The tree canopy of our homes, parks and privately owned wooded areas add much financial as well as aesthetic and environmental value to our city. The Winston Salem Neighborhood Alliance, the Sierra Club, developers and realtors have been working on an ordinance which would balance the value of the trees with the cost of preservation to owners, developers and realtors. A strong ordinance was agreed upon prior to the change in economic conditions. Then, it was weakened in deference to the concerns of cost for development and adding two planning positions for enforcement. In its current form, the ordinance would prevent the tree topping which weakens trees and decreases the environmental and aesthetic value of the trees . It would also protect ten percent of trees during development in some areas. However, there are loop holes which could allow for clear cutting and replacement of small replanted trees for large trees which provide greater storm water and air pollution protection. Additionally, Council member Dan Besse believes the needed planning positions can be shifted from other city positions. Please read further on this topic at:
http://nc.sierraclub.org/foothills/tree_ordinance.html
http://www.wsrar.com/Newsletters/2008/November2008.pdf
Please e-mail us your thoughts at sw.eromdrAnull@eromdrA.
