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Board Member Max stated he understood the intent but if the tree inspector finds out someone is <br />moving a tree, the property owner may claim ignorance. Chairperson McDilda concurred it may <br />be preferable to allow the tree to stand rather than have the tree moved to another part of the state <br />without the tree inspector's knowledge. Board Member Max stated there are hunting regulations <br />that people are aware of, but tree regulations are not clear to citizens. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda asked hypothetically if it might be a best case scenario in any of the <br />instances, to leave the tree standing, than to make a recommendation that it be taken down. <br />Board Member Max stated in Oak Wilt, it could produce spores and in Dutch Elm, the tree <br />would be beetle infested. In other things, it may be a breeding contest. Chairperson McDilda <br />stated one thing that the City can get people to do is cut a tree down, but the next thing is what <br />they will do with it. Chairperson McDilda stated that it was nearly impossible to actually track <br />what gets done with it because the citizen may decide to disregard the recommendation. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated the ordinance should be written that gives the City the teeth to <br />regulate taking the tree down, and make recommendations about what should be done with it, <br />and notify the owner of consequences for violating the transportation recommendation. <br /> <br />Board Member Olds asked if there was a size of tree that is less susceptible to any of the above <br />diseases. Board Member Max stated there probably is, but Oak Wilt gets smaller every time he <br />researches it. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated there are two issues. With the blow down there are all types of wood <br />lying around. He noted that it would be difficult to differentiate between the blow down trees <br />and cut trees. Chairperson McDilda noted the County didn't chip before they were transporting <br />the downed trees. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated that was because of the size, it made it <br />difficult to chip so they haul it in trucks. Environmental Specialist Bacon noted there are several <br />piles around the City and they move the chipper there. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated at <br />least the destination is for grinding. He noted the trees were being moved to an approved <br />disposal site, which should be one of the options. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated state regulation would take care of most of the issue. Environmental <br />Specialist Bacon noted the City does have an Oak Wilt control area. He stated he communicates <br />that private property owners would have the necessary information in a handout under <br />Interfering with Cost Share. Board Member Max stated the stick in the rule is that they abide by <br />this for the money. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated in the case of quarantine of the beetles and state regulations, the state <br />serves as a higher authority enforcement agent. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated <br />previously, because the City didn't have a good handle on where the oaks were and where they <br />weren't, this would be done City wide. Environmental Specialist Bacon added that now, with all <br />the development, it might be one of the functions of an inventory to decide where the Oaks are. <br />Environmental Specialist Bacon stated the third issue would be what to require of the developer. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda asked if there was ever an issue where the City doesn't chip on site. <br />Environmental Specialist Bacon stated there used to be salvage woodcutting going on prior to <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / November 7, 2005 <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />