HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-Public Comments
S.D. stands taller. 0
on tree protection
The adoption of San Bernardino's ordi-
nance to protect trees &om indiscriminate
chopping is encouraging.
It is a stopgap law, designed to remain in
force for three months while the council de-
velops a comprehensive tree-preservation
law based on models &om other cities. But
it's a Sign that San Bernardino is at last be-
~ming tree-oonscious.
: In the past, the community has not been
~tive to the beneftts of trees. Over the
years, ])rivate property owners and city
crews alike have hewn down older trees and
indulged in orgies of severe trimming.
'Much 'is said about the need to beautilY
(he city. Yet residents have been slow &e ap-
~r::ate,that no aingle thin& enhances 'the
, . ty lJf ..eommunity as much as a lush
arowth of trees. In the warm, o.ften IIDOUY,
San Bernardino Valley, the presence of
trees ought Ql be pItzed. ' "
i: ''the JIl!w CllIlceJ'DJI,t city hal1..hows city
Jltaders are arowinc 1nO~. mindful of trees'
~ue. Let's,hope It.ttarts a trend toward a
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PAUL E. CHANEY, HORTICULTURIST
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404-5016
(714) 884-9919
lIarch 23, 1989
Jack Ref I1y
San Bernardino City Council
300 N. '0' Street
San Bernardino CA 92401
Dear Councilman Reilly:
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It has come to my attention that the City is contractine with a tree
service company to prune certain laree trees alone Valencia Avenue. This is of
ereat concern to me because of my profession as an arborist and horticulturist.
It is obvious to me that the work being done on these trees is not in the
public interest, but rather it is a violation of the public'S trust.
1 will outline here the reasons why the pruning beine done on these trees
is not in our best interests.
1. These trees should be considered "Heritage Trees," and should be
preserved because of their size, age, and beauty.
2. The pruning being done on these trees lEucalyptus cladocalyx)
seriously damages them, thereby shortening their life.
3. The life Is shortenend because:
a. The openine of such large prunine wounds that take 10 to 20 or more
years to heal subjects the interior of the trunk to decay
organisms, such as insects and fungi.
b. Removal of more than 1/4th to 1/3rd of any tree's foliage at any
given time severly weakens the tree, causing it to be more
susceptible to attack by disease and insects, and will make any
physiological disorders more pronounced.
c. The removal of the food-producing surfaces lleaves) causes a
weakening of the remaining structure of the tree by causing it to
use up stored food reserves. This includes weakening and dieback
of the root system
d. Red~ced transpiration stream lfluids movine upward through the
sapwood) and non-existent leaf cover can cause overheatine of the
surfaces of stems and the death of the cambium layer .on the exposed
surfaces.
d. Pruning-induced diseases and other problems are unlikely to be
treated properly, resulting in the eventual forced removal of the
tree.
4. The pruning done on these trees increases the city's financial liability,
for the following reasons:
a. The weakened remaining structure is much more likely to decay to
Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist 1135
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the point that the structure fails. This includes large brancees.
the main stem (trunk>, and the roots. The damage done by one suc~
failure could be considera~le.
b. New growth that results from this type of pruning is osl]ed
uncontrolled sheet growth. This is where the tree tries to
reestablish its leaf canopy. This uncontrolled growth tends to be
long, heavy, and weakly attached to the old stems. The weak
attachment makes the new growth subject to breakage. Increased
liability hazard and cleanup costs are involved.
c. If the trees are to recover properly from the pruning damage, and
not become dangerous trees, then a considerable expense is involved
in subsequent years for annual pruning, control of decay organisms.
d. Trees that are weakened and then die as a result of the pruning
will have to be removed and replaced.
S. All of the aesthetic and environmental functions of these trees are
diminished by thIs type of pruning for several years. Besides the
pleasure of the natural beauty of thi~ species. these trees provide
shace~ filter tre tii: ErTiO p:-ocu;::f' oxygen. co.:11 the air on hot ~:lYs. a'-,e
heip sIc. down the ~ind.
Many p~cp!e consid~r ~Qrk dene b~ the Ci~y to be ~n example of the rro~~~
?r~C~iCE involv~d. I~ other U~:dE, the City is 5etting ~ poo: stand8rj
of care tor its treqs, and the F~OFl~ think that it is correct ~nd
ignorantly do the same things tc their own trees. This is a sname ~h.n
~c Tuch rocn~y if b~i~g ~pert to move one Hagnolia tree trom S.
