Agenda - Council - 09/27/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background: CASE #_~[ INTRODUCE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE FORESTRY PLAN & PROPOSED TREE CONSERVATION POLICY By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Heidi Welsch, Community Development Intern Previously, the Park and Recreation Commission, as well as the City Council, have been part of the public revieqv process for Ramsey's forestry issues. This has included reforestation efforts on public land, ney0 residential construction sites and special programs like the Environmental Expo and tree sale. Observation: Virtually all Me4tro Area cities have realized the importance of urban forest resources and have enacted forestryi policies, plans, and ordinances. While the City has recently made significant progress towar~ tree protection and reforestation, an even more comprehensive and defined approach is nece~ssary. Evidence of this is the 1992 Forest Cover-Type Survey, showing a net tree cover loss of 8 p~rcent in the preceding 12 years. Development activity, namely subdivision starts, are a major caus~ of this decline. Therefore, preservation of existing trees is the primary focus of the Tree Conser4,ation Policy. However, other strategies will also be addressed. This case contait~s two elements. The first is a draft Community Forestry Comprehensive Plan which outlines some of the "other strategies" for tree protection and management. Although still a draft, it providel~ background for examination of the proposed Tree Conservation Policy. Staff requests both con!currence with the premise of the Draft Comprehensive Plan and comment on it. Currently, staff i~ requesting approval or seeking direction on..the Tree Conservation Policy, which requires all developers to submit a tree conservation plan for their proposed plat. Significant and specimen trees Will be fenced off in tree protection zones. Compensation is required from developers and ~uilders/contractors for all significant trees which must be removed with a maximum cap onithe number per acre. This policy encourages wise use of existing resources and makes provisions;'for the perpetuation of the City's forest cover. Assuming concurrence of the materials and purpose of this case, Staff will refine the Forestry Comprehensive Plan for future adoption by City Council. Because the Tree Conservation policy is completed to Sta,ffs satisfaction, and time is of the essence, Staff is requesting approval of the Tree Conservatidn Policy prior to adoption of the overall plan portion. Uhimately, both the Comprehensive F~restry Plan and the Tree Conservation Policy will be incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Recreation and Natural Resources Plan. The majority of critical information related to adoptioo of the Tree Conservation Policy is detailed in the proposed policy beginning on its page 3, (Procedures) IV, and continuing through page 8. Enclosed for your review: 1. Proposed Tree Conservation Policy 2. Dr~ift Community Forestry Comprehensive Plan 3. Tr~ Conservation Flyer for Developers 4. 1992 Forest Cover-type and Inventory 13:5