Council to discuss tree ordinance amendments

Amendments that weaken the tree preservation ordinance will be presented by City staff tomorrow at the Council B session. Staff recently changed its recommendations, and is now aligned with developers in calling for cuts in Ashe juniper preservation. Please try to attend and show your support for tree preservation; even a few people will help.

City Council "B" Session on Tree Ordinance

Wednesday, February 22nd
3:00 p.m.
"B" Room, Municipal Plaza Building, 103 South Main Ave.

Staff recently changed its recommendations on nearly all of the amendments. Some improvements were made, but the reversal on Ashe juniper is troubling. This recommendation, if approved, will damage the aquifer recharge and contributing zones and lead to these environmental consequences:

• preservation of live oaks will be reduced concomitantly
• it will pave the way for high-intensity development of the contributing zone
• it will increase stormwater runoff to the south side (see hydrological study by cTc)
• it will reduce species diversity at a time when oak wilt is threatening hill country forests

For more, see Amendments threaten Tree Preservation Ordinance.