Arro~head Ave.
'. The damage to ~hese trees reduces the FtOperty volues of th~ ~cm~c~n~:;
in the area.
In the March 1569 JOJrnal of Arccriculture 'p.EE), Dr. Richard U. r.a,r:,.
?rcf~55or Em~ri~us, DC Davis, and fsst president of th~ l~ternat~c~&; 3cci~ty
ct A:toricuiture. writes,
"i:.pp::nf Jf!El~;;r,;. Tre~E.
By \';hti-:eve-r narr.e--toPf!ng~ ]O.'Cpjri. stutt.fng. ::.:. ~-i~hcrnir.~--
cu:tin~ b:snches bacl: to stub~ is ail ~oo com~on. It is thought by X2~~ . _ ~. ~
proper way ~o prune becaure they see those whom they belie.e to be
knowledgeable arborists doing 50. acd the results are obvious. Propel
thinning, however, usual;y goes unnoticed bec~use a pruned tree do~s net look
much different to the average person than it did before it was pruned,"
I have already talked with the Council's administrative aSiistant and have
agreed to provide the Council with a copy at the ISA pruning standards. and a
copy of the lSA's sample street tree ordinance. I have already ordered copies
of these and will get them to him as soon as I receive them.
I hope that I can be of iervice tc the council and the City in the adoptiof of
apPfcpriate regulations that will make San Bernardin? a wore desiratdE' !=..=-.:e ,-,
! ive.
~ei~~r~ Ch?~ter Int2!~2tion~! S~cie~y of Arbcri~~:t~:f Ce:tifi~d A!b::i~t j:~~
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PAUL E. CHANEY
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404
(714) 884-9919
SON
October 24, 1989
The Sun
Voice of the People
Dear Editor I
r...~4
There has been .uch concern over the .utilation of tree. in this valley during
the pa.t year. The front pale article ye.terday on .ore tree cuttinl In the
Verdeaont .how. the need for .ore than perpetual waillnl and .oanin,. In the
ab.ence of enforceable ordinance., there i. little anybody can do to .top the
de.truction of valuable tree.. The fir.t .tep in .toppinl the de.truction 1. to
adopt a .treet and heritale tree ordinance. "any ..aller and Ie.. affluent
coaaunitie. in California have had the.e law. for year.. The International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and The National Arbor Day Foundation are two
or,anization. that have .aaple .treet and heritale tree ordinance. available.
Our city could u.e the exi.tlnl law. of other co..unitie. a. .odel.. Typically.
a tree ordinance include. provl.!on. for a tt!l Co.ai..ion, an Arborl.t, a
Street Tree Inventory, Education and Traj_~1 for aunlclpal tree .ervi~~~ws.
i!!ftdard..1at-It!e_Car" and Penaltie. for violation 01 the ordinance. Adoptlnl
.tandard. for licen.in, of tree care profe..lonal. in our city would be a
further .tep.
The current .tandard. practiced by tree coapanie. in San Bernardino are
lenerally pretty di.aal. The hilhly noticible toPpinl and .tubblnl back of
tre.. i. not done by tree car. profe..ional., but rather by tho.. who care only
for dollars. All too oft.n danl.rou. tr... are I.ft .tandin, whil. perf.ctly
healthy tree. ar. hacked up for aoney. Th. ISA has a. w.alth of .ducational
..terial. available to help consua.r. and contractor. to car. prop.rly for their
tree. .
John "uir onc. .aid, -Th. wronl. done to tr.... wronl. of .v.ry .ort. ar. done
in the darkne.. of ilnorance, and unbeli.f; for when Illht co.... the h.art of
the people i. alway. ri,ht.-
Paul E. Chaney
rSA We.t.rn Chapt.r C.rtified Arbori.t 1135
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PAUL E. CHANEY
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404
(714) 884-9919
Nov..b.r 7. 1989
City Council
City of San B.rnardino
300 N. 'D' Str..t
San B.rnardino CA 92041
D.ar "r Arviso:
r have contact.d John Britton in Saint H.lena, CA, who i. the chair.an of the
Int.rnational Soci.ty of Arboricultur. W.st.rn Chapt.r (WCISA) Arbori.t
C.rtification Co..itt... H. was abl. to r.co...nd ..v.ral co..uniti..'
ordinanc.s to us. a. .xa.pl.. for developine an ordinanc. for our city.
