Public speaker urges Rockdale County to strengthen tree ordinance as UDO review proceeds

A Rockdale County public commenter urged commissioners on May 27 to strengthen the county's tree-preservation rules as officials undertake a rewrite of the Unified Development Ordinance.

“Shortly we need to get on top of this tree ordinance,” public commenter George Kalechak said, citing clear-cutting on Georgia 138 and Ebenezer Road and saying Rockdale County now has about 27% forested land. Kalechak identified himself as representing the Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation District and provided county and national figures on the environmental and economic benefits of mature trees.

The comment came during the public comment portion of the Board of Commissioners meeting. A member of the commission told the board that the county is currently revising its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and said the timing makes the issue “a good time to talk about that,” urging care in preserving greenery as development continues.

Kalechak told commissioners that his office had shared information with Rockdale County planning staff and the Georgia Forestry Commission’s community forester, recommending a “gold standard” mature-tree ordinance used elsewhere. He cited statewide conservation training participation numbers and told the board that well-placed mature trees yield long-term environmental services including carbon containment, air filtration and stormwater management.

No formal motion or vote on changes to the tree ordinance was taken during the meeting. Commissioners did not refer a specific draft amendment or set a public hearing date; the record shows discussion only and that the county’s UDO review is already underway.

The issue is likely to return to the agenda if staff or commissioners place a proposed ordinance amendment before the board during the UDO process.