HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-14 Arborist Email to OPHKris Danielson
Fromm K.D. Widin [kwidin a@mmmpcc.org]
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 2 :33 PM
To: kdanielson @cityofoakparkheights.com
Subject: Xcel Energy w Landfill /Tree Removal
Kris -
I met with Daryl Knutson of Xcel Energy at noon at the
landfill site. The proposed building to the north of cover Park
Manor its a separate issue. The area of trees he says will have to be
removed is the entire slope west of the 58th St. cul -de -sac. He says
that has to be done this year so that filling can occur all the way
from the slope behind the townhomes east of Osgood to the 58th St.
cul -de -sac by cover Park Manor. As far as I can tell at this point,
they are talking about removing all the trees on that slope and
pulling the stumps. Since the stumps would be gone, there is not an
issue of immediate cutting to avoid spring wounding of oaks and oak
wilt and he will postpone Monday's tree removal date; however, he
says the trees must be removed this year. I gave him a copy of the
tree protection ordinance which he will read. I said that the City
would require a tree inventory (at least of the area being removed)
and that tree replacement would also be required. If Xcel wanted to
offset that replacement somewhat, they could do an inventory of the
other trees remaining on the entire site and use the ordinance to
calculate the adjusted tree replacement. He said he would read the
ordinance, talk with people at Xcel and get back to me. He wanted to
know if the trees they planted at the end of the cul -de -sac 3 or so
years ago would count toward tree replacement, since supposedly they
did that in anticipation of removing the trees on the slope. I would
need a bit more information to answer that question:
1. Do you know if the trees at the end of the cul -de -sac were planted
to offset tree removal or for some other reason?
2. Is this filling and tree removal part of their original plans for
the landfill?
3. Considering their "special" status with PCA permitting, etc., can
the city require them to replace trees removed?
will also query Mark Vierling. Thanks.
Kathy