Charlottesville considers tree protection

http://www.wric.com/story/23624934/charlottesville-considers-tree-protection

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) – Charlottesville City Council is considering an proposed ordinance aimed at protecting some trees in the city.

The ordinance would make it illegal to deface or remove trees classified as historic, specimen, street or memorial. Violators would face a civil penalty of up to $2,500.

Residents could seek these special designations for trees on their property. Trees on public property would be nominated for these designations by the Charlottesville Tree Commission.

Council members are scheduled to decide Monday whether to advance the proposal to a second reading. A final could be held later this month.

Charlottesville Parks Division manager Doug Ehman tells The Daily Progress (http://bit.ly/1hwdhpT ) that the program would be voluntary for trees on private property.

Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards president Jay Gillenwater says his group supports the proposal.

Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com

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