The Role of Urban Forestry in Regional Landscape Design

Abstract

The urban forester has a vital role to play in the land use planning process of peri-urban regions, He gathers and synthesizes data on pertinent physical and biological parameters and integrates these parameters into workable units for interpretive purposes. A sound understanding and proper manipulation of naturally occurring vegetation can not only enhance the final regional design but serves as a valuable tool in the communicative process amongst the urban forester, land planner and the general populace. Experience gained in urban forestry programs undertaken in southwestern British Columbia, indicates that the manner of presentation of technical data is at least as important as the understanding of that data for landscape design purposes.