San "at.o, R.dwood City, Ata.cadero, Walnut Cr..k, Pa.o Roble., and Santa "aria
v.r. na..d a. havine eood co.pr.h.n.iv. ordinanc... Thou.and Oak. was ..ntion.d
a. w.ll. Gordon ftann i. the arbori.t for R.dwood City--(415)780-7250, 1400
Roo..v.lt Av.nue, 94061. Baily Hud.on i. the park .up.rint.nd.nt for the City
of Santa Karia. J hay. talk.d vith hi. at ISA function. and h. .xpr....d a
villinen..s to provide oth.r co..uniti.s vith infor.ation. Contact hi. at
(805)925-0951. 110 Ea.t Cook St., 93454-5i90.
Th. County of Sacra..nto was na..d a. havine an .xt.n.iv. oak tr.. pres.rvation
law on th.ir book.. Our county (.sp.cially the Yucaipa ar.a) has .any laree
oaks that ar., or viii b. d..troy.d by d.v.lop.r. and ho..own.r. who .i.ply
don't know the valu. of the tr..., or the first thine about carine for th...
Don Lsnph.ar, the R.dland. city for..ter, r.c.ntly told .. that th.ir council
w.. con.id.rine .0.. .ort of ordinanc. r.eardine tr..., or tr.. ..rvic.
busin.ss... I don't knov the .xt.nt of it thoueh. Hi. t.l.phone i. 798-7508.
Th. City of R.ncho Cuc..one. has . h.rit.e. tr.. ordin.nc. th.t r.quir.s .n
arbori.t r.port to b. .ub.itt.d for .ny d.v.lop..nt r.vi.w vh.r. tr... .r. on
the prop.rty in .uch the .... w.y .. . eeoloei.t r.port i. don.. I h.v.
pr.par.d tvo r.port. for th.. und.r that ordin.nc. this y..r.
For your r.fer.nce. r h.v. .nclo..d a copy of . I.tt.r I vrot. to Council.an
R.illy .arli.r this y.ar. In 1988 or, pos.ibly, in 1987, I talk.d vith Anni.
Ra.os, Jack R.illy and Ji. P.rk.r about the car. of S.n Bern.rdino city tr.es.
No r.spons. that J know of v.s .ad. to th... contacts.
AI.o .arlier this y..r, I vas cont.ct.d by the d.v.lop.r of . tract north of
Pi.d.ont .nd .ast of Victor i.. ApparantlY the Parks D.p.rt..nt had r.quir.d an
arbori.t report before the d.v.lop.r could r.mov. or prune .xi.tine
Eucalyptus tr..s. Th. d.v.lop.r r.que.t.d that I ..y in .y r.port that th.y
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be allowed to .tub-ott the tree. at about 30 teet. Well, I wasn't chosen to do
the report, and when I went by the .ite later, the tree. wara stubbed ott at 30
teet. No certitied arborist, who aust abide by a code of ethics, would have
recoaaended this daaaging practice.
I could continue with exa.ple. that .how the need at ordinance. that direct the
City and its citizens to choo.e .cientitically ba.ed care for both publicly and
privately owned tree., except the Council i. already auch aware of that need. I
a. glad that the Council recognize. that poor care ot tree. is part at the
bJ1lht that we all want eliainated. I would be delighted to be present at
an LRC aeeting con.idering the.e ordinance. it that would be helpful. Plea.e
contact ae.
~.
Paul E. Ch~
(!156 /107. fi
CooperatIve ExterOon
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
, 777h1t_A_
SIn Bemordlno. CA 82415.0730
17141387.2171
November 7, 1989
Paul Chaney
1532 Belle street
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Dear Paul:
I read with great interest your desire to work with the San
Bernardino city Council to develop an appropriate tree
preservation and maintenance program. congratulations on a job
well done so far <at least you've opened their eyes).
If I can be of assistance in your pursuit of the formation of a
tree maintenance program based on Western Chapter I.S.A. pruning
guidelines and other city tree maintenance "models" please
contact me. Possibly, a letter of support to Mayor Holcomb
would assist the cause.
