Moore said he still is concerned about the process being used as he believes any allocation from the tree funding is required to go to the city's Environmental Advisory Board before it comes to the City Council. 'If this ensures that there's more stability to other trees if that's the reason, then I can see that (the tree trust fund) would be a reasonable spot to do it from,' Brahier said. 'And if the city arborist is saying that removing dead or dying trees that are basically compromising that tree canopy, the larger network, and removing them can help make the canopy healthier, then to me, that aligns with the funding.'Ĭouncilwoman Jennifer Brahier said maintenance of tree canopy sometimes requires removing unhealthy trees to allow other trees to remain healthy. 'The way I look at it is the tree fund is there to ensure the city recognizes the importance of a vibrant, healthy tree canopy,' Moore said. 'We still are taking the extra step to replace these trees in other places.'īroadband vote Escambia County approves proposal to bring high-speed internet to north endĬouncil members who the News Journal spoke to on Friday were generally supportive of the proposal.Ĭouncilman Jared Moore said the city attorney cleared his biggest concern with the idea. 'These are trees that need to be removed,' Reeves said. City Attorney Charlie Peppler said with that determination from the arborist, the use of the funds for tree removal would be considered maintenance under the city ordinance, according to Reeves. Pensacola City Arborist Kris Stultz has reviewed the trees and said their removal is necessary to approve the overall health of the tree canopy. One issue with using the balance is that the tree trust fund ordinance only allows for using the funds for 'acquiring, planting, and maintaining' trees or other vegetation. Removal of protected trees carries higher fees than the removal of non-protected trees.Ĭurrently, the trust fund has a balance of $297,263.

The Tree Planting Trust Fund is paid for with fees from the removal of trees for private development in the city.

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