|
|
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Talk of tree law sprouts at two meetings By Christopher Schwarzen City Council members Tuesday night continued debating an ordinance that would protect trees in public rights of way and on public property. Council members mostly agreed such a rule is needed for more than 1,000 affected acres. But they feared specific wording might infringe on property owners' rights and overwork the city forester. Getting no closer to wording that could be approved, council members said they will continue studying the issue and will wait for more detailed information from city staff. "We're not in any hurry to put this in place," Councilwoman Elaine Lucas said. Lucas said Macon's canopy study has scared her and fellow council members into wanting some ordinance. For every three trees cut down within the city limits, only one is being replaced, city forester Eric Fowler said. But most council members agreed it would be bad to rush into an ordinance that couldn't be enforced. One of the most frequently asked questions Tuesday concerned maintenance of replaced trees. Current wording suggests that replaced trees must be maintained for two years. That includes trimming, watering and anything else needed to keep the tree alive. Many council members said nurseries usually give only a one-year warranty on trees, suggesting that that is long enough for a tree to take. Mike Anthony, the city's parks and recreation director, countered that, saying any forester understands a two-year period is necessary for roots to grow deep enough into soil. Council members also questioned the extra workload an ordinance will place on the city's forester. Anthony agreed the law could make for as much as 30 percent more work, but noted that no additional employees are being sought. During a Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful tree committee meeting Tuesday, there also was discussion of the city's proposal. The committee - Trees for Macon - was created several years ago through a county ordinance, part of requirements for the Tree City, U.S.A., designation. It has been the committee's job to look at ideas such as an ordinance, but without any jurisdiction. "I don't think they've included much of our input," said Rosa Spivey, chairwoman of the Trees for Macon committee. Anthony said he didn't see the group changing despite a Macon tree law. "There is still the county ordinance that needs to be created," he said. Jim Thomas, the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission's director of urban design and short-range planning, has been charged with creating a rule requiring that protected tree species would need to be replaced if cut down. Thomas said at both meetings that his office is behind because of work on large commercial proposals. He doesn't think the zoning board will have any ordinance to discuss before spring. To contact Christopher Schwarzen, call 744-4213 or e-mail cschwarzen@macontel.com
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
||
