Tree & Habitat Protection Area

Community tree preservation ordinances are written across the country to restrict the removal of trees and the protection of native habitats. Other ordinances are being written to protect stream banks, wetlands, steep slopes, wildlife scenic views and other unique natural resources. Sensitive resources must be protected by the action of land development if they are deemed important to quality of life.

An HPA can be used to save important groves of trees on development sites. Saving a grove is actually a better water quality improvement strategy since a grove will allow the infiltration and uptake of even more site storm water. But in addition, saving a small patch of native landscape on a development site offers even more environmental values including enhanced aesthetics, wildlife habitat, visual privacy and collections of native species and their seed crop. In addition, the concept of a defined HPA can be used to protect and preserve any unique site feature including steep slopes, ground water recharge areas, bed rock outcrops, significant wildlife habitat or climate modulators for sun, wind snow and energy conservation.