2incerel ,
~l...J\.-
at Hartin
Horticulture Advisor
encl
,. .Ii.. ........ WcMtlIn Agrieutlure II'Id ....... IcGNrNct . U. s. 0...... b._.l of Atr\GuINrt. UniIMratty of ~. CcIunty of s.n Iemerctino Cooperating
In ~_".4. wIIh...........,......... end UnMreIty,.,..... UrWerMy of CeMIorniI.... not A.,..b...... In Illy of III ..... ".......".... on 1M.... of Nee. "ifion,
__;.........lDrigIn............ ..,........ Ntut. ...ue1 orientttion..... veterIn.....................................aIon 1201..... CIHfomiI G&.. ow;..., Code) or hendic.p.
................... poley ftIIY III...... to the AffinNtiwe ActIon Dnctor. UnivtreIty of c:.IIomIiII. .......INI NItwtI ......... JOO UknIdI 0rtvI. _ Ftoor. o.tJMcI. CA
14112.3110.14111 .7.oa.7.
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PAUL E. CHANEY. HORTICULTURIST
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404-5016
(714) 884-9919
January 10, 1990
J. Lorraine Velarde
Mayor's Office
300 N. 'D' Street
San Bernardino CA 92401
Dear Ms. Velarde:
As a San Bernardino citizen, and as a tree care professional, I am vet'Y
interested in helping the City form a policy and toward trees and put it into
law.
It is my belief that tree-related events in our area which have received
so much recent media attentlon are symptoms of a lack of a clear, consistent,
comprehensive tree policy.
The current policy, or lack of one, needs to be altered to reflect the true
value that trees have in our city, and to reflect the growing understanding and
appreciation of the value of trees.
We need to have community involvgment in a discussion and determination of the
aesthetic and functiDnal values of trees. The value of trees, then, can be
balanCEd with the needs for oevelopment, renDvation, public safety, prope,'ty
rights.
I'd like to be a volunteer on whatevet' committee or commission that is formed
to deal with this issue.
Sincerely,
Paul E. Chaney
WEst2~n Cha~tet' l~ter~ational Soci~ty of Arboriculture Certified Arborist #135
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PAUL E. CHANEY, HORTICULTURIST
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404-5016
(714)884-9919
C-27 Lie .525283
January 11, -I:8e&-
\'No
"r. Conrad Knowles
Sr. Vice Pre.ident
First Federal Savines and
Loan of San Bernardino
599 N. E Street
San Bernardino CA 92401
(714)889-0881
Dear "r. Knowles:
"y stoppine you in your parkine lot today was motivated by . concern for the
appearance of your business and of the community.
The particular area of concern i. that of proper tree care. It is likely that
you do not yet con.ider yourselves victims of unprofessional operators, but I
will explain that this is indeed the ca.e. I first took notice with the cuttine
of the Jacaranda trees at the Hiehland and Water..n branch, near my home.
When I saw the trees at your aain office, I had to say soaethine.
The city of San Bernardino probably eranted your business peraits with
conditions for landscapine, includine .pecifications for sizes, aaounts, and
po..ibly the species of trees to be planted. Your buildine and erounds has
becoae one of the aore attractive spots in the downtown area. This is the
intent of the city requireaents.
It is a shaae to see that beauty comproaised by hackers. The sycaaore trees
of yours that were hacked up were 1n no need of that sort of treataent. This
type of tree needs only ainimal prunine. Never should a healthy tree of this
.ize, ace, and specie. require the prunine that was done.
Proper prunine of sycaaore. at that staee of erowth involves reaovine erowth to
properly space aain branche., eliainate poor structures and crossine branches,
and direct new erowth to aaintain the natural shape of the tree. The pruned
tree should not be not1ceably different to the untrained eye. If the prunine Is
so noticeable, soaethine is wrone!
It is aore expensive to hire a non-professional tree cutter than it is to hire
a professional arborist. The tree cutter probably spent aore tiae, cut aore
branche., and paid aore to di.pose of them. The tree. are as.ets of your
coapany, your property. The tree cutter has damaeed your property. Althoueh
the daaaee to your trees is not a. severe a. damaee to soae others that I have
seen, it will .till take 2 to 5 years of annual corrective prunine' to restore
the.e trees to their natural fora.
Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist .135
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Unlike peopl. and anlaals wounds, tree wounds do not he.l. Trees replace
daaa,.d tissue, they to not h.al It. Unnec.ssary prunln, wounds are entry
points for Insects and fun,l. laproper prunln, practices cause a dozen or sqre
tr.. probleas and diseases that shorten th.lr Ilv.s.
