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OUR BEGINNINGS
The Ann Arbor Tree Conservancy
began as a small group of concerned residents in the westside
neighborhood of Virginia Park. In early spring of 2009 the city
began removing a number of large and healthy street trees along
Virginia, Charlton, Abbott, and other nearby streets. In addition,
much of the canopy along the entire length of Virginia Avenue was
removed. This severe pruning significantly altered the beauty of the
streetscape, and may likely affect the short and long-term health of
the trees. These practices have been occurring in many neighborhoods
across Ann Arbor.
With a little organization and research, we quickly became aware that
Ann Arbor, proudly promoted everywhere as "Tree Town", has
experienced significant changes in the staffing, organization,
funding, and policies of it's forestry department over the past few
years. We previously had a highly skilled and professional forestry
department and city forester, who often made decisions by
consensus. Trees were not removed as the result of one person
surveying a neighborhood, making independent decisions as to which
trees should be cut down, and marking them as such for the tree
crews. Not only did the consensus method provide for
several qualified opinions before it was deemed necessary to remove
what was often a very large tree - - - the staff involved would
consider and utilize methods such as root pruning, trimming, and
cabling before removal was called for. "Homeowner requests" and
"sidewalk heaving" were not automatic grounds for cutting down a
tree - - as is often the case today. Moreover, we were alarmed and
dismayed to find that Ann Arbor has no tree care ordinance - -
something that thousands of communities across the country have in
place to protect their urban forests.
OUR MISSION
Our short-term goal is to obtain a moratorium from city council
with regard to unnecessary tree removals and severe canopy pruning -
- and to ensure that the forestry department is now following the
recommendations set forth by the recent
tree survey by the Davey Company. This survey, costing
$250,000.00, describes every street tree (health, size, location),
along with recommendations from Davey for it's care. Our
long-term goal is to (a) be instrumental in developing a tree care
ordinance for Ann Arbor, and (b) create a governing board to
ensure implementation of and adherence to the ordinance. Together,
these will protect our urban forest by requiring that it be
managed in a consistent and proper manner well into the future - - -
rather than simply having unwritten or vague policies and practices
that can change with each administration or set of elected
officials. |
News Coverage and Events
July 11, 2012
The Ann Arbor Chronicle
"NA Landmark tree dying
on South Fifth Ave"
June 20, 2009
Ann Arbor News
"Ann Arbor Residents Question
Removal of Massive Maple Tree"
June 20,2009
WLBY Radio
Gary Woodworth of AATC is interviewed by
Lucy Ann Lance
of WLBY Radio
June 27, 2009
Ann Arbor Chronicle
"Ann Arbor Park Gets Movie Stimulus"and
more tree issue info
June 29, 2009
Virginia Park Meeting with
City of Ann Arbor
Copy of city's Power Point presentation from meeting at Slauson ( link
from City of Ann Arbor
Forestry Department web page)
Comments and Questions from meeting at Slauson ( as prepared by city
staff, link from City of Ann Arbor Forestry Department web page)
July 1, 2009
Ann Arbor Chronicle
"City and Residents to Make Tree Policy" (coverage of community meeting
on June 29th at Slauson Middle School)
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Recent and
Pending Tree Removals
This Linden tree in front of 1465 Bemidji is 23 inches in
diameter and 51-70 feet in height. Marked by city for removal
due to sidewalk damage. Homeowners reportedly told they
would have to bear cost of root pruning,sidewalk re-routing,
or root barrier walls if the tree is to be saved. The
Davey Tree Report recommends "routine pruning" for this
"large tree in fair condition".
UPDATE: On September 24, the
city installed new sidewalk, replacing enough sections to create sufficient rise/slope to accommodate the roots. We are extremely pleased and appreciative that the city was willing and able to save this large and beautiful tree.
Stump in front of 1514
Hillridge. This was a 19 inch diameter Norway Maple, 51 to 70
feet in height. It appears that it was removed due to sidewalk
damage. (Note new sidewalk). The
Davey Tree Report shows this tree was surveyed on April 6,
2009 and recommended "routine pruning" for this "large tree in
fair condition". Tree was removed sometime in June or July.
More...
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