07-12-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Weinberger ~ June 16,1999 Page 2 (Simons 1996, Simons 1999). Since the trees were missing, average values (70%) were used for condition, contribution and placement v/ith the exception of Tree 14. This tree had extensive decay in the stump therefore the tree had no value. Table 1 presents species, stump height, stump diameter, estimated DBH and estimated value for each of the significant canopy trees. The total area of canopy removed is estimated to be 14,450 ft’. This estimate is based on the following average crown diameters: American linden Red oak Sugar maple 50 feet 50 feet 40 feet This area represents the union of crowns with the above diameters centered over their stump locations. The trees were located on a northeastern slope facing the lake. The steepest part of the slope represents an 18 foot vertical change of grade and ranges from 27 percent to 60 percent from west to east In a few locations, equipment ruts were left during tree removal and the ruts have begun to erode. This slope also creates issues of access and limits the type of equipment that may be used on site. In addition, the access from the front yard to the back is only 10 feet wide. Comments 1 . It is my opinion that the circumstances of the unauthorized removal of trees dictates that the restoration plan be consistent with the 'Reasonable and Practical Replacement Cost* method of plant appraisal (Council of Landscape Appraisers 1992). This method establishes the appraised damages are the 'cost to replace the number, size and species of trees destroyed to the extent that 1) replacement serves to substantially restore the character and quality of the property ... and 2) the cost of replacement is not greatly disproportionate to the resulting restoration...' 2. It is not reasonable or practical to transplant large trees as part of this restoration. The cdternative is to establish a approximate time frame for the restoration and to plant trees that with anticipated growth will largely restore the quality and character of the site within that established time frame. A reasonable time frame is 20 to 25 years. 3. With growth, 2.0 inch caliper trees planted on average with a 25 foot spacing would reach crown closure In this restoration time frame. Twenty-nine trees planted at this 25 foot spacing would be requires to completely replace the 14,450 of canopy removed. 4. The kinds of trees planted should be consistent with the those that were removed (i.e. largely sugar maple and American linden with a few red oaks mixed in). These trees are readily available in 2.0 inch caliper. i'