Who Speaks for the Trees?


Dunedin (Monday, 3 December 2012) – The Dunedin City Council is inviting people to think about the trees that matter to the heritage and environmental fabric of the city, and to nominate them for consideration as Significant Trees.

As part of the preparation of a second generation District Plan, the Dunedin City Council is reviewing Schedule 25.3: Significant Trees, which currently has more than 1200 trees and more than 100 groups of trees identified as worthy of protection.

Trees could be nominated for consideration if they are particularly magnificent, of historic significance, great stature or scientifically valuable.

Dr Anna Johnson, City Development Manager says, “Dunedin is a city that takes pride in its amazing landscapes and environment. Trees in the urban environment are part of Dunedin’s charm whether these are large natives, which support bellbirds and tui, or exotics planted by early settlers. We want to ensure we identify and protect these special trees that significantly contribute to people’s perceptions and enjoyment of our city.”

Once nominated, a DCC arborist and landscape architect will assess the tree to determine whether it warrants inclusion on the revised Schedule of Significant Trees. The assessment is based on the Standard Tree Evaluation Method (STEM) which evaluates positive and negative aspects of each tree against a criteria relating to the health of the tree, its characteristics and any other important values it has (including stature, historic or scientific value).

Property owners can also request a reassessment if they believe the status of a tree or stand of trees has changed notably since it was included on the Schedule.

Trees that are assessed as significant will be included in a new Draft Schedule 25.3: Significant Trees to be processed next year as part of the wider work on developing a second generation District Plan.

The nomination form is available from the DCC’s Customer Services Centre, by phoning 477 4000 or at www.dunedin.govt.nz/2gp/io/trees. Nominations should be posted to City Planning, Dunedin City Council, PO Box 5045, Moray Place, Dunedin 9058, Attention: J Baker. Nominations close at 5pm Friday, 1 March.

ENDS

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