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0 . Tree Preservation Ordinance Findings and Purpose The City of Elk River finds that preservation of trees and woodlands is critical to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; that development within the City has the effect of reducing and in some cases eliminating wooded areas, which, if preserved and maintained, serve important ecological, recreational and aesthetic benefit to residents. The City also recognizes that a certain amount of significant trees and tree cover removal is an inevitable consequence of development. The purpose of this ordinance is the following: To preserve woodlands and trees on individual sites; protect the safety of residents by preventing wind and water erosion, slope instability and rapid runoff; promote the health of residents by absorption of air pollutants, contaminant and noise; protect the welfare of residents by increasing rainfall infiltration; provide a diversified environment for many kinds of animals and plants necessary for wildlife maintenance and important to aesthetic values and recreational requirements of the city; and promote energy conservation by providing shade in the summer and windbreak in the winter. • The City's Comprehensive Plan has identified tree preservation as an important issue in that tree protection was listed as a "growth challenge" and a "significant issue". It also states that wooded areas should receive special attention to ensure a degree of preservation and that when incorporated into the design of a project can be a natural asset to preserve the City's rural character. Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by this ordinance include: Goals • "Preserve and protect environmental resources such as wetlands, forests, water bodies and their shorelines, within the City with respect to open space, recreational uses, water and air quality and natural ecosystems." • "Preserve, maintain and/or strengthen the physical and visual qualities unique to the community." Policies • "Require that development plans demonstrate a compatibility with natural features and systems." • "Establish tree preservation and protection standards to maintain the integrity of the City's natural vegetation." • "Work with developers to preserve existing natural open space." 1111 • "Continue to adopt policies to assist in managing development and associated issues."