HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-22 Meridian City Arborist - Mitigation of Trees Mayor Robert E. Simison
City Council Members:
WE N, Treg Berm Brad Hoaglun
Joe Borton Jessica Perreault
Luke Cavener Liz Strader
12/21/2020
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Matthew Perkins,MPR City Arborist
RE: Compass Point Development Proposal Tree Mitigation
Per Meridian LTDC 11-3B-10-5.-b. 1)Mitigation is not required for existing prohibited trees within street
buffer or parking lot 2)Existing dead,dying or hazardous trees certified prior to removal by the city of
Meridian Parks Department Arborist.
The trees in question at the proposed development site for Compass Point am Poplars,aka Cottonwoods
(Populus spp),which we listed as a"prohibited tree"in the Treasure Valley Tree Selection Guide used for
determining which species can be planted in Meridian city development.
Certainly,them we no doubts about the level of benefits the trees provide in terms of wildlife habitat,
overall canopy coverage,shade,etc.However,the reason this species is prohibited in Right of Way
plantings is because they have very aggressive, surfue-oriented roots and are highly prone to decay.The
damage that would occur to the trees within the critical root zone if they were to be left on site,would
most assuredly tender them subject to a state of advanced decline and eventual, if not immediate failure
resulting in the need for removal.Furthermore,many of the existing trees on the site have a large
percentage of dead and hazardous limbs already present in the canopies.
It would be unreasonable to require the mount of space needed to retain and protect the trees for
retention,and it would be imprudent or irresponsible to allow the trees to remain in their current condition
or after sustaining the amount of darnage that would occur in the process,or to pass on the responsibility
of the cost of removal to the new property owners after development.
In terms of the bank stabilization the trees provide,the tree roots left behind after the project is complete
will continue to provide stabilization along with the weeds growing along the waterway easement.
Narapa/Meridian irrigation district will not want my other vegetation in the easement.
Worth noting;There may be restrictions on tree work during Migratory Bird Nesting Periods in the area.
Typically,this time period is February—August.If there are nesting migratory birds present tree work
must be avoided during this time. Contractor should be required to perform tree removal work prior to
nesting season, in order to comply with federal restrictions.
FMurthe me to-this
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,2on's or c cems pe -matter may be directed to:
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City of Meridian I Parks and Recreation
33 E. Broadway Ave.,Suite 206,Meridian,Idaho 83642
Phone: 208.888.3579 1 Mobile: 208.371.1755 1 Fax: 208.898.5501
mperkins@meridimcity.org
City of Meridian.Department of Parks&Recreation
33 East Broadway, Suite 206,Meridian,IT, 83642
Telephone(208)888-3579 Fax(208)898-5501