On Monday, December 8th, the Urban Forest Services Committee, a standing committee of the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission, will meet. The Committee provides policy recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission on issues relating to the City’s urban forest. On the agenda for the meeting is a proposed ordinance change that would shift responsibility for hearing tree removal appeals. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Commission hears tree removal appeals. A property owner wishing to remove a protected heritage tree must apply to the City for a permit. Permits affecting heritage tree requires the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to hold a public hearing. An