Urban Forestry Commission – August 6, 2024

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Recap – August 6, 2024

The Asheville Urban Forestry Commission convened on August 6, 2024, for their regular meeting. Commissioners, city staff including Urban Forester Keith Aiken, and representatives from Asheville Green Works, Duke Energy, and the Planning & Urban Design department were in attendance. The meeting focused primarily on reviewing alternative compliance requests to city landscaping regulations, alongside updates on ongoing policy work and discussions surrounding tree removal permits. Several agenda items were postponed to a future meeting due to conflicts of interest, including proposed amendments to bylaws and a report on Merriman Avenue.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing requests for alternative compliance with city landscaping regulations, demonstrating a commitment to finding solutions that balance development needs and tree preservation. The commission unanimously approved a request for 27 Church Street (Central Methodist Church) to replace some required trees with smaller flowering varieties, prioritizing the preservation of three mature elm trees recognized as "treasure trees." They also approved a plan for 150 Thompson Street (Swannanoa Greenway Parking Lot), which includes more shrubs than initially required and a commitment to explore edible landscaping options. A particularly complex case at 830 Old Fairview Road (Local Food Group), involving a small property with challenging site conditions, resulted in an approved alternative compliance plan that reduces the number of required trees and shrubs. Commissioners strongly encouraged exploring native edible plants for future landscaping at this location, highlighting a growing interest in incorporating food-producing elements into city green spaces.

Beyond the alternative compliance reviews, discussions centered on several key policy areas and practices. The Policy Working Group reported ongoing progress in developing chapters for city policies, including Chapter 20 and an update to Chapter 719 (tree canopy protection). Commissioners emphasized the importance of moving forward with recommendations, even when facing challenges in securing immediate staff support. A notable debate arose concerning tree removal permits, particularly regarding the justification for removals based on girdling roots. Commissioners stressed that this should not be a frequent occurrence and emphasized the need for accurate arborist reports to ensure responsible tree management. Discussions also touched on updating the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to remove outdated recommendations for tree species, a move aimed at ensuring the UDO reflects current best practices.

The meeting concluded with several key decisions and outlined next steps for the commission. The commission approved all three alternative compliance requests discussed, demonstrating a willingness to adapt regulations when necessary while upholding the core principles of tree preservation. They agreed to revisit discussions on Chapter 2 amendments at a future meeting, focusing on streamlining processes and respecting everyone's time. Furthermore, the commission will explore scheduling a roundtable discussion with the Asheville-Bunkham Food Policy Council to foster collaboration on incorporating edible landscaping into city projects. Finally, the commission will continue monitoring progress on the Urban Forest Master Plan and address concerns related to tree removal permits, ensuring a proactive approach to urban forestry management.

This meeting underscored the Urban Forestry Commission's dedication to responsible tree stewardship within Asheville. Residents can expect ongoing efforts to refine city policies, promote native species in landscaping projects, and ensure that tree removal decisions are based on sound arborist evaluations. The commission's focus on collaboration with various stakeholders, including Asheville Green Works and Duke Energy, highlights a commitment to finding solutions that benefit both the environment and the community.