Make natural areas part of new builds

Re: Tree planters sought for project, by Mary Caton, Feb. 17. The goal of increasing treecovered and naturalized land is valued by Ontario citizens, as indicated by substantial tax-generated financial, organizational and labour resources assigned to tree planting and conservation.

There is, however, another method that can be employed.

The article cites farming as the primary activity that cleared land.

In present times, however, increasing residential, commercial and industrial development, as well as the spread of roads, contribute.

Rarely are naturalized or treed areas incorporated or preserved in such developments.

As more development occurs, less land remains for potential naturalization.

Our society has decided that, in order to preserve a decent standard of living, certain features must be included in developments. Provisions for clean water, waste disposal, safety and sidewalks are examples.

Given that our society values increasing naturalization, it would seem reasonable for municipalities to specify that a development include a percentage of the land to become naturalized. Increased development would, over time, increase the area of naturalized land.

While perhaps seen as a cost by developers, naturalized areas may add value to developments. In order to proceed in this manner, many people would need to become tolerant and to value areas of uncut grass and the sometimes messy appearance of nature.

Accelerating and expanding the scope of naturalization would more likely occur if it were a requirement. Hopefully, our political representatives will consider this a reasonable and effective course of action. Ralph Billingsley, Essex