Urban Forestry Advisory Board

100 W. Rock St, Suite 246 Fayetteville, AR 72701 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Agenda Wednesday, June 4, 2025 4:00 PM Rock St. Meeting Room / Virtual Meeting Via Zoom Members Resident at Large Rep. - Hannah Ash (Exp: 12/25) Resident at Large Rep. - James Parrish (Exp: 12/25) Resident at Large Rep. - Joseph Fox (Exp: 12/26) Resident at Large Rep. - Kate Shirley (Exp: 12/26) Resident at Large Rep. - Nathan Walker (Exp: 12/25) Resident at Large Rep. - Taz Zinck (Exp: 12/26) Tree Service Rep. - Bethany Douglas (Exp: 12/26) City Staff Urban Forester - John Scott Urban Forester - Willa Thomason Urban Forestry Advisory Board Agenda June 4, 2025 Meeting Zoom Information Webinar ID: 836 3793 8661 Passcode: 113212 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jL9C9LPfRTC4GziSYVLpJA Call to Order Roll Call Approval of the May 7, 2025 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. The minutes are video archived. The committee approved the motions for the previous month's meeting. Reports and Presentations Board Member Presentation June - Carlo July - Jim August - Bethany or Katie September - Hanna or Katie Spring Activity Report John Scott Tree Vacation Presentation Jenny Burbidge and Sean Johnson with Prism. Ozark Electric. (Information Packet included). The current criteria to vacate a Tree Preservation Easement is that the applicant must prove that this is in the best interest of the City. “The geographic extent and location of tree preservation easements, once recorded, may only be modified, or abolished with the express approval of the City Council. Applicants requesting such action shall bear the burden of proving to the City Council's satisfaction that such modification or abolition is in the best interest of the City of Fayetteville. Such requests shall be submitted to the urban forester, who shall ask the City Clerk to place it on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting." Unfinished Business SOP for Tree Preservation Easement Vacation Request According to the City Clerk, notification to the public is required 2 hours prior to a meeting. Willa will include the results of our vote in her memo to the City Council. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas page 2 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Agenda June 4, 2025 Meeting Code change to require a Tree Preservation Vacation request to come before the board at our next meeting Proposed by Council Member Moore. Code Changes for September • Escrow Limits or Escrow Elimination • Not hitting the minimum requirement requires a variance to the Planning Commission • Critical Root Zone • Clarify what disturbance/Structures are permitted • HHOD Change • Significant Tree • Shrub Screening The Food Foraging Map is Available Fayetteville Community Forester Emerald Ash Borer Plan The Mulch Sub-Committee Fall Projects • Celebration of Trees • Tree Planting • Hiking with the Forester- September with Ozark Education Center New Business POA Detention Ponds We need to decide where we want to focus on in the fall. Neighborhood Plantings We need to decide where we want our focus to be in the Fall. Announcements Bethany Douglas City of Fayetteville, Arkansas page 3 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Agenda June 4, 2025 Meeting Adjournment NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE Urban Forestry Advisory Board meetings may be attended in-person or virtually by the public. During the meeting, community members have the opportunity to address the board at a designated time. Citizens may propose items to be included in the board's agenda. To submit an item for consideration, e-mail the Urban Forestry Advisory Board team at least one week prior to the meeting. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas page 4  CITY COUNCIL MEMO 2025-366 MEETING OF APRIL 29, 2025 TO: Mayor Rawn and City Council THRU: Keith Macedo, Chief of Staff Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director Jessica Masters, Development Review Manager FROM: Willa Thomason, Urban Forester SUBJECT: VAC-2025-0013: Vacation (3661 W WEDINGTON DR.): Submitted by CRAFTON TULL & ASSOCIATES for property located at 3661 W WEDINGTON DR. The property is zoned R-A, RESIDENTIAL-AGRICULTURAL and contains approximately 32.60 acres. The request is to vacate a 0.95-acre tree preservation easement. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends conditional approval of VAC-2025-0013, the vacation of the tree preservation easement as shown in the attached Exhibit 'C', with the following conditions of approval: -The applicant must dedicate a new 2.3-acre tree preservation easement approximately 1,200 ft. south of the existing tree preservation easement and directly abutting another existing 5.30-acre tree preservation easement on the Ozarks Electric campus (Exhibit F1). -The applicant must plant 48 mitigation trees within the existing 5.30-acre easement situated 850 ft. south of the easement to be vacated to mitigate for the removal of 0.69 acres of canopy from within the existing 0.95- acre easement. BACKGROUND: The subject property is approximately 0.50 miles west of I-49, north of Owl Creek, and just south of W. Wedington Dr. The site is relatively flat, with elevations ranging from roughly 1,260 ft at the northern edge to 1,240 ft. at the southernmost point adjacent to W. Persimmon St. The property is zoned R-A, Residential- Agricultural and is currently the location of Wesco Distribution Inc. and is a part of the Ozarks Electric campus. Approximately 0.69-acres of the 0.95-acre tree preservation easement are in