Tree Preservation and Maintenance Policy

 TREE PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE POLICY OF VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY

 Purpose

As the leading center for higher learning in southern Georgia, Valdosta State University recognizes its obligation to preserve and manage an abundance and diversity of trees on campus for the benefit of the public and future generations of students. By its example of environmental stewardship, the University will take the lead in promoting and developing a sound preservation ethic for the region's natural heritage. Included among the many benefits of preserving trees on campus and promoting additional plantings are: (1) improved air quality; (2) noise abatement and temperature amelioration; (3) mitigating the natural processes of water runoff, erosion, and sedimentation; (4) shading and consequently energy savings; (5) education; (6) aesthetics; (7) historical significance, and (8) intrinsic value.

 Policy

It is the University's policy to preserve and manage all trees on campus, particularly species native to southcentral Georgia, in such a way as to minimize damage and prolong their life. Especially important are stands of mature native trees and native species no longer abundant on campus or in the area. Existing trees should not be removed for merely aesthetic, design, or landscaping reasons. Longterm plans should promote new plantings that will increase the diversity of native species (see Table 1), contain more canopy species, and enhance fall color.

As the campus continues to undergo development, special consideration must be given to the design and placement of new buildings so as to minimize the loss of trees. Existing trees must be taken into consideration before decisions about placement of buildings or other constructions are made, i.e., during or before the PreDesign Phase of new projects. Also, landscaping associated with new buildings or other constructions or renovations should be designed to replace as closely as possible the number and the species that were lost to construction, so that no net loss of trees occurs.

 Procedures

 Special Management Zones

 The following special zones are established on campus in order to protect and manage critical or sensitive areas of mature trees:

1) the entire stand of mostly mature longleaf pine, between Patterson Street and Oak Street,extending southward from Georgia Avenue onto the main campus. This stand predates the settlement of Valdosta, contributes substantially to the unique character of the University campus, and is especially vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions

2) stands of mature native trees along One Mile Branch, especially near the intersection of Patterson Street and Brookwood Drive

3) the mature mixed woodland at north campus bisected by Two Mile Branch

4) the dense woodland/swamp along the southern bank of One Mile Branch west of the Student Recreation Center parking lot.

Activities resulting in soil compaction, root damage, and depletion of air and water supply to the roots should be avoided in these zones. Also, thinning of groves, especially pines, increases susceptibility of remaining trees to storm damage and should be avoided. Specifically, the following practices are to be avoided, in proximity to trees which may be affected:

1) trenching, filling, or other soil disturbances

2) unabated erosion;

3) driving or operation of heavy equipment over the ground

4) parking of vehicles or heavy equipment

5) storage of materials

6) paving or introduction of impermeable surfaces on the ground

7) thinning of groves, especially pines.

 Preventive Maintenance and Care of Existing Trees

Prevention of tree damage or disease should be an ongoing commitment, particularly of older, still healthy trees. The following preventative maintenance measures will be taken to enhance the vigor and prolong the life of trees and to reduce susceptibility to disease and weather damage: 1) application of pesticide treatment; 2) aeration of soil within the drip line of trees where compaction has occurred; 3) bedding of individual trees or groups of trees to prevent future physical damage and soil compaction by mowers and other vehicles or equipment; 4) cordoning of driplines or critical root zones of trees with a 4foot high, highvisibility fence prior to the initiation of renovation or construction activities, according to the Community Tree Planting and Establishment Guidelines (Georgia Forestry Commission, 2002); 5) restriction of equipment and any construction and renovation activities from cordoned areas; 6) inclusion of language in contracts issued by the University, which prohibits construction and renovation activities from cordoned areas and specifies penalties for violations; and 7) application, as practicable, of special irrigation and root growth stimulator to individual specimen trees threatened by drought and/or root damage from soil disturbance activities associated with construction.

Due to the risk of long-term damage to our valuable pines from repeated exfoliation of bark and penetration of living tissue, no attachments of any kind, nor any destructive sampling, will be allowed on any pine tree on the VSU campus.

 Prior Consultation

The University administration shall work in consultation with the Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee of the Faculty Senate's Environmental Issues Committee in all PreDesign Phase and DesignPhase meetings involving the VSU Administration, campus planners, state officials, and private contractors, during which any decisions can and will be made affecting the fate of campus trees. This policy also designates Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee as the consultative body to be integrally involved in environmental, historical, and cultural impacts reviews of proposed campus projects as mandated by the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991 (Georgia Code Title 12, Chapter 16).  

Before trees are removed or plans are finalized for tree removal, or for construction or other activities that may result in tree removal or potential tree damage, the Physical Plant Department will consult with the Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee of the Environmental Issues Committee, except in emergency situations, where imminent damage to property or individuals is involved. In the latter event, the subcommittee is to be immediately notified by the Physical Plant Department of the action to be taken.

 Reasons to be considered as valid for proposed tree removals will generally include the following:

1) prevention of the impending spread of disease by the affected tree

2) likelihood of imminent damage to property;

3) existence of a threatening safety hazard to individuals

4) any unavoidable constraints of construction or renovation that remain after completion of the planning and consultation requirements as specified above.

 Responsibilities

 Monitoring and Enforcement

The Physical Plant Department shall ensure that any trees scheduled to be removed after consultation shall be clearly marked at least 14 days before their scheduled removal and the Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee be notified and given the opportunity to inspect the marked trees before removal. For any construction projects, the Physical Plant Department shall ensure that driplines or critical root zones of trees are condoned as specified under Preventative Maintenance and Care of Existing Trees and shall periodically throughout the duration of the construction make arrangements for the Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee of the Environmental Issues Committee of the Faculty Senate to inspect the site and ensure that the protection provisions previously specified are being observed. If they are not being observed, the Physical Plant Department shall immediately report the failure to the contractor and/or the Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission official. In accordance with Board of Regents contracts, appropriate action will be taken to remedy the situation.

Table 1. Valdosta State University List of Recommended Native Trees & Shrubs