§ 50-163. Purpose and intent.

The county council finds and determines that it is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare to protect, preserve trees and enhance tree cover in the county. The items of value of trees are many and varied and include but are not limited to the following:

(1)

Trees are valuable producers of oxygen, a necessary element to the survival of man, and serve to reduce the environmentally dangerous carbon dioxide concentration in the air.

(2)

The leaves of the trees trap and filter out ash, dust and pollen in the air.

(3)

Trees may reduce wind velocity and noise levels.

(4)

Trees may prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil through their root system and by breaking the force of raindrops pounding upon soil surfaces.

(5)

Trees reduce the quantity of surface runoff and reduce the percentages of impervious surfaces.

(6)

Trees help purify water by removing the nutrients from waters passing through the ground from the surface to the groundwater table.

(7)

Trees provide shade and transpire water which helps to moderate temperatures and cleanse the air.

(8)

Trees provide food, shelter and essential habitat for wildlife.

(9)

Trees provide valuable visual aesthetics and psychological contrast to the manmade urban environment.

(10)

Trees are a valuable asset and increase the economic and aesthetic value of developed and undeveloped properties.

Therefore, for the reasons described in this section, the county council has determined that it is necessary to enact this division as minimum environmental standards for tree protection throughout the county.

(Ord. No. 88-38, § II(401.00), 12-1-88)