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A fundamental issue identified in these meetings is the question of our planting locations which put trees in the way of construction, as well as the impact that trees have on other infrastructure. Is the right -of -way the best place to put trees that, in the future, may be harmed by our need to repair or replace streets, sidewalks, storm and wastewater systems, or utilities? The consequences are twofold because not only are trees affected, but the built infrastructure is affected by the trees, as roots lift up nearby streets and sidewalks, creating tripping hazards and repair work, and plugging and breaking sewers and drain lines. Another problem the Team wrestled with was the idea of limits — how much money are we willing to spend to design and construct around, and mitigate for trees identified for preservation or to enhance tree planting? Should we reduce any structural integrity or intended purpose of the built infrastructure to preserve trees? For the PEPI process, discussion centered on trees on the edge of the ROW on private property. Since the land use stage is conceptual, we often don't know where the utilities will be located exactly (width, depth of ROW). We can't defer the tree preservation plan, which identifies the trees to be protected, though some trees on private property are not shown. Conclusions The Team was able to achieve agreement on many issues put forth as part of this project. For instance: 1) Involving the Urban Forester's Office early in the scoping and design processes promotes teamwork and good decision - making. 2) The use of outside arborists will be managed by the Urban Forester's Office to increase consistency. 3) For projects with significant tree impacts, the Urban Forestry staff will become part of the design team, attending internal meetings and having frequent discussions, as well as explaining tree impacts to community members. 4) When exploratory excavation occurs (to determine root locations so that the Urban Forestry staff can estimate the impacts of proposed construction on tree roots), it will be done during design as much as possible. Root locations should be known before construction begins. 5) In general, with property owner's concurrence, trees outside the ROW on private property that may experience root impacts will be evaluated for conditions and root locations, and measures will be taken to protect and mitigate damage to these trees. 6) For all projects, efforts will be made to preserve existing trees unless those efforts cost more than the tree(s)' appraisal value (i.e., Is the cost of the design and construction change less than the value of the tree ?). For street construction 4