Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - How do YOU feel about trees in Rochester? Here’s an opportunity to weigh in.

The city is considering adopting a tree preservation ordinance and is now seeking public input on the issue. According to the city, the proposed ordinance would require the preservation of existing trees as well as the planting of new trees for development projects to meet minimum required canopy coverage, defined as “the cumulative aerial extent of all trees within a geographic area.”

The proposed ordinance would primarily affect commercial projects and is not anticipated to impact individual homeowners. Projects that would likely be impacted include new commercial development and redevelopment as well as subdivisions and multi-family developments.

“As construction and development continue at a rapid pace locally, it is important we balance the benefits of this progress with the preservation of resources that make Rochester a great place to live,” said Molly Patterson-Lundgren, City of Rochester Heritage Preservation & Urban Design Coordinator.

Once adopted by the City Council, the proposed ordinance would help preserve existing trees and green infrastructure, increase Rochester’s overall tree canopy coverage, and help maintain and expand the positive benefits of an urban forest. These benefits include:

Positively impacting the physical and mental health of human beings;
Conserving energy by shading buildings and paved surfaces;
Filtering airborne pollutants;
Removing atmospheric carbon dioxide;
Reducing stormwater runoff; and
Increasing property values.

Feedback on the language being considered for the proposed ordinance can be made through Jan. 12th by completing the online Polco survey available here.

For more information about the proposed tree preservation ordinance, visit the City of Rochester’s Tree Preservation Frequently Asked Questions page located here.

Please direct any questions or requests to Molly Patterson-Lundgren, Heritage Preservation & Urban Design Coordinator at mplundgren@rochestermn.gov.

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