canopy-cover. Request: The applicant proposes to vacate a 0.95-acre tree preservation easement on the property that was dedicated in 2008. The easement is located within the Ozarks Electric Cooperative development area. DISCUSSION: City of Fayetteville staff recommends in favor of the requested easement vacation, with the conditions as outlined above. The 0.95-acre easement the applicant is requesting to vacate is surrounded by an impervious area and is comprised of four species: hardy pecan (Carya illinoiensis), white ash (Fraxinus americana), pin oak (Quercus pallustris), and red maple (Acer rubrum). While the vacation of this easement would result in the loss of ~0.69 acres of mature tree canopy, the proposed 2.3-acre easement includes approximately 2.2 acres of canopy, translating to a net canopy increase of 1.61 acres. The dedication of this new easement, along with the requirement to install mitigation trees, would increase the contiguous canopy and ecosystem services on this site. The installation of trees will also provide ecosystem services throughout the Owl Creek watershed, Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701 helping to slow the rate of storm water runoff, settling and holding sediment and reducing downstream flooding. Additionally, the proposed easement is adjacent to a 5.3-acre existing tree preservation easement, potentially enhancing biodiversity and creating a more robust wildlife habitat corridor. From a city planning perspective, the existing and proposed easements lie within the same census block group, which has a high Tree Equity Score (TES) of 99—ranking 20th out of 68 block groups in Fayetteville and exceeding the city’s average TES of 87. The area also currently has a 49% tree canopy cover and is considered a low-priority planting area, given its proximity to the city’s 50% canopy goal. Land use designations also support the proposed change. The existing easement lies within a “City Neighborhood” future land use designation, where development typically features urban landscaping, such as street trees. In contrast, the proposed easement is within both “Residential Neighborhood” and “Natural” designations. These categories emphasize development that respects natural features or preserves wilderness conditions. The proposed easement also falls within the City’s Enduring Green Network, further aligning it with long-term conservation objectives. In terms of housing supply and development, the vacation does not appear to impact residential development, as the parcel belongs to the Ozark Electric Cooperative campus and is associated with Wesco Distribution Inc. No housing is currently planned, and the applicant may provide more details regarding future use. In conclusion, while the proposal involves the removal of a mature, healthy, and ecologically valuable easement, the staff-supported alternative offers greater overall benefits in terms of tree canopy protection, ecological connectivity, and alignment with city plans. The recommendation balances environmental stewardship with the city's strategic planning goals. FACTOR IMPACT DISCUSSION MITIGATING CONDITIONS Preservation of Existing Tree Canopy Net Easement Positive (+) The applicant proposes to Staff and the Urban Forestry Change vacate a 0.95-acre tree Advisory Board recommend preservation easement. The that the applicant dedicate a parcel proposed as new tree 2.3-acre tree preservation preservation easements totals 1 easement, for a net increase acre, for a net increase of 0.31 of 1.3 acres in tree acres in tree preservation preservation easement easement (Exhibit F). (Exhibit F1). Net Canopy Positive (+) The existing 0.95-acre easement In addition to the protection of Change contains roughly 0.69-acres of an additional 1.6 acres of tree canopy cover. The staff- canopy, staff recommends proposed 2.3-acre easement that 48 mitigation trees are contains 2.2 acres of canopy planted within the existing cover, for a net canopy increase 5.3-acre tree preservation of 1.61 acres of protected tree easement situated ~850 ft. canopy. south of the easement to be vacated. Preservation of Negative (-) 56% of the trees in the subject While a tree survey has not Significant easement are at or above the been conducted within the Trees 18” DBH threshold for proposed easement, there “significant trees” as defined in appear to be numerous Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701  UDC §155. significant trees. Preservation of Negative (-) All the trees comprising the 0.69 Although 0.69-acres of Healthy Trees acres of canopy within the healthy canopy would be existing easement appear to be removed with this easement healthy. vacation, a net increase of 1.6 acres of canopy would be protected with the proposed easement dedication. Additionally, 48 mitigation trees would be planted to account for tree removal. Preservation of Negative (-) Most of the trees within the Although 0.69-acres of Beneficial existing easement to be vacated healthy canopy would be Trees are mature, healthy, and removed with this easement undoubtably providing vacation, a net increase of 1.6 ecosystem services including acres of canopy would be carbon sequestration, protected with the proposed improvements to air quality, and easement dedication. stormwater filtration. Additionally, 48 mitigation trees would be planted to account for tree removal. The proposed tree preservation easement abuts another 5.3- acre easement, providing potential for increased biodiversity and wildlife habitat through continued protection. Interaction with Urban Forestry Management Plan Tree Equity Positive (+) The existing tree