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A Guide To Developing A Community Tree Preservation Ordinance Page 1 of 8 NSTAC MIbiNIsoTA Si iADE TRE:F- AoviSORY COM>w In—EE A Guide To Developing A Community Tree Preservation Ordinance This guide was written by the Community Tree Preservation Task Force of the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee(MnSTAC).The mission of the Task Force is to preserve existing trees during development and to reforest land through: ■ education; ■ improved communication; ■ supporting the partnerships of builders, developers, foresters and communities; ■ guiding communities in developing their own tree preservation program. This publication was funded in part by a grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban Forestry Center for the Midwestern States, North Central Forest Experiment Station, Chicago, Illinois. The Value of Trees Trees have a great deal of financial value,from increased property values to various environmental benefits.Trees stabilize the soil and control water pollution,yield advantageous microclimatic effects which conserve energy,preserve and foster air quality by removing carbon dioxide(CO2)and airborne pollutants,abate visual and noise pollution,and provide a natural habitat for wildlife.They also provide welcome shade to people and add color and interest to the urban landscape.Trees provide a psychological boost to urbanites. People are generally more satisfied with their neighborhoods if there are trees.Workers are more productive and hospital patients recover faster if they can see trees outside their windows.The benefits of established trees in our communities are subtle and often overlooked. The Magnitude of the Problem Communities have long recognized the importance of trees.Tree and woodland preservation is an emerging environmental issue as communities also address concerns involving wetlands,flood plains,storm water,water quality,steep slopes,and air quality. New construction too often leads to tree loss and remaining trees lose vigor because of damage sustained during construction.Communities can mitigate both tree loss and tree damage witl well conceived tree preservation ordinances or policies. The Purpose of This Guide This guide outlines a process by which each community can develop a tree preservation ordinance consistent with their own particular goals and needs. Communities are encourage( http://www.mnstac.org/RFC/Preservationordguide.htm 11/14/2007