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Hendricks Park Tree Assessments Page 2 October 15, 1997 Issues That Need to Be Addressed In the Short Term Hazard Trees in the Forest Area -- After extensive research of the hazard trees and the area in which they are located, staff added a tree (R -59) to the list and further classified the 19 trees into three categories (see attached assessment chart and map for additional information and location of each tree): • Six trees pose high degrees of hazard. These trees are top heavy, have decay, are exposed to heavy winds, and are in areas where the soil becomes very saturated during periods of high rainfall. Additionally, each of these trees could target homes or high -use areas of the park if they fell. These trees are recommended to be removed this fall or early winter. • Another six trees are severly decayed and target pathways, roadways, and parking areas. Although the targets of these trees are not as highly rated as those in the first group, the City is recommending removal of these trees this fall or winter because of their deteriorated condition. • The remaining seven trees are located in an area where the forest canopy is still fairly closed. These trees have some decay, are leaning, are top heavy, are in areas where soils become saturated, or are at the edge of the stand within reach of a home. The City is recommending that these trees be removed but that the timing of the removals be addressed in a long -term management plan for the forest or as conditions warrant. Dead Trees in the Rhododendron Garden -- There are five or six dead or dying trees in the developed rhododendron gardens. These trees pose a hazard to people who visit the gardens. The City is recommending the removal of dead trees in the highly used and developed areas of the park. When appropriate, dead trees can become habitat trees for wildlife. Forest Reforestation -- To retain a dynamic forest system, it is essential that any trees removed be replaced with new trees. The City is recommending that sufficient funds be reserved to replant at least two trees for each tree removed at Hendricks Park. The selection, placement, and strategy for restoring the forest ecosystem should be part of a forest management plan. Longer Term Strategies Hendricks Park is an area of multiple uses, including paths, roads and parking areas, a popular picnic shelter, world - renowned rhododendron gardens, transition zones between the park and neighboring homes, and, of course, the forest. A long -term forest plan can establish priorities among these uses in the forested area. We are recommending the formation of a department advisory committee this winter to assist in working with a consultant in developing a forestry management plan. Staff currently is working on the scope of the plan. Depending on the availability of funding for development of the plan, a phased approach may be used. The advisory committee will be structured to represent the diverse interests of the community, and members of the ad hoc group that began meeting last summer will be invited to apply for positions on the forestry plan advisory committee. I recognize and appreciate the sincere and diverse opinions regarding the best approach for managing the Hendricks Park urban forest. Bringing these opinions together in a planning process provides the best opportunity for a unified approach that acknowledges the park's needs, the community's desires, and the City's resources. attachments