Researchers at UNBC are conducting a survey in Prince George this week that is gauging opinions from local residents on how best to recuperate from the mountain pine beetle. More than 5,000 surveys have been sent to local residents as part of the Northern Sustainable Landscaping Initiative (NSLI), which has been led by UNBC and the City of Prince George.

“To date, about 50,000 dead pine trees have been removed from municipal or school district lands and this doesn’t include the thousands of trees cut down from private property or Crown lands within city limits,” says Annie Booth, an Ecosystem Science and Management professor at UNBC and leader of the NSLI project. “The city definitely looks different than it did five years ago, but we have the opportunity now to think of new approaches to landscaping that are beautiful and more sustainable.”

The NSLI project includes examining landscaping options that can withstand road salt and cold winter temperatures, don’t need extensive watering or pesticides, address climate change concerns, and still meet aesthetic objectives. The ultimate objective is to develop a sustainable landscaping master plan for Prince George that other northern communities could also use.

To that end, the survey is seeking info on current sustainable landscape practices, personal usage of commercial pesticides, personal environmental awareness, and landscaping preferences for public lands around the city. The surveys must be returned by April 30, 2007. A pre-paid reply envelope is provided. All those who fill out and return the survey will be entered into a draw to win two lilac bushes or $100 in Mohawk gasoline coupons.

The NSLI was established in 2005 and is supported by twelve agencies, which have provided funding or support-in-kind. The project was the first in Canada to receive a Green Municipal Fund Matching Grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. To date, 30 acres of property around the City have been or will be re-planted with a mix of native plants and northern-adapted plants in a variety of combinations or are serving test site for weed control initiatives. The sites are located at Fort George Park, Carrie Jane Grey Park, University Way, the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, parts of Highway 97, Moore’s Meadow, the Prince George airport, the BC Ministry of Forests building, and UNBC. The research will continue until the fall of 2008.

Contact:
Annie Booth, Ecosystem Science and Management professor, UNBC – 250.960.6649
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622