Not only are your ass.ts reduced In value, but the hack.d up tre.s eake your
business look bad. It Is the flr.t step In becosln, Ilk. the re.t of San
Bernardino.
If 'au have not ,.t paid the tr.e cutter, you should not. Th.y also should be
held responsible for the co.t of the corrective prunin,. by a professional
arborl.t. Only wh.n dl.satisfl.d cu.toaers r.fuse to pay for thes. dls-servlc.s
will thes. non-prof..sionals p.ople take notice and stop It.
Now, about the Jacaranda tr.... I could .e. that th.y w.r. cut to allow
vl.lblllty cl.arance for your sl,n. Thl. I. coaplet.ly understandable. The
proper action h.re do.s not Include autilatln, th.s. trees periodically.
Inst.ad of havln, hack.d up Jacaranda tr.es (which will never attain the
beauty of that species at that location), why not remove thea and plant a
saaller tree that will be beautiful and not require so auch aalntenance?
I aa also concerned about ,an,s, ,raffltl, law enforcea.nt, sso"
transportation, econoslc cllaate, but what I have to share the aost Is ay
.xp.rtise in tree car.. If I can h.lp you in ay prof.sslonal capacity, or If
you would like to help ae In sy effort. to up,rade tree care practices, please
,ive ae a call.
Sincerely,
S?~f
1stf.d
West.rn Chapter International Soci.ty of Arboriculture Certified Arborlst 1135
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VV\.~\d
PAUL E. CHANEY, HORTICULTURIST
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN &ERNARDINO CA 92404-5016
(714)884-9919
C-27 Lic ~525283
FEBRUARY 13, 1990
I'IC DONALD'S CORP
4370 LA JOLLA VILLAGE DR.
SUITE BOO
SAN DIEGO CA 92122
DEAF' I1ADIlM OR SIR:
I COULDN'T HELP NOTICING THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR SAN BERNARDINO STORE ON HIGHLAND
AVENUE AND 'G' STREETS. THE TREES THERE HAVE BEEN CUT BY SOME NON-PROFESSIONAL
TREE HACKER. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS HAS HAPPENED JUST WHEN A FEW CO~CERNED AND
KNOWLEDGEABLE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF
OUR CITY THROUGH HIGHER STANDARDS OF TREE CARE AND PRESERVATION. THERE HAS EEEN
MUCH IN THE LOCAL NEWS HERE ABOUT THIS SUBJECT ~ATELV. THE EUCALYPTUS TREES
ON INTERSTATE 10 IN FONTANA, THE VERDE~ONT OLIVE TREE CUTTING SCANDAL. THE
CITY'S REMOVAL OF FOUR MATURE CAROB TREES AT riIGHLAND AND 'D' STREETS, AND THE
REPORTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MORE STRICT TREE PRESERVATION LAWS IN MANY OF
OUR COMMUNITIES.
:T SEEMS, THOUGH, TriAT YOUR COMPANY HAS GONE AGAINST THE INEVITABLE TREND TOW~RD
PROPER AND SCIENTIFIC TREE CARE. IT IS MY GOAL TO PUBLICIZE THE NAMES OF
COMPANIES AND PERSONS THAT PE?PEmATE, PEF:PETUA"!"E, AND PEF:MIT, THE IMPROPER
PRuNING A~~, DEVALUATION OF OUR CO~MUNITY ASSETS. THE CITY HAS LONG REQUIRED
LANDSCAPING AS A CONDITION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AS A MEANS OF BEAUTIFYING AND IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMEN~.
IT IS WDEED SAD TO SEE A COMPANY WITH A GENERALLY GOOD REPUTATION. SUCH PS
YOURS, THWART OUR CITY'S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ITSELF.
ANOTHER GOAL I HAVE IS TO EQUATE, IN THE MINDS OF OUR CITIZENS, THE QUALIT, OF
SERVICE THAT A BUSINESS OFFERS, Arm THE MORALITY OF THAT BUSINESS'S LEADERS,
WITH THE WAY THAT THE BUSINESS CARES FOR TREES. I'M SURE THAT YOU HAVE PRIDE
IN THE WAY TriAT YOUR BUSINESS PROVIDES ITS PRODUCTS, AND SERVICE, AND WITH THE
WAY THAT IT MAINTAINS ITS BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES. WHAT BAFFLES ME :S
WHY THAT SAME APPRECIATION OF QUALITY DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE CARE OF LIVING
ORGANISMS, TREES, THAT HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF OUTLIVING TWO AND THREE (AND MORE)
GENERATIONS OF HUMANS.
WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER O~ DUTY YESTERDAY, I WAS IMPRESSED WITH HIS
ABILITY TO JLSTIFY THE MUTILATION OF THE TREES. HE TOOK ALL THE RESPONSIBILITY,
DEFENDED THE PEOPLE WHO DID THE BAD WORK, CLAIMED THAT THE TREES WOULD GROW
RIGHT BACK, AND TOO SOON AT THAT,AND SAID THAT LEGAL LOOPHOLES MUST BE
PREVENTING AUTHORITIES FROM TAKING ANY ACTION. I'M SURE THAT MORALITY WOULD
PLAY A LARGE PART IN YOUR COMPANY'S DECISION NOT TO SELL CONTAMINATED FOOJ, OR
TO DEGRADE OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST CUSTOMERS. LIKEWISE P TREE COMPANY SHOULD
HAVE A MJRAL OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE C'NLY QUALITY SERVICES. IT SEEMS I"JCQNSISTEH
THAT YOU SHOULD HIRE A CONTRACTOR WITH VALUES SO OPPOSED TO THGSE UF YOUR
~'~~.t~rr Chapt~r Int~rnati()na.l Society of Arboriculture CE,'tified A,'bcwist #135
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COMPANY; AND IT IS EVEN MORE AMAZING THAT ONE OF YOUR MANAGERS SHOULD DEFEND AND
EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR INEPTITUDE.
OUR COMMUNITY APPRECIATES ALL OF THE GOOD T~INGS THAT YOUR COMPANY CONTRIBUTSS
TO IT. I HOPE THAT PROPER CARE FOR TREES WILL BE INCLUDED AMONG THE GOOD
EXAMPLES THAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER US.
IF YOU LIKE, I CAN ARRANGE TO MEET A COMPANY OFFICIAL AT THE SITE SO THAT HE CAN
SEE FOR HIMSELF AND TO EXPLAIN THE TECHNICAL DETAILS INVOLVED. I LOOK FORWARD
TO HEARING YOUR RES~ONSE.
S~ERELY,
~~~,O~
PAUL E. CHA~EY ~
W~sterr C~apter International Society ~f Arboriculture Certified Arbor:st #135
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PAUL E. CHANEY, HORTICULTURIST
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404-5016
(714)884-9919
C-27 Lic 1525283
June 21, 1990
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of San Bernardino
Dear Friends and Neichbors:
Here is an outline of the main points of my presentation:
1. San Bernardino is in creat need of leadership in the improvement of
landscapinc and tree-care standards.
This proble. is exemplified by the following:
The lack of hiChly qualified tree care professionals and, the proliferation
of non-professional tree cutters.
The absence of a clear. statement of policy toward trees and landscaping set
forth in law.
The presence, Dr apparent presence of .ultiple standards for tree
preservation and care within the City covernment departments.
The actual damace and loss of trees and their accompanyine psychological,
social, and environmental benefits. The victims are: the people in
leneral; the people, as citizens and residents of San Bernardino; private
individual tree owners, business tree owners.
The lack of an education proeram to reduce victimization.
2. San Bernardino should establish and imple.ent a clear, comprehensive policy
toward trees and other landscaping.
Such a policy will make our City a more desireable place to live, work, and
own and operate a business.
Benefits of trees.
3. Elements of tree pOlicy.
Public participation.
Formal recognition.
F'lanr.in3. gl!neratine suPPOt't (advedising. educetiorl. fllnding. ce.', LnL'i n,:,
pub 1 ic EUFr'o~..t.
Wester'n ChCl_?ter' Internil.t i onii 1 50: iet-y of Arbcwicul tLtr"e Cer.ti ~~ ied A~bori st tl :',5
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4. Im~lemEntation
Tr~i~in8 of City stafT.
City ferest plan.
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Ordinance and Folicy.
Stand<.l'ds for plantw8 end car'E
~. Licensing of tree ca"e bLlsinesses
6. Heritage trEe or other designation for significant trees on private
property.
Limitations on their destrLlction and care standards.
7. r~velopment planning
Existing t,'ees.
