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Council hears tree fund and canopy update; city reports $1.9 million in mitigation receipts and targeted replanting after Hurricane Helene
Summary
Urban forestry staff told council the city’s tree mitigation fund has collected about $1.9 million since 2021, explained how mitigation fees are set and described post-Helene replanting and mapping work intended to guide future planting and open-space decisions.
City staff briefed Greenville City Council on the status of the city’s tree mitigation fund, recent canopy losses from Hurricane Helene and a multi-pronged plan to replant and better track the urban forest.
Edward (city staff) and Drew Smith (urban forestry staff) said the fund has received about $1,900,000 since the tree ordinance's 2021 inception and currently holds approximately $1.16 million after expenses. “All of this is done when developers come and they remove trees,” Edward said, describing the mitigation mechanism.
Why it matters: Council members pressed staff on whether the ordinance’s fee structure incentivizes replanting versus paying fines or mitigation payments. Staff said mitigation fees are currently set at about $50 per caliper inch, with higher rates applied to large or heritage trees and exceptions for diseased trees or properties that predate June 2021.
Key points from the presentation and Q&A
- Fund history and…
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