SAVE OUR TREES BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!

Petition to Ban Clear-Cutting and Preserve Heritage Trees in Marion County and Central Florida

To: Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection

We, the undersigned residents, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens of Marion County and Central Florida, call for immediate action to protect our region's natural heritage by implementing strict regulations to ban clear-cutting by builders and preserve heritage trees aged 50 years or older. The rapid pace of development threatens our ecosystems, diminishes biodiversity, and erodes the cultural and environmental value of our landscapes. We propose the following measures to ensure sustainable development and the preservation of our natural legacy:

Prohibit Clear-Cutting on Development Sites: Enact a county-wide ordinance banning clear-cutting on all development sites exceeding 5 acres in Marion County and Central Florida. Clear-cutting, defined as the removal of all trees and vegetation from a site, must be replaced with selective tree removal practices that prioritize the preservation of mature, healthy trees.

Preserve Heritage Trees: Mandate the protection of heritage trees, defined as trees aged 50 years or older with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater. These trees provide critical ecological benefits, including carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and habitat for wildlife, as well as aesthetic and cultural value. Developers must submit tree surveys and preservation plans, approved by a certified arborist, before any land-clearing activities.

Enforce Penalties for Non-Compliance: Establish significant fines and mitigation requirements for developers who violate tree preservation ordinances. For each heritage tree removed without authorization, developers must plant 10 native trees of comparable species and maintain them for a minimum of five years, alongside monetary penalties to fund local conservation efforts.

Promote Sustainable Development Practices: Require developers to integrate green infrastructure, such as urban forestry and native landscaping, into site plans. Offer incentives, such as tax breaks or expedited permitting, for projects that exceed minimum tree preservation requirements.

Community Oversight and Transparency: Create a public database to track tree preservation compliance, including pre- and post-development tree surveys. Establish a community advisory board, including local arborists, environmentalists, and residents, to review large-scale development proposals and ensure adherence to preservation standards.

The loss of mature trees and unchecked clear-cutting practices jeopardize the environmental health, climate resilience, and unique character of Marion County and Central Florida. By adopting these measures, we can balance responsible development with the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations.

We urge the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to act swiftly to enact and enforce these regulations. Together, we can protect our heritage trees and ensure a sustainable, vibrant future for our communities.

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