Title
Resolution in Support of Expanding the City's Tree Protection to Include Heritage Trees
Memorandum
For months, members of the Natural Features Working Group of the Environmental Commission have been looking at opportunities to advance the City's work on preserving natural features. In the last several months, members of the Working Group, including staff, have identified an opportunity to expand tree protection to include "heritage" trees. To further refine what protection of "heritage" trees could look like, the Natural Features Working Group brought a resolution to the Environmental Commission asking for support to explore "heritage" tree protection in collaboration with Ann Arbor City staff assistance. The Environmental Commission endorsed these sentiments at their October meeting.
Staff
Prepared by: Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Manager
Prepared by: The Natural Features Working Group of the Environmental Commission
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Protecting large, important, significant, and champion trees - our "Heritage Trees" - provides many environmental, health, financial, and aesthetic benefits;
Whereas, Many other cities have recognized and implemented strong protections for Heritage Trees;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor already protects Landmark Trees, which generally are those over 8" in diameter;
Whereas, Expanding protections for Heritage Trees may involve relatively modest amendments to the Landmark Tree List and language in various sections of the City's Unified Development Code (UDC);
Whereas, The Natural Features Working Group of the Environmental Commission intends to draft changes to the Landmark Tree List and the UDC to better protect Heritage Trees based on local circumstances and experience as well as best practices and lessons learned elsewhere;
Whereas, City of Ann Arbor staff assistance will be needed to acco...
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