenge is the type of soil found within the Drumheller Valley. While it is similar to soil found in other parts of the province, Mr. Vinet noted what is found buried underneath the soil is unique. Another challenge he touched upon was damage to newly planted trees by wildlife, such as deer and beavers, due to the Town’s urban location.
Between July and mid-August a public consultation was held in which Green Drop received 94 online responses and three valid paper forms.
“We found during the public consultation that lots of people in Drumheller were interested in trees, where they go, and how many we’re going to put in,” Mr. Vinet shared.
He added, through the public consultation, there were several responses which mentioned trees along the Rails to Trails pathway system, as well at the X-Crossing disc golf area in the green space between Highway 10 and 7 Avenue East. The public consultation also presented some collaborative opportunities with local area schools and community associations.
Due to the low rainfall and soil type found within the Town, Mr. Vinet noted there were some recommendations for the species of trees which will thrive within the community. Most of the trees being recommended are native species to the area, with some exotic plants which have shown success in similar conditions.
Based on the report and public consultation, several areas were identified as priorities for planting. This includes the Rails to Trails network to provide shade to the newly developed pathway system, and the new 500-wing at the Sunshine Lodge.
There are several funding opportunities for this project which the Town can apply for to help alleviate costs for planting and purchase of new trees, and maintenance.
