No. 2025-40, regulating the injury and destruction of trees on private property to help protect and grow Lincoln’s urban tree canopy. The By-law applies to trees on private lands within the Town’s urban areas, including:

• Trees 15 centimetre in diameter or greater (measured at breast height)
• Trees within the Natural Environment Area
• Trees designated as Heritage Trees
• Trees identified in a Tree Preservation Plan associated with development

The By-law requires that a tree removal permit be obtained before removing or injuring any regulated tree. Permit applications must be complete with an arborist’s written opinion describing the tree’s location, condition, species, and reason for removal. Replacement replanting is also required, based on the size of the tree being proposed for removal.

To learn more about the Private Property Tree By-law, please visit the Town’s Tree Protection webpage.

We all have a role to play in protecting and maintaining trees well into the future. To help with this, the Town has created a new, more effective penalty system for unauthorized tree removals. This is intended to promote compliance with the Town’s private tree protection requirements and support the Town’s objectives for a healthy tree canopy.

The Town enforces compliance with the Private Property Tree By-law through its Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). This system allows the Town to issue financial penalties for unauthorized tree removals or failure to comply with permit conditions.

• Tickets will be issued by Municipal Law Enforcement immediately for the following infractions under By-law No. 2025-40:
  • Injuring, damaging or felling a tree without a tree permit;
  • Tampering with a tree stump to destroy evidence;
  • Failure to comply with the terms or conditions of a tree removal permit;
  • Obstruction or interference with an Officer or any person authorized by the Town in discharge of their duties under the By-law.
• AMPS penalties apply per tree removed or injured without authorization. Repeat offenders are subject to escalating penalties (see 2nd and 3rd contravention tiers below);
• Tickets issued under AMPS are processed directly by the Town and not through Provincial Offences Court; and
• Individuals wishing to dispute a ticket must do so through the Town’s screening and review process.

Administrative Monetary Penalties for Unauthorized Tree Removals (Schedule 'C' Private Property Tree By-law no. 2025-40)

The Urban Forest Management Working Group was established in September 2023 to support the Town of Lincoln’s commitment to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient urban forest. The group brings together Lincoln citizens, several Council and Staff members, and local experts to help guide the development and implementation of urban forestry policies, programs, and initiatives.

Since its formation, the Working Group has played an important role in advancing the Town’s Urban Forest Management Strategy, helping to shape policies that protect and expand the Town’s tree canopy. Building on these successes, the group will begin transitioning from monthly to quarterly meetings in 2026 to continue providing strategic guidance as Lincoln’s urban forest programs mature and expand.

Recent Accomplishments:

The Working Group has achieved significant milestones that controbute to the protection, enhancement, and understanding of Lincoln’s urban forest. Key accomplishments include:

• Updating urban forest policies and objectives in the Town’s draft Official Plan and tree planting standards, including strengthened tree protection fencing requirements during development, improved soil quality and quantity standards, and an updated native tree list;
• Participating in the Town’s Earth Day Tree Event, providing the community with educational materials and engaging tree-focused activities;
• Compiling an updated list of approved native trees and shrubs for planting on Town lands;
• Continuing to support community tree planting projects, including identifying partnership and grant opportunities;
• Educating and engaging residents about the value of trees and Lincoln’s urban forest; and
• Exploring opportunities to enhance tree protection, including the development of the Private Property Tree By-law.

The most recent presentation to Council on the progress and achievements of the Working Group can be viewed here: Urban Forest Management Working Group Council Presentation (July 2025). Looking ahead, the Working Group will continue to play a key advisory role in the Town’s urban forestry efforts, including the development a comprehensive Urban Forest Management Strategy, which will serve as a guiding framework for the Town’s urban forestry practices.

Working Group Members

• Matt Bruder, Director of Planning and Development, Town of Lincoln
• Liliana Busnello, Manager of Corporate Communications, Town of Lincoln
• Madison Dalley, Landscape Architect, Town of Lincoln
• Liz Benneian, Ontariogreen and BCAC
• Vernah Fleming, VFBG & Niagara Native Garden Club
• Jane Woolsey, Benchlands Citizens Group

Please follow this page or stay tuned on the Town of Lincoln's website and social media accounts for updates on this project. We will look to engage Lincoln community members through in-person events and discussions, educational opportunities and digital feedback opportunities through this page.