INFORMATION #2 03-29-1999
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Tree Preservation
A possible subject for consideration during the joint Elk River City Council and Planning
Commission Meeting.
Are we putting a high enough priority on preserving our remaining urban forests?
I realize that tree preservation in a developing community is a very complex issue. I also
feel that we can do a better job than we are doing now, though I am not exactly sure how.
In a conversation with Terry Mauer last week, he indicated that we could positively
impact tree preservation by directing staff to make it a high priority when dealing with
developments.
I would also like to ask some questions as food for thought.
1. Should our tree preservation ordinance be enhanced or improved?
2. Can we require developers to save ( )% of trees?
3. Can our "conditions" include a "care until established" clause so that the
replacements we are requiring have a higher survival rate?
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4. Can zoning be changed to be more sensitive to our forests? (this would require
significant tree stands to be identified)
Thank you for listening. If you think this is a project that deserves some work and need
some help with (and don't mind ifI'm from Big Lake Township) I would be willing to
learn more about tree preservation and assist in reviewing our ordinance.
Dave Anderson
441-4582
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. March 29, 1999
City of Elk River Mayor, City Council & Planning Commission
13065 Orono Road
Elk River, MN 55330
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Dear City Officials,
As all of you know first-hand, Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing
counties in the United States. With rapid growth and development, communities often do
not recognize the value of trees and a community forest soon enough. In response to this,
tree preservation policies or ordinances are created with various degrees of success.
Considering the cities growth, the City of Elk River needs to seriously consider some
method of preserving its' community forest. Witnessing some ofthe developments that
have occurred in the City of Elk River over the past few years and the poor practices
within these developments, it seems the city and its' residents have everything to gain and
nothing to lose. A recent proposal of putting in a berm for noise/dust reduction instead of
preserving large mature oaks to do the job is an example of my message. Starting new oak
wilt in a development rather than preserving the integrity of wooded lots is another.
Hopefully, everyone recognizes the many benefits trees provide to both a
community and its residents. To seriously consider a tree preservation policy, a community
must first assess what they have by conducting a tree inventory or at least have a good idea
of what exists and where. Community forestry grants are normally available for this. Goals
must be established such as minimizing tree loss during development, preventing oak wilt,
or requiring trees to be planted to replace those removed. Because each community is
different, each tree preservation policy can be unique. Education is a the most imporant
element in establishing a successful program. All decision makers must understand why a
policy is needed and the benefits that come from it. There are various types of tree
preservation policies. Some put more emphasis on tree replacement and some put more
emphasis on tree preservation. Both ensures the community of more neighborbood trees.
Tree preservation efforts also have a direct effect on oak wilt. Elk River has the
highest incidence of oak wilt in the county. Part of the reason is from the growth that has
occurred in Elk River and the trees that have been damaged during development.
Each community must decide on how much of its woodlands is appropriate to
preserve with the amount of development allowed. Tree preservation policies will not stop
growth and development but they will make developers recognize that you value your
community forest. Without something in place, there are no incentives to even make an
effort. Within the county, the City of Elk River would benefit most from such a policy.
Please contact me at 241-2939 if you have any questions. I can offer some
assistance in establishing a policy and resources to contact for additional information.
~el~,. ~
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Tim Edgeton
County Forest Resource Specialist
Sherburne County