Program Schedule
Friday, March 7, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side, The Morton Arboretum
8:00 a.m.
Check-In
Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be served.
8:30 a.m.
The Importance of Tree Protection Ordinances
This presentation will identify the value that trees provide to communities and why we consider them critical infrastructure. This portion of the program will also provide an overview of the different types of tree protection ordinances in order to create a foundation of understanding for the rest of the day.
9:00 a.m.
Example Ordinances
This presentation will identify the structural components of two local ordinances that demonstrate common high-level themes found in legislation throughout the country. Through this examination we will learn how their approaches lead to different, yet similar, outcomes. Topics covered will include tree protection requirements on private property, site development requirements, and tree replacement requirements.
10:00 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.
Tree Removal Permit Review
We will discuss examples of how to administer and review tree removal permit applications. We will identify what information to ask of applicants proposing to remove private trees, field inspections, perceived tree risks versus ordinance requirements, effective communication, and examples of how applicants may petition a decision.
11:00 a.m.
Introduction to Construction Principles
This presentation will provide insight on basic construction principles that often affect trees during construction. This will aid in the identification of constraints and limitations to both tree preservation and site development. Topics covered will include excavations for different project types, separation requirements for utilities, and site development plans.
Noon
Lunch
Lunch will be provided.
1:00 p.m.
Plan Review Concepts
Building upon the Introduction to Construction Principles session, this presentation will provide insight on how to read building and engineering plans, discuss potential mitigation options associated with proposed plans, and explore how to effectively communicate requests to applicants, builders, and engineers.
2:00 p.m.
Break
2:15 p.m.
Code Enforcement
Learn through examination of specific case examples to understand why code enforcement is a crucial component to the success of a tree preservation ordinance. However, like all infractions of the law, all outcomes are not equal.
