Region reports significant greening strategy achievements for 2005

York Regional council recently recognized the significant 2005 accomplishments of the York Region Greening Strategy.

Since 2001 when it was first adopted, the greening strategy has demonstrated the Region's leadership and commitment to the natural environment through projects aimed at environmental protection, rehabilitation and enhancement. In 2005, the strategy was involved in more than 50 projects and initiatives.

Strategy accomplishments for 2005 included:  16 hectares (40 acres) of land within the York Regional

achievements for 2005 Forest being reforested using a combination of professional planting, undertaken through the Federal Forest 20/20 Program and a community tree planting event involving the entire student body of one of the local public schools.  25 hectares (60 acres) of new wetlands being established within the region over the next five years through a partnership with Ontario Streams.  Three forest festivals and nine special forest events in the York Regional Forest with more than 700 attendees.  Adoption of a new Forest Conservation By-law in order to provide more tools to protect against unnecessary removal or degradation of our forest resources.

As a key component of the greening strategy, the Region has committed to an annual $1.4 million contribution to the Greening Securement Reserve to identify and secure properties across York for rehabilitation.