Forest Conservation Ordinance

Supported forest retention rules while suggesting greater reliance on professional arborist judgment for root zones and stormwater plantings.

Expressed concern regarding the proposed five-year maintenance period and tree sizing requirements for forest conservation plantings.

Recommended a lower mitigation ratio for specimen trees and alternative methods like degraded forest restoration.

Supported forest conservation updates and suggested investigating banking options outside city limits within the same watershed.

Emphasized the importance of protecting riparian buffers and preventing mowing underneath riparian trees.

Shared insights from a St. Louis project where full-grown trees rapidly mitigated urban heat islands and improved neighborhood health.