The Presidents Hoot!

Saving our Trees

 

1.  Commissioners’ proposal to require retention or relocation of mature oak trees in New Developments.  Indian River County citizens are increasingly aware that the community ambiance, which prompted many of us to move to or live in IR County, as opposed to our neighboring counties, is significantly enhanced because of our tree and wetland habitats.  Unfortunately, under the current overly liberal tree ordinance, we are seeing daily the clear-cutting of familiar acreage of magnificent 20- to 150- year old adult trees that are part of our community’s heritage and environment

 

It is wonderful that the Indian River County Commission is still thinking of revising the tree and landscaping ordinances to protect our uplands and trees as much as our wetlands.  Our county planning department is looking at our two neighboring counties to see what their regulations are, but I think we can do better than Brevard and St. Lucie County standards.  We have the advantage of seeing the failure of the counties north and south of us, and can make efforts not to follow their mistakes.  However, we have only one chance to do it right and that opportunity for us is right now.  If we do not find a solution, the trees will be cut and lost.  Brevard and St. Lucie County probably do not have that opportunity.

 

We have some very precious trees and habitats in our county.  Audubon supports the county commissioners’ recommendation that the planning staff develop an amendment to the ordinance that adds a “replacement” or “preservation” ratio for native trees that qualify for removal.  Audubon feels that Indian River County should have one of the best tree ordinances in the state.  However, we hope that our planning staff will consider adopting some of the City of Gainesville and Tallahassee standards, which have thoughtfully considered the types of trees in their area.

 

In addition, Pelican Island Audubon recommends:

  1. All tree surveys should be posted on the web identifying the exact area of concern, number, and common and scientific names of trees over 4 inches, and the name of the owner or developer at least 1 week before the Planning and Zoning Commission meets for their consideration or staff’s issuance of permits. 
  2. The developer must notify the permitting office 1 week before the actual date of removal of said trees so that this information may be posted on the web to notify the community and the community is thus notified.

 

“Bert Harris” (taking land) has been mentioned as a possible threat for requiring the transfer or replanting of trees.  We are unaware of any case where the City of Gainesville, home of our prestigious law school at the University of Florida and our state’s capital, full of lawyers, has had any serious suits concerning its tree ordinances.  Gainesville and Tallahassee are also cities that provide affordable housing for students, teachers, and young working people in the community.

 

2.  After the fact tree removal permits.  Due to previous problems at the Palms of Vero project on 12th Street in Vero Beach there needs to be additional rules to protect our trees.  PIAS recommends: 

1.      After the fact permits are intended only for the naïve single family homeowner who is not aware that a permit is needed

2.      After the fact permits should not be available to developers, contractors, or builders.

3.      If exceptions are allowed for any developer, contractor, or builder then there should be an outside reviewer (the Planning & Zoning Commission) to review the fines, other than the environmental planner who should be protected from undue pressures. 

4.      Developers, contractors and builders may go to the Code Enforcement Board to either uphold the fines or redress a grievance.

 

3.  Professional Services Advisory Committee (PSAC) Membership.  Pelican Island Audubon  strongly recommends that at least two members of the environmental community be placed on the county’s professional services advisory committee to provide equitable balance in the review of county ordinances.  There are none now.

 

Please write or call the County Commissioners to express your views.-Richard H. Baker, President (November 2003)