Update: COR Tree Clearing

An action item within the City's Strategic Plan is to complete certain infrastructure improvements to prepare more shovel-ready parcels.  This includes Parcel 46, which is in the northwest corner of The COR.  Tree clearing is necessary to get the parcel to a shovel-ready state and is being implemented this summer.  This does not pertain to any trees within any designated wetland(s), as those will be preserved, though all other trees will be removed (there were 207 significant trees on site and of those, 62 are Siberian Elm, an invasive species.  Other species identified include Eastern Cottonwood, Trembling Aspen, Black Willow, and Red Cedar).  The City has completed the calculations to ensure compliance with the tree preservation ordinance.  A minimum of $21,750 worth of new trees will be planted within the Waterfront Park (as part of the grading and restoration of that area).  Additionally, the boulevard trees that are required as part of the streetscape standards for The COR will also apply to the reforestation standard.  The combination of payment and future boulevard trees will ensure the City's project complies with the current tree preservation standard.

No action is necessary.  Staff wanted to provide the Environmental Policy Board an update on this project as activity will begin in the coming weeks.