Green Isle holds first reading of tree ordinance as it forms tree committee

The Green Isle City Council held a first reading on Sept. 24 of a proposed tree ordinance (ordinance 2024-25) that would establish rules to protect significant and specimen trees and set requirements for tree preservation plans, removal, replacement and penalties.

During the reading, the ordinance defined a "significant tree" and "specimen tree," required a tree preservation plan for land‑use, grading or building permits affecting significant or specimen trees, and gave the city forester authority to declare diseased or hazardous trees a public nuisance. The ordinance also set replacement rules — including one replacement tree per significant or specimen tree removed when under a 20% threshold — and mitigation formulas when more than 20% of significant specimen diameter inches are removed.

The ordinance text cited a penalty for violations of up to $11,000 or 90 days’ imprisonment, plus prosecution costs. The council treated the text as a first reading; no final adoption vote was taken that evening.

Council also appointed members to a new tree committee to help oversee tree policy and the city’s pursuit of Tree City USA designation. Appointees named at the meeting included Cal Lose, Terry Hughes, Harris Dear and council liaisons; the council approved the initial slate to begin committee work and indicated membership could change as needed.

City Attorney Ken Jansen confirmed he had reviewed the ordinance language and raised no legal objections at first reading. The council asked staff to continue work on implementing the ordinance and to coordinate with the new tree committee before a final vote.

Next steps include committee organization, continued ordinance review and scheduling a subsequent reading or final vote once committee and staff input have been incorporated.