TREE CONSERVATION

6. Do you support broadening of State enabling legislation to increase the City’s ability to protect trees?

I'm all for increasing the City's ability to protect trees.

Please explain.

I don't know what exact legislation is referred to in this question. However, I would ask our Senators Janet Cowell and Neal Hunt for advice what the State can do to help, to sponsor appropriate legislation, and work with them to build support from all stakeholders.

7. Do you think the Raleigh tree conservation ordinance should increase the required percentage of tree conservation area on developing lots?

Probably.

Please explain.

Trees help protect our water supply and reduce stormwater runoff. We should be especially careful to protect trees in riparian buffers required by the Neuse River rules. In other areas, the percentage saved depends on the amount of wooded area on a tract of land to begin with. If there aren't many trees to begin with, maybe you save 100%. Sadly, there are fewer and fewer wooded lots left in our region.

8. Do you think the Raleigh tree conservation ordinance should require more lots to be subject to tree conservation by changing the lot-size requirement from two acres to something smaller—say one acre or less?

Maybe.

Please explain.

Protecting the root systems of existing trees on lots smaller than an acre can be difficult -- especially for large trees with extensive roots systems.

Another risk with proposing something like that is owners might rush to cutting down trees before the rules are changed to avoid having to preserve them later. Educating people on the value that trees add to their property might ultimately be more effective. Citizen groups like the Sierra Club and even business groups can help with that education. There is solid economic evidence to support trees making property more valuable. Significant incentives and credits could be given for actually saving quality trees.

9. Do you think the Raleigh tree conservation ordinance should protect large trees, often called heritage or specimen trees?

Yes

Please explain.

The tree conservation ordinance does make provision for protection of "Champion trees" which includes trees with the "Capital Tree" designation. Identifying more "Capital Trees" could conserve more of these trees. The City should also help fund this program. Sierra Club members could be especially helpful in nominating possible Capital Trees. More information on the program is at: http://www.wakegov.com/recycling/kab/captreesprogram.htm