Document text
Tree rules get new look Ashland will consider extending protection rules By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - Tree protection proposals will undergo public scrutiny in this town where a protester bivouacked in branches last fall for 13 days to prevent tree cutting at the library. Laws already protect trees in hillside developments, rights of ways and riparian areas, but the proposals could extend rules to all areas of town, including private property. Tree commission members will unveil their thoughts on what an ordinance might look like at public meetings at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, and Thursday, May 24, at the Ashland Middle School Library. "The commission has been looking at issues to bring to the public," said Robbin Pearce, city conservation department staff member. "(It will) also look at what the public brings up." Protection for trees on private land, a heritage provision to protect selected mature trees and protection beyond hillsides and riparian areas will be among issues considered, said Pearce. "There's been a lot of outcry about not protecting trees at the library, Shakespeare and the Hillside Inn," said Pearce. "(The commission) wants the public to really come out and talk about it." The library project will remove about two dozen trees and shrubs. More will be cut down when voter-approved construction of a new fire station begins at 455 Siskiyou Blvd. across from the library. Mature trees were cut down when contractors began work last November on a theater and parking structure for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival on Hargadine Street. Recent renovation of the Hillside Inn property at 1520 Siskiyou Blvd. also removed mature trees. Standards requiring replacement for a tree lost during construction already can be included as a condition in a project's approval. But not all approvals include the clause. "Then we end up with the 'oops' clause and we lose them," said Pearce. A new ordinance could include stronger protection and mitigation if there is a loss. Trees in the right of way may be removed with a free permit. Typically a person is asked why removal is desired and directed to replace the tree. Additional protection for trees may result in fees, said Pearce. Private property owners can cut down any tree at present. Tree protection on private property will be a heated issue, said Pearce. Heritage tree status could be given to a tree in someone's yard. The tree might be protected by a tax credit, restrictions in title and money to maintain it, said Pearce. Tree commission members will present an overview at the May 9 session and give participants the chance to offer ideas, suggestions and feedback. A summary of public testimony from the first session will be presented at the May 23 meeting. Additional public comment will also be received. Pearce expects to have a study session on an ordinance with the planning commission in June. That group must approve any ordinance before it goes to the City Council for consideration. Residents who cannot attend a session may send comments by mail to Pearce at: City of Ashland, Ashland, OR 97520, or by e-mail to: [email protected] . Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.