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0 <br />• <br />MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />WORK SESSION HELD ON DECEMBER 15, 1997 <br />way to accomplish this is through preservation of trees. Wilson said she would like to <br />make general policies for buffering and reforestation, targeting developers, by using a <br />brochure with guidelines. She would like the policy to protect trees without making it <br />difficult for the property owner. <br />Schroeder asked if this factors into whether land or fee is taken for park dedication. <br />Wilson said it did as far as buffering and trails are concerned. Land is taken when it will <br />enhance the area. Wilson said she likes the idea of reforestation. She does not want to <br />make it impossible for people to do what they want with their land. Wilson feels that <br />most people will do what is right as they moved to the area due to the rural character of it. <br />She noted the slope and ravine issues in Saga Hill. <br />McMillan suggested the policy come from a positive outlook. She would like to see <br />natural buffering with trees every 20'. She noted once the trees are established, they <br />generally will not be eliminated. Schroeder responded that each area is different making <br />it difficult to establish whether there should be a 20' or 40' distance requirement for tree <br />planting. Schroeder does not want to see the City having to make decisions on each tree. <br />Lindquist added that he feels most developers are attempting to preserve trees and <br />providing a buffer. <br />Schroeder asked if some ordinances were more restrictive. Gaffron said some did not <br />apply to Orono. He said some ordinances were fairly extensive in their preservation <br />policies. Gaffron suggested some steps may be circumvented. An inventory should not <br />be done if the goal cannot be met. Developers need to be given direction and standards <br />by which to follow. <br />