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I <br />policies for ndtursl resource m&nsgetnent, and rural area policies for natural resource <br />noanagement. Chapter 11 of the City Ordinances (Subdivision Chapter) provides authority for the <br />city to require shade trees around the perimeter of subdivisions and provides a list of specific <br />trees. Excerpts from the Comprehensive Plan and Subdivision Chapter are attached to this memo. <br />Key Concepts for a Tree Preservation Policy and Ordinance <br />1 . Direct a tree preservation policy and ordinance at residential and commercial development. <br />Clearcutting of forested areas would be discouraged. <br />2. Prepare a guide for property owners that provides information on tree preservation, <br />maintenance, and reforestation. <br />3. Preservation of the rural theme of Orono should be the purpose or theme of the policy. <br />Rural characteristics include wooded areas as well as open prairie or pasture land. <br />4. The ordinance should address specific development such as: <br />• forestation of pasture land proposed for housing development <br />• tree replacement in wooded areas proposed for development <br />• creation of buffers between public and private property <br />• tree planting and landscaping for commerical development/redevelopment <br />5. <br />6. <br />Establish criteria for preservation, maintenance, and reforestation, to include <br />• tree size and type <br />• density <br />• canopy cover as a percentage of total lot size <br />Prepare amendments to the existing Zoning Code and Subdivision Chapter that address tree <br />preservation, maintenance, reforestation and landscaping. <br />The proposed guide is considered an important companion to the tree preservation ordinance to <br />provide information and assistance. The Park Commission believes that the majority of Orono <br />residents enjoy the rural character and want to protect and maintain trees. The guide would serve <br />to encourage residents in this endeavor. <br />Consultants who have specific knowledge of trees (landscape architects and foresters) can assist <br />staff with developing specific criteria for preservation, maintenance, and reforestation.