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A Guide To Developing A Community Tree Preservation Ordinance Page 3 of 8 <br /> include replacement and new planting. It may or may not include provisions for education or <br /> enforcement. Determining the goals and scope will be an important part of developing <br /> the ordinance. <br /> Drafting an Ordinance <br /> The process by which the ordinance is developed is as important as the actual language.An <br /> ordinance should create a mechanism for the exchange of information.Therefore,the <br /> relationships formed during the ordinance development process are crucial to its potential <br /> success. <br /> An ordinance marks the creation of a new"organization",composed of people brought <br /> together from different professions,positions and interests for the purpose of tree protection. <br /> This creation of a working organization takes time for meetings,discussions,and phone <br /> conversations.The process must build trust amongst the various parties. <br /> The challenge of an ordinance is not getting it passed,but getting people to follow its <br /> provisions.The best ordinances come about when: <br /> 1. the ordinance provides for effective communication; <br /> 2. everyone affected has a role in developing the ordinance, starti <br /> with the basic objectives; <br /> 3. the objectives are simple and easy to communicate. <br /> Importance of Education <br /> The most important element of a successful tree preservation program is education.The <br /> exchange of practical information,unique concerns,and specific issues can lead to a better <br /> understanding among those involved in drafting the ordinance. <br /> Education should begin before an ordinance has been drafted and should address the <br /> economic constraints of tree preservation and the physical constraints of constructing on <br /> wooded lots.Unrealistic ordinances prohibit development and construction in wooded areas, <br /> which may not be the goal of the community. <br /> Education should be offered to the following persons: <br /> ■ City Planners <br /> ■ Engineers <br /> ■ Building Inspectors <br /> ■ City Advisory Commissions <br /> ■ Contractors/Subcontractors <br /> ■ Home/Property Owners <br /> ■ Neighborhood Associations <br /> ■ Foresters <br /> ■ Citizen Groups <br /> ■ City Councils <br /> ■ Utility Companies <br /> ■ Realtors <br /> ■ Developers <br /> ■ Landscape Architects <br /> http://www.mnstac.org/RFC/preservationordguide.htm 11/14/2007 <br />