In Quebec Town, the Trees Have ... Rights?

A small Quebec town is doing more than just hugging trees—it's giving them rights. As the New York Times reports, Terrasse-Vaudreuil, a community of about 2,000 west of Montreal, has become the first governing body to formally adopt the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Trees. What that looks like, per the CBC: The city council last month granted trees "the right to life, to natural growth, to integrity and to regeneration." The resolution asserts that trees are living beings with a right to exist and flourish, and commits the town to weaving canopy protection into all municipal planning. "They are indispensable allies for our health, our climate resilience, and our quality of life," Mayor Michel Bourdeau said.

What that looks like in practice is still being worked out: officials will now review bylaws, consider tighter limits on tree cutting, and expand planting programs for schools, businesses, and residents. The move lands within a broader "rights of nature" push that has seen Ecuador amend its constitution and communities in several countries recognize nature's legal standing. It's also stirred backlash. Critics, including a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, warn it's a step toward restricting development and resource use. For supporters, Terrasse-Vaudreuil is doing something simpler: giving trees someone to speak for them. "If we live in Terrasse-Vaudreuil, it's because we love trees," said resident Sylvie Trépanier.