Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend January 11, 2007 Stately wintry trees stand guard at the corner of Oregon and Hillhouse avenues in Medford. The city is considering an ordinance that would protect its urban canopy by requiring permits before trees can be cut, and hefty fines if trees are cut down in violation. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) Tree ordinance grows in Medford The city's tree committee OKs draft of cutting measure By Meg Landers Mail Tribune Medford property owners soon may have to pay $30 and justify their reasons for cutting down a tree before firing up the chain saw if a proposed tree ordinance takes root. The draft ordinance, approved Monday by the city's tree committee, would govern the cutting down, planting and maintenance of trees within city limits. Those who cut down trees without approval would face fines. The proposal will be considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Council Chambers. The ordinance then goes to the City Council for final approval. Ashland, Jacksonville and Central Point have tree ordinances. Philip Frazee, a consulting arborist who lives in Eagle Point, said he hasn't seen the proposed ordinance but supports it as long as it's something the residents buy into. "The success and acceptance of a tree ordinance is going to have to be something that grows from the ground up, rather than the top down," he said. "You've got a very independently minded culture here." Advertisement Permits will be needed to cut down trees whose diameter (measured 41/2 feet up the trunk) is 18 inches or greater in residential areas, parks director Brian Sjothun said. In commercial or industrial areas, a permit is needed if the diameter is greater than 6 inches. Frazee said the minimum diameter in residential areas did not protect ornamental trees, such as Japanese maples, which can be valued at $25,000. Sjothun said the ordinance would require property owners to first come to the parks department and fill out an application. The city arborist would review the application and the tree, Sjothun said. If approved, the owner would pay a $30 fee for the permit. Those who cut trees without checking with the city could face a maximum $750 fine. Sjothun said the ordinance provides a professional level of service that ensures the work will be done correctly. It also ensures there is compliance with recognized industry standards and best management practices. Other departments approve of the proposal, he said. "We've been coordinating with the planning department and the building department," he said. If tree removal is part of new construction, for example, the application would be processed at the same time as the other planning actions. Included in the proposal is a "landscape awards program" that would recognize property owners who develop landscapes that improve energy efficiency, water conservation, economic vitality, aesthetics and quality of life. Frazee said he applauds the city's efforts. "Having a plan is always very positive because it means you've got an eye on the values that are provided by an urban forest," he said. Tree regulations first proposed in 2003 were rejected by the City Council. A professional arborist, Bill Harrington, has since been hired and has researched municipal tree ordinances in the Northwest. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com