At their meeting on April 23, 2024, Council endorsed a tree program, which will allow property owners impacted by the 2021 wildfire to receive up to $100 for a tree (or trees) to plant on their properties. This will be funded through general donations to the community for rebuilding.
Background
During the 2021 Lytton Creek wildfire, the Village of Lytton lost most of its trees. As a result, the landscape in the Village is bleak. Council would like to encourage property owners to plant trees on their properties, as they begin rebuilding.
Program criteria
To be eligible for the rebate of up to $100 for a tree (or trees):
- The tree must be planted by December 31, 2024 on a property that was impacted by the wildfire.
- The lot must have a water connection, so the tree can be watered.
- The tree should be a fire-resilient variety, such as Japanese maple, fruit trees, or ornamental crabapple. Use the FireSmartBC fire-resistant plant tool or FireSmartBC Plant Guide to check for fire-resilient trees.
To be reimbursed for your tree(s) complete this form and email it with your receipt to info@lytton.ca.
You can also pick up the form and complete it in person at the Village Office.
Benefits of trees
Trees offer many practical, aesthetic, and environmental benefits, for example:
- Helping to stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air and storing carbon in the trees and soil and releasing oxygen into the air
- Offering cooling shade for hot, sunny days
- Blocking cold winter winds
- Providing privacy
- Sequestering and holding water
- Being fire retardant if adequately watered
- Attracting birds and wildlife
- Supporting food security (if fruit trees are planted)
- Purifying the air
- Cleaning water
- Preventing soil erosion
The Village will also consider tree planting as part of rebuilding on municipally-owned properties. Planting trees will be a tangible sign that the Village is rebuilding.