Arlington Tree Action Group (ATAG) is a network of citizens working to preserve and grow Arlington, Virginia’s urban forest to keep Arlington green and fulfill the Vision stated in the County’s Urban Forest Master Plan (2004).
Butterfly in Arlington
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Charlie Clark, Our Man in Arlington: Arlington faces tough choices between money and environmentalism (July 18, 2018)
Arlington Connection: Battling for the Dawn Redwood (July 18, 2018)
Local DVM.com: Arlington residents speak out against idea of cutting down 114-foot Redwood tree (July 11, 2018)
WUSA9 TV: 114-foot tall redwood tree may be cut down in Arlington, sparking controversy
(July 7, 2018)
ARLnow: Plans to Cut Down Massive Redwood Tree in Williamsburg Attract Stiff Opposition (June 26, 2018)
ATAG press release (June 25, 2018): At risk: State Champion Tree in Resource Protection Area
PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION that neighbors launched to save a State Champion Dawn Redwood that is in a Resource Protection Area in Arlington!
Please sign the petition HERE!
This case stands out for several reasons:
1. Per the petition, this particular tree is the largest Dawn Redwood in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and almost the largest Dawn Redwood in the entire country. It is a beautiful, healthy tree that anchors a gorgeous block of mature foliage on the 3200 block of N Ohio St. The new lots are large enough to keep the tree AND still build the new houses, the developer simply needs to set the homes farther back on the lot. The builder has every right to build these homes; the removal of the tree appears to simply be aesthetic convenience, or simply lack of concern about its removal.
2. And, it is in a Resource Protection Area, or RPA. As the county web site explains, a RPA includes streams, rivers, and other water bodies and the environmentally sensitive lands within 100 feet of these water resources. These areas are known as stream or wetland buffers, and help protect water quality by:
- filtering out pollutants from stormwater runoff,
- reducing the volume of stormwater runoff,
- minimizing erosion, and
- providing wildlife habitat.
A fully vegetated stream buffer can help protect private property by preventing erosion along a water body. Steep slopes (25 percent or greater) that are adjacent to buffers are also part of the RPA because of the potential for erosion in these areas.
In RPAs, existing trees and other vegetation are protected and building projects are regulated to protect water quality.
See “Tree planting is a key tool in addressing climate change, and redwood trees are the gold standard for “treequestration,” or the ability of trees to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide” for a testimonial to the impact of redwoods on fighting climate change.
ATAG is now a member of the Arlington County Civic Federation – as of May 1, 2018! See the May 2018 CivFed Newsletter.
ATAG Media release concerning tree canopy assessment (April 12, 2018)
Keeping Arlington green:
- Preserve sustainable urban forest that contributes to the livability of our community.
- Promote green infrastructure that provides economic and environmental benefits.
- Protect the charm of our community for generations.
Arlington Urban Forest Master Plan Vision:
“Arlington County will strive to have a sustainable urban forest that contributes to the livability of our urban community. Our trees are recognized as part of our green infrastructure that provides economic and environmental benefits. The current trend of tree canopy loss will be slowed and efforts made to reverse this trend through best practices in tree planting, preservation, and maintenance while fostering a sense of stewardship among residents.”
Arlington County Urban Forest Master Plan
Irreversible Tree Loss in South Arlington