HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-10 PACKET 04.B.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 8/10/11
PREPARED BY Parks and Recreation Zac Dockter
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Consider authorizing staff to implement the "Cottage Grove Champion Tree Registry"
program.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to implement the "Cottage Grove Champion Tree Registry" program.
BUDGET IMPLICATION $0.00 $850.00
BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION
DATE REVIEWED
APPROVED
DENIED
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® PARKS AND RECREATION 6/13/11 ®
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® Historic Preservation 5/9/11 ®
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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
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ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
City Administrator Date
H: \Tree - History Program\Council Action Form - Champion Tree Registry.doc
RESOLUTION NO. [2 -Digit Year] - [Resolution Number]
City of Cottage Grove Champion Tree Registry Program
WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has a great appreciation for the
value, beauty and significance of trees in the community
WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove desires to acknowledge the trees
of historical and cultural significance in the community through the development
of a "Champion Tree Registry" program
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, adopts the "Cottage
Grove Champion Tree Registry" program
Passed this 10 day of August, 2011.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk
1
To:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
From:
Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager
Date:
7/28(11
Subject:
Champion Tree Register Program
Introduction
The City Council has set a vision for Cottage Grove to be an accessible community with an
appreciation for our environment, trees, hills, ravines, landscapes and river, including quality
park, green and open space areas. Past community surveys have also revealed a significant
appreciation of Cottage Grove's local history. In pursuit of that vision, multiple groups have
been working on the creation of a program in which to recognize trees in the community with
historical significance and distinguishing characteristics.
Background
Both the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission ( PRNRC) and the Advisory
Committee for Historic Preservation (ACHP) have worked to create the "Cottage Grove
Champion Tree Register ". This program will recognize trees within the community that have
historical significance or distinguishing characteristics. The program will be advertised and
managed as a strictly volunteer program. As such, staff will not be seeking specific trees for
registry other than those on publicly owned property. Nominations would be provided by the
public at large with those nominations be reviewed periodically by the city forester. The
forester will give final determination on the merits of the nomination for advancement into the
registry. The program is in no way designed to protect trees against future development needs
of the area. However, it would be expected that by recognizing these "champion trees" that
the city can take steps to protect trees of significance where practical. Attached with this
memo is a posting from the Pioneer Press that portrays the impact historical trees can have on
a community.
The registry would be managed by the Parks and Recreation Department and would likely
require minimal time requirements. Staff would utilize both the PRNRC and ACHP as needed
to provide feedback, recognition and marketing support for the program.
To invest into such a program would require approximately $850 for the purchase of
measuring equipment for the categories of height and age. This would be a one -time
expenditure and would be absorbed into the existing 2011 budget.
Included in this report is the nomination form which coupled with the registry itself would be the
only working documents for the program.
Staff Recommendation
Authorize staff to implement the "Cottage Grove Champion Tree Registry program ".
Cottage Grove Champion Tree Register
Program Goal: With a sincere appreciation for the life and community- improving qualities of trees, the
city of Cottage Grove desires to acknowledge "Champion" trees in Cottage Grove which have unique
physical and historical features.
Program Procedure: This program is strictly voluntary. Nominations will be reviewed periodically by the
city Forester. The Forester will determine the top nomination in each category and place a small plaque
with physical /historical significance data on that tree for acknowledgement. Should the tree be
removed or a replaced with a new "champion ", the plaque will be removed by the Forester. Nominators
should understand that this award will be publicized using multiple sources of media.
Nomination for (circle one): Height Girth Age Historical
Address of
Location Description
Property Ownership (circle one): Public Private
Species of
Nomination Information (describe /estimate information for nomination category):
Height:
Historical (explain historical
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