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Plan commission approves UDC amendments creating tree mitigation fund and clarifying preservation rules
Summary
The commission unanimously approved UDC text amendments (sections 18.01.61–65) that clarify when tree preservation plans are required, set a process for approving removal of more than 80% of a specimen tree, and create a tree mitigation fund for planting, acquisition and education; staff cited recent case law as the reason for changes.
The Onalaska Plan Commission on Aug. 26 unanimously approved text amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) addressing tree protection and restoration, including the creation of a tree mitigation fund.
City planner Katie Aspenson told commissioners that staff reviewed the city's tree provisions in light of recent case law affecting preservation ordinances and proposed three primary changes: clearer criteria for when a tree preservation plan is required; a defined approval process to remove in excess of 80% of any specimen tree; and the establishment of a tree mitigation fund. Aspenson said the fund could be used to purchase and plant trees on public property, acquire wooded property to remain natural in perpetuity, or to support public education for developers and citizens.
Aspenson also said the amount required for each replacement tree would be the city's annual estimated planting cost for a 2-inch caliper tree; the transcript did not state the dollar amount of that estimate.
Tom Smith moved to approve the amendments; Eric Archer seconded. The motion passed unanimously. No members of the public spoke for or against the amendment during the hearing.
Aspenson provided a redline version of the amendment in the commission packet and said staff was available to answer questions. The commission did not specify the fund's initial funding source or exact replacement-tree fee in the meeting record; those details appear to be left to administrative implementation.
