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CASE #2 <br /> <br />INTRODUCE FORESTRY MISSION STATEMENT <br />& TREE CONSERVATION POLICY <br /> By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor <br /> Heidi Welsch, Community Development Intern <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />Previously, the Park and Recreation Commission has been part of the public review process for <br />Ramsey's forestry issues. This has included reforestation efforts on public land, new residential <br />construction sites and special programs like the Environmental Expo. <br /> <br />Observation: <br /> <br />While the City has made significant progress toward tree protection and reforestation, a more <br />comprehensive and defined approach is necessary. Evidence of this is the 1992 Forest Cover-Type <br />Survey, showing ~a net tree cover loss of 8 percent in the preceding 12 years. Development activity, <br />namely subdivision starts, are a major cause of this decline. Therefore, preservation of existing trees <br />is the primary fOCus of the Tree Conservation Policy. However, other strategies will also be <br />addressed. <br /> <br />This case contains two elements. The first is a draft Community Forestry Comprehensive Plan which <br />outlines some of the "other strategies" for u'ee protection and management. Although still a draft, it <br />provides background for examination of the draft Tree Conservation Policy. <br /> <br />Virtually all Mea'o Area cities have realized the importance of urban forest resources and enacted <br />forestry policies, plans, and ordinances. The Community Forestry Comprehensive Plan Draft is the <br />first step toward tree conservation. Currently, staff is seeking direction on the Tree Conservation <br />Policy, which requires all developers to submit a tree conservation plan for their proposed plat. <br />Significant and specimen trees will be fenced off in tree protection zones. Compensation is required <br />from developers a!~d builders/contractors for all trees which must be removed. This policy encourages <br />wise use of existing resources and makes provisions for maintenance of the City's forest cover. <br /> <br />Assuming support of the materials and purpose of the cont6hts of this case, Staff will refine the <br />Motivational Statement and forward the issues to City Council for adoption. Ultimately, both the <br />Motivational Statoment and the Tree Conservation Policy will be incorporated into the Comprehensive <br />Recreation and Natural Resources Plan. <br /> <br />Enclosed for your review: <br /> <br />Draft Community Forestry Comprehensive Plan <br />Draft Tree Conservation Policy <br />1992 Forest Covertype and Inventory <br /> <br />Staff Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff is recommending the Commission review and comment on the draft Community Forestry <br />Comprehensive Plan. Staff is also recommending introduction of the Tree Conservation Policy to the <br />City Council. <br /> <br />Commission Action: '-". <br /> <br /> \ <br />Motion to recommend City Council adopt the Tree Conservation Policy. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: Copies also distributed to: <br /> <br />City Administrator <br />Parks/Utilities SuPervisor <br />Community DevelOpment Intern <br /> <br />Finance Officer <br />City Engineer <br /> <br />Environmental Special/st <br />Zoning Administrator <br /> <br />P&R: 9/8/94 <br /> <br /> <br />