preservation The proposed easement is Score easement is within a census within the same census block block group with a Tree Equity as the easement to be Score (TES) of 99 and 49% tree vacated and has the same canopy cover. This ranks 20th of TES. Fayetteville’s 68 block groups and is above Fayetteville’s composite Tree Equity Score of 87. Priority Planting Positive (+) The existing easement is a low Although 0.69-acres of Areas priority planting area based on canopy would be removed its high Tree Equity Score and with this easement vacation, a 49% tree canopy cover. This net increase of 1.6 acres of census block group has a tree canopy would be protected canopy cover goal of 50%. with the proposed easement dedication. Additionally, 48 mitigation trees would be planted to account for tree removal. Interaction with Other City Plans & Objectives Land Use & Positive (+) The existing easement is N/A Enduring Green contained within a “City Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701 Network Neighborhood” future land use designation and, per City Plan 2040, landscaping in this land use designation is urban in form, typically with street trees in sidewalk zones. The existing easement is not within the Enduring Green Network. The proposed tree preservation is contained both within a “Residential Neighborhood” and a “Natural” future land use designation. “Residential Neighborhood” areas are meant to encourage development patterns that respond to features of the natural environment, and “Natural” areas are intended to approximate wilderness conditions with limited development. The proposed easement is situated within the City’s Enduring Green Network. Housing Supply Neutral The purpose of the vacation N/A request has not been communicated to staff, but the easement is within the Fayetteville headquarters of Wesco Distribution Inc. on a parcel owned by the Ozark Electric Cooperative campus, and planned development will not be residential. The applicant can speak to development plans. BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT: N/A ATTACHMENTS: SRF (#3) , Exhibit A - Applicant Request Letter (#4), Exhibit B - Applicant Petition to Vacate (#5), Exhibit C - Proposed Easement Vacation (#6), Exhibit D - Easement Vacation Site Map (#7), Exhibit E - Easement Vacation Description (#8), Exhibit F - Applicant Proposed Easement Dedication (#9), Exhibit F1 - Staff Proposed Easement Dedication (#10) Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701  City of Fayetteville, Arkansas 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 Legislation Text File #: 2025-366 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE VAC-25-13 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3661 WEST WEDINGTON DRIVE IN WARD 4 TO VACATE 0.95 ACRES OF TREE PRESERVATION WHEREAS, the City Council has the authority under A.C.A. § 14-54-104 to vacate public grounds or portions thereof which are not required for corporate purposes; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the following described portion of tree preservation is not required for corporate purposes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby vacates the portion of tree preservation as described in Exhibit E attached to the Planning Department’s agenda memo. Section 2: A copy of this Ordinance duly certified by the City Clerk along with the drawing attached as Exhibit C and the map attached as Exhibit D to the Planning Department’s agenda memo shall be filed in the office of the Washington County Circuit Clerk. Section 3: This vacation shall not be effective until the following conditions have been satisfied: 1. The applicant shall dedicate a new 2.3-acre tree preservation easement approximately 1,200 feet south of the existing tree preservation easement and directly abutting another existing 5.30-acre tree preservation easement on the Ozarks Electric Campus as shown in Exhibit F1 attached to the agenda memo. 2. The applicant shall plant 48 mitigation trees within the existing 5.30-acre easement to the south that was dedicated by Plat #23-332 to mitigate for the removal of 0.69 acres of canopy from within the existing 0.95-acre easement. Page 1  City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form 2025-366 Item ID 5/6/2025 City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only N/A for Non-Agenda Item Willa Thomason 4/18/2025 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (630) Submitted By Submitted Date Division / Department Action Recommendation: VAC-2025-0013: Vacation (3661 W WEDINGTON DR.): Submitted by CRAFTON TULL & ASSOCIATES for property located at 3661 W WEDINGTON DR. The property is zoned R-A, RESIDENTIAL-AGRICULTURAL and contains approximately 32.60 acres. The request is to vacate a 0.95-acre tree preservation easement. Budget Impact: Account Number Fund Project Number Project Title Budgeted Item? No Total Amended Budget $ - Expenses (Actual+Encum) $ - Available Budget $ - Does item have a direct cost? No Item Cost Is a Budget Adjustment attached? No Budget Adjustment $ - Remaining Budget $ - V20221130 Purchase Order Number: Previous Ordinance or Resolution # Change Order Number: Approval Date: Original Contract Number: Comments: Exhibit F - Applicant Proposed Easement Dedication UFAB Motion Log Meeting Date and Time 05 07- 2025 Subject: Vacation Request from Ozarks Electric Motion: “I move that we recommend to City Council that we decline this vacation request for the reasoning that they have not satisfactorily described why this is in the best interest of the city. Motion Made By: Nathan Walker Second By: John Fox Vote: 6-0 in favor; motion passes.