Tell the County Board You Support ATAG's Requests!

Dear ATAG Supporter:

We wanted to update you on some local and Richmond-based initiatives to preserve and expand Arlington County’s tree canopy.

ATAG and Dover Crystal Ask Arlington for More Tree Protections
ATAG asked the Arlington County Board at its February 12 meeting to better enforce regulations governing by-right construction and development of our residential areas.  ATAG also asked the County to pursue policy changes that will bolster our tree canopy.  (ATAG's presentation is at the 15-minute mark of the meeting recording.)  Specifically, we asked the County to:  

1. Conduct a new tree canopy survey and heat island assessment;

2. Seek and use delegated powers under Dilllon’s Rule to include a tree preservation ordinance (as in Falls Church, which bonds trees after construction of new homes);

3. Step up enforcement of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and consider incentives for home construction methods that preserve trees;

4. Look at new options recommended by CivFed to protect residential trees during construction including steps on lot coverage and altered setbacks; and

5. Incorporate tree preservation into biophilia, sustainability and climate change goals.

   Our presentation to the board was also featured in the Sun Gazette on February 16. We hope you watch the presentation and urge you to echo these concerns by writing the board at countyboard@arlingtonva.us. 

   
   We also want to highlight efforts by neighbors in Dover-Crystal neighborhood -- who gave compelling testimony about a construction project in their area (see the February 12 board meeting again, at minute 7:10).  ATAG's support for their efforts was featured in WDVM's February 16 coverage. Neighbor engagements are critical to protecting our precious canopy.

   More Work Needed in Richmond. 
   ATAG also asked the Board to engage Richmond to urge them to push for an increase in the State-mandated tree canopy caps for residential by-right projects.  Currently, owners/builders are required to ensure that in 20 years the tree canopy will cover only 20% of a single-family lot or 15% of their multifamily lot for by-right construction projects.  This is far too low, far too slow, considering that 61% of our tree canopy is located in residential areas, and it is falling quickly due mainly to development.  Unfortunately, a bill introduced by Arlington Del. Patrick Hope was defeated this week in the House of Delegates Appropriations committee, meaning we need to step up pressure again next year. 
   
   Without you, we stand little chance of effecting change.
   
   Thanks for all you do for trees!