No Net Loss of Trees Key Component of Tree Ordinances

One of the key components in any tree ordinance has to be the concept that one of the goals of the ordinance is to ensure that there is a no net loss of trees and tree canopy. It seems many cities unfortunately have not adopted this policy goal. More cities over time, however,  are seeing the need for “no net loss” policies to maintain their tree canopy.

Cities that advocate a no net loss of tree canopy:

Annapolis, MarylandCity Council  passes stricter tree reforestation law, Capital Gazette, March 27, 2017 – “When developers are required to replant cut down trees in Annapolis they must replace those trees acre for acre. That’s the new law after the Annapolis City Council voted to pass legislation dubbed the “No Net Loss” provision”

Atlanta, GATree Ordinance -“It is the policy of the city that there shall be no net loss of trees within the boundaries of the city.”

Issaquah, WATree Canopy – “In 2008, Issaquah adopted targets for tree canopy
coverage of 51% of total land within Issaquah and no net loss of overall coverage.”

Lake Forest Park, WATree Ordinance – “Implement canopy-based regulatory and permitting strategies that result in at least no net loss in tree canopy coverage and is grounded in a 30-year maturity cycle for trees.”

Norcross, GAChapter 113 – Tree Preservation – “It is the policy of the city that there shall be no net loss of canopy coverage as defined in this chapter within the boundaries of the city, including property owned by the city.”

Palo Alto, CAUrban Canopy – “The Urban Forest Master Plan’s forest preservation goals will incorporate new landscape design requirements to address multiple goals including: Water Efficiency, Protection of regulated trees, Shading of hardscape features, Compatibility with existing landscapes, Native habitat, No net loss of tree canopy”

Redmond, WashingtonTree Protection – Purpose – “Mitigate the environmental and aesthetic consequences of tree removal in land development through on and off-site tree replacement to achieve a goal of no net loss of trees through-out the City of Redmond”

Sammamish, WA – Development Standards – Trees  – “Mitigate the environmental and aesthetic consequences of tree removal through on-site and off-site tree replacement to achieve a goal of no net loss of canopy throughout Sammamish”

Shoreline, WA Trees –  “Among the goals of our tree regulations is to ensure there is no net loss of Shoreline’s tree canopy coverage. One way of doing this is by regulating the rate of cutting and requiring replacement trees to be planted.”

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