Laserfiche WebLink
Tree Preservation, Maintenance, & Reforestation Policy <br />for City Council Review and Action <br />Prepared by Orono Park Commission <br />July 7, 1997 <br />Introduction <br />The Park Commission has been asked to prepare the first draft of a Tree Preservation, <br />Maintenance and Reforestation Policy. The process involved review of other municipal <br />ordinances in the metropolitan area (Wayzata, Minnetrista, Shorewood, Eden Prairie). Several <br />meetings have taken place with Park Commission subcommittee members and city staff. The Park <br />Commission voted at their July 7th meeting to propose the following for review and action by the <br />Orono City Council at their July 14, 1997 meeting; <br />Purpose Statement <br />It is the policy of the City of Orono to recognize and preserve existing natural resources. Trees <br />provide numerous benefits including, but not limited to: <br />stabilization of soil by prevention of erosion and sedimentation; <br />reduction of storm water runoff; <br />improvement of air quality; <br />reduction of noise pollution; <br />control of urban heat island effect; <br />protection and increase of property values; <br />protection of privacy; <br />energy conservation through natural insulation; <br />providing habitat for birds and other wildlife; and <br />conservation and enhancement of the city's physical/aesthetic environment <br />The Park Commission recomir.cnds that an enforceable policy be enacted to preserve and protect <br />significant trees or stands of trees whose loss due to land disturbances associated with <br />development or construction would adversely impact the character of the neighborhood or <br />subdivision. The policy would also apply to public projects and commercial development. <br />The Park Commission notes that Orono has been well served over the years by "good <br />development". Former cornfields and open pastures, such as Webber Hills, are now forested and <br />covered by vegetation A Tree Preservation policy and ordinance would continue to encourage <br />appropriate development. <br />Authority <br />The state statutes provide the authority to enact tree preservation ordinances under enabling <br />legislation in Chapter 462. Further, the City's Comprehensive Plan (June 1980), notes the <br />importance of tree preservation in several sections, environmental protection goals, urban area