Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/06/2006

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Acting Chairperson Max stated that if the diversity numbers were achieved on the required, there could be a number of species with very few plantings done. He stated that could cause an extreme case. He noted the idea was to have diversity over the entire planting and that wasn't desirable. Board member Sibilski noted if diversity played into the total planting, it would only require four different species. He explained that by doubling the amount of coverage required, that would reduce the amount of genus from five to four. Board member Hustvedt stated they have to have at least five species no matter what, and 20% genus. Board member Olds asked if the 20% requirement was exceeded, how the diversity would be maintained under the required coverage. Board member Max explained that if the diversity were placed at the entire planting rather than required planting, then it would be covered. Board members discussed the requirement of 20% or 25% and how many species would bring enough diversity in the coniferous or one genus. Board member Olds asked what space or area this diversity covers. He asked if it would mean one acre or fifty acres. Acting Chairperson Max stated that in looking at the two cases, the first was done with about six or seven species and the other had numerous species. He stated there was more species of coniferous but hardly any coverage. Board member Olds noted that the 25% should maintain that diversity in genus and in species, based on the required coverage. He stated anything the developer goes over is extra. Board member Bentz asked for clarification about when the calculation would be started in the formula. He asked if the canopy coverage or the total area would be looked at for a starting point in the calculation of the formula for diversity. Acting Chairperson Max clarified that the entire planting would be looked at for diversity. Board member Hustvedt stated the maximmn would be 20%. He noted the least diverse could be five species. He noted that as long as coniferous and deciduous were mixed within the required area for the 25%, it would be covered so long as five different genuses were in the plan. Board member Bentz stated then the Zoning Coordinator would have to go back and re-do the formula to see if the ratios were maintained. Board member Hustvedt stated the code would still stipulate 25% of the required. Environmental Policy Board/February 6, 2006 Page 6 of 10