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1,
<br /> URB1V FORESTS .• f
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<br /> ReLeaf cone unity. In tact, that was pxr.ting of signs to define limits of "The problem is the developer's
<br /> the intent of the committee of con%er- construction activity, use of indigenous ignorance, and it our fault as a
<br /> vationists and developers who flora species, recycling of resources profession," agrees Steven Clark, an
<br /> designed the stringent requirements, like wood chips back into the site, and urban forester based in Nashville,
<br /> starting with an application fee that booklets on tree care for homeowners Tennessee, who has tern working with
<br /> ranges from $500 to $1,51)0, based on (if desired, Global ReLeaf can provide developers nationwide for 18 years.
<br /> the project's sire. To qualify, a project these booklets). Tree plantings are (Clark is the one who suggested that
<br /> must have a master plan developed by especially critical since approximately AEI, join hands with NAM, and Mike
<br /> a design tram that includes a natural- 75 percent of new homes are built on Rose is the one who initiated the coop -
<br /> resources expert certified by Global non - wooded land. eration.)
<br /> ReLeaf. The expert will be an urban All too often today the stumbling
<br /> forester, landscape architect, or other he rules for attaining a Global block is tree ordinances that put
<br /> tree - preservation specialist who has a ReLeaf seal of approval have unnecessary shackles on environmrn-
<br /> combination of formal education, prac- to be stiff. "This has to be a tally minded developers. Still, Global
<br /> tical experience, and a working knowl- ribbon for your chest that real- ReLeaf recognition is not meant to
<br /> edge of the Global ReLeaf tree- saving ly means something," says replace ordinances. In some instances, •
<br /> techniques. former Chicago city forester Charles a carrot will not be enough; a stick will
<br /> Documents and construction draw- Stewart, whose company, Urban Forest still be necessary. But the concern with
<br /> ings submitted to the Global ReLeaf Management, has been saving trees tree ordinances is that they lack flexi
<br /> review committee must include a since 1974. bilit because they are too broad. Like
<br /> preconstruction survey, developed by Global ReLeaf - certified experts like zoning regulations, they fail to pay
<br /> a natural - resources expert who has Chuck Stewart clearly play a critical attention to the variability of sites.
<br /> • walked the role. They approve the project's master Adjacent pieces of property may have
<br /> f v•
<br /> ' t. • s ¢+ J site and plan and are responsible for its imple- very different natural resources and
<br /> +�,,,. �` tagged indi mentatiun- physical properties, but ordinances
<br /> �sv �' 5a t ideal trees To cont rol quality, AFA and NAHB reduce everything to common
<br /> and stands for state members will conduct inde n- denominators.
<br /> ' . protection. dent verifications and visit sites in Too often, says Chuck Stewart, they
<br /> g . ;r= They mi random spot checks. They will pull the are enacted as knee-jerk r
<br /> Y b p y p to jerk reactions to
<br /> '`' t like some certification of any natural resources rampant growth, and too often they
<br /> N
<br /> ,_� su rveys done expert who allows a bad development are unrealistic, unenforceable, and
<br /> '" , ty , Ali in the past, to .hp through. unfair.
<br /> !,, - ..t.'; - include "We don't pretend the system will Mike Rose believes that well-
<br /> . computer- be perfect," says AFA urban forester designed tree ordinances are necessary,
<br /> ' ^generated Gary Moll. "Nor are we saying that but they should not include penalties,
<br /> maps show land development is good. That's not which merely drive up the price of
<br /> ing topogra- tvhat this program's about. What we homes as developers pass along their
<br /> The author visits one of phy, hydrolo- do hope is to raise the level of the cost: to consumers.
<br /> the houses at gv, location of development process so it does a
<br /> Northridge, a planned significant better job with the environment." ut he admits that tree ordi-
<br /> corrnunity where tree trees, their Back in the mid- 1970s, Moll worked nances are an increasing reali
<br /> preservation is a top size, species, for three years as an urban- forest plan- ty facing developers. Better
<br /> priority. age, health, ner for the state of Maryland, dealing than poorly designed ordi-
<br /> j and the extent with land developers and planning nances, he feels, are coalitions
<br /> of their root systems.and crown commissions in the state's fastest - between developers and environmen-
<br /> spread. Setback requirements, rights- growing counties. He was also respon- talists. Through Global ReLeaf for
<br /> of -way, and conservation easements Bible for large landscape projects at New Communities, the two sides can
<br /> are also indicated. power plants. Based on that experi- share ideas and come to understand
<br /> The master plan must detail specific once, he believes that the majority of each other's points of view.
<br /> techniques for saving or improving developers are conscientious and want Finally, there's the matter of
<br /> trees, soils, wildlife habitat, and to build developments they can feel survival. As one builder remarked,
<br /> streams and ponds. Other conserva- proud of. But in the past, planting and "What it boils down to is that develop -
<br /> tion measures might include new saying trees were not presented in a - ors who do it this way are the ones
<br /> plantings, on- or off -site tree farms, way that makes sense to them. who are going to stay in business." AF
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<br /> : \,dude ,t\ It, )RPSes MAN./ jt \} 1991
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