[CANUFNET] Removal of trees for replacement of water lines

[Jane Baile]

I think this hits the nail on the head.  I organized a presentation for the superintendents and foremen from Engineering at City hall who plan the work and these from Operations who implement it.  Mike James did James Urban's presentation which many of us have on CD from his presentation in Victoria.  My purpose in doing this was to get them all in one room and answer their concerns and questions.  I had 12 people and they learned a little about why we value trees and all discussed how soil cells and other alternative ways to plan trees into the infrastructure.  No one method works in all situations.  We have to take a problem solving approach and address the concerns, questions and cost comparisons over time.  I learned that replacing concrete sidewalk panels cost (ballpark) $3000. I had thought the cost of soil cells or structural soil would be prohibitive in their minds but compared to replacing sidewalks it makes sense to plan for a proper medium for trees to grow in and you won't have sidewalk problems.
Anyway, budgets are very real concern.  We all answer to the taxpayer and we have to have a good business case including of course the rather objective value of trees.
 It was a successful meeting.  There are some progressive thinkers who are trying to make changes in how we integrate trees into development.
We move forward inch by inch.

Jane Baile
Parks Dept. Supervisor

District of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC  V2X 6A9
Tel:  604-467-7346   Fax:  604-467-7393
www.mapleridge.ca<blocked::blocked::http://www.mapleridge.ca/>

Deep Roots
Greater Heights


________________________________
From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Ward, Greg
Sent: November 28, 2008 10:46 AM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
Subject: [CANUFNET] Removal of trees for replacement of water lines

Linda,
    I would tend to believe the field staff, the vast majority of times there is a way to accommodate the tree, it just costs money.   Understandably the engineering project management staff will take the expedient route in the planning and implementation of the project in consideration of all sorts of values, particularly monetary.  Hence the need for green infrastructure advocates (arborists) to affirm the value of the tree, environmental, social and economic,  with the engineers and fairly and firmly encourage them to explore alternatives in construction.  No easy task for the engineers to make a decision when they are expected to come in on budget and spend the tax dollars wisely.

    The urban consulting arborist needs to be reasonably well versed in engineering contraction standards and methods, at least to the point of suggesting alternatives to the engineers.  This could be a topic that needs more attention at tree symposiums and conferences- how often have you seen an engineer presenting at one, outlining there interests, concerns, and challenges, and what they go thru from their perspective in saving trees.

    I find it valuable to build a respectful relationship with the engineers, one where a greater mutual understanding of values and needs is the foundation.  Essentially, 'walking a mile' in each other's shoes.    With each community outcry there is a subsequent motivation for engineers to improve their processes, and an opportunity for urban forestry folks to collaborate with them in doing so.   It sounds like the timing may be right to offer to do so.


Greg Ward
Manager, Urban Forestry and Environmental Programs
City of Surrey, B.C.
604 501 5170

'Nature matters,
protect, enhance, enjoy'

 -----Original Message-----
From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net]On Behalf Of Moskalyk, Linda (IS - Parks)
Sent: November 27, 2008 9:07 AM
To: 'canufnet at list.web.net'
Subject: [CANUFNET] Removal of trees for replacement of water lines
We recently had a valuable American elm removed from our boulevard because the engineers (management) made a decision to replace a hydrant and insisted the tree beside it would have to come down. Our urban forestry people were told that they needed to excavate 4 feet on each side of the hydrant to replace it.  The tree was only 2 feet away.  We reluctantly removed the tree, and now there is an uproar from the community.  As the tree was coming down some of the enginneers (field workers this time) came along and said they probably could have worked within that 2 foot area.  Its hard to know who to believe.  Alternately, could the hydrant have been capped off and the line rerouted to a new location?  We are arbortists and don't know the options when it comes to sewer and water.  We want to have the knowledge and ability to argue for alternative methods that could potentially save the trees.   Is there any good information or advice on the subject?

Linda Moskalyk
Certified Arborist
Urban Forestry Section
Parks Dept.
City of Saskatoon













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