New landscaping plans.
e. Ler.dscape IT.eintenance standar'ds.
~JestEr"n Cr:?otE!" I!!t=t'rl~:t]~!l?l So=i~:tv cf At.bo~..icultlH""f CE~.'t.ifiEd At-bc,rlrt. #:l3~
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PAUL E. CHANEY, HORTICULTURIST
1532 BELLE STREET
SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404-5016
(714)664-9919
C-27 Lic 1525263
September 4, 1990
Parks and Recreation Commission
547 North Sierra Way
San Bernardino CA 92410
Dear Chairaan and Commissioners:
Thank you for letting me speak before the Commission on August 16, 1990. The
following is an outline of the ideas which I presented.
1 feel that the City would benefit from the adoption of a Tree Policy that
is organized by representatives of the public, reflects the highest views and
standards of the community, is established in law by the
Council, and implemented by a competent individualCs) by meeting requirements
established by the law.
Most of the following information is taken directly from Urban & Community
Forestry, a Guide for the Interior Western United States, chapter iv
-Establishing and Nurturing a program,- page 29, C.W. Johnson, et. al.,
published by the USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region, Ogden, Utah, 1990.
This is an excellent planning book that should be in the hands of the Parks and
Rec. Commission.
In order to begin, interested citizens need to be Identified.
Support of a prominent community leader should be gained.
Participation from the following individuals or groups on a tree commission
should be favored and expected:
City Council Planning
Local tree care firm
Landscape architect
environmental groups
Street Dept. Parks Dept.
utility companies
garden and service clubs
Agriculture extension
(The minimum goal of such a group should be to determine and establish a minimum
tree care program. A minimum tree care program should address elimination of
tree hazards. A hazard elimination program would involve periodic inspection by
an arborist and correction work done in accord with accepted scientific
standards.)
The tree group, or commission, needs formal recognition by the Mayor and
Council.
The tree commission needs to be charged with a task or tasks. The first tasks
of such a commission often involve the following projects:
Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture Certified Alborist 1135
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Hiring a full-time arborist.
Taking inventories of trees, administrative resources, equipment, existing crew,
budget.
Writing a tree ordinance.
Planning.
Two projects that are often overlooked are public relations and funding. These
facets are absolutely essential parts of a successful tree program.
An inexpensive way of sounding public support for a tree program would be to
take a survey using a message on the water billing.
Goals established by the tree commission may include the earning of the Tree
City USA award. This award recognizes communities that have a tree board or
department, a tree ordinance, a community tree program budget of at least $2 per
capita, and an arbor day observance and proclamation.
Indicators of effective tree care programs. (Guide, p. 31)
1. Tree care agency or at least a person responsible for tree care.
2. An identified budget derived from several sources. National Tree City
average is $2.60 per capita, 1988.
3. A well-managed and maintained publicly owned tree resource.
4. Trained tree workers and arborists in public AND private tree care.
5. A workable tree ordinance or regulations and guidelines.
6. Annual work plans for public tree care.
7. Developing of working under a master plan that involves all major city
infrastructure.
8. Initial and continuing participation in new developments and growth areas.
9. Inventories or assessments of the tree resource.
10. Education and outreach to citizens, school children, teachers, and
political and city leaders.
11. Citizen and leader participation in planning and implementing tree care
programs and events.
12. Media involvement and coverage of forest conditions, tree care activity, and
citizen involvement and recognition.
The fact that San Bernardino has a permanent tree crew indicates that there is
a recognition of the City's need for tree care. There are many facts that back
up my claim that the City crew is, truly, damaging the tree resource more .than
it is nurturing and protecting it. The same can be said of an overwhelming
Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist 1135
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majority of private tree care companies.
In .y view, the way to approach the tree-care problem is to put it back into the
hands of the committee of citizens, have them search out the latest tree
research information, let them educate the public, and decide the quality of
tree care for our city. The bureaucrats currently are operating personally and
ignorantly conceived plans far our trees. It is time to check the wrongs done
by personal and political influence, and ignorance, and let the people, with
scientific knowledge In hand, make the rules. John "uir said, "The wrongs done
to trees, wrongs of every sort, are done in the darkness of Ignorance. and
unbelief; far when light comes, the heart of the people Is always right."
I a. eager to participate in any action affecting the public or private tree
resource in the community. So please let Ie know.
Sincerely,
Paul E. Chaney
Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist M130