BACKGROUND

On November 21, 2002, the Design Review Board considered an appeal of a partially approved application for a tree permit (T02-18) for the removal and/or substantial alteration of 34 Eucalyptus trees on three separate open space parcels located within the Vista Tiburon Subdivision. After considering the application and considering public testimony regarding this request, the Board directed Staff to prepare a resolution granting this appeal. Resolution No. 2002-13 was adopted by the Board on December 19, 2002.

Condition of Approval No. 1 of Resolution No. 2002-13 required the preparation of a reforestation plan to be reviewed by the Design Review Board. The reforestation plan is to include information on the size, location, number and species of trees to be replanted; irrigation systems; phasing of tree removal and tree planting; efforts to prepare adequate soils conditions; cost estimates for the plan; and funding mechanisms for implementation of all aspects of the plan.

ANALYSIS

The reforestation plan for the Tree Permit T02-18 has been prepared and submitted to the Town for review. Highlights of the reforestation plan include the following:

The native vegetation in Grove A is a riparian plant community consisting of Arroyo Willow, California Blackberry, Poison Oak, and Coastal Scrub. The native vegetation of Groves B & C contains upland plant communities consisting mainly of annual grasses, herbs and brush. Coast Live Oak trees are found in all three groves.

Separate landscaping palettes have been prepared for the riparian forest habitat found in Grove A, the upland coastal forest found in Groves B &C, and seasonal drainage areas found in Groves B & C. Each of these palettes includes a variety of trees and shrubs to be planted, along with grasses for potential erosion control in the upland coastal forest areas.

Replacement planting is proposed to include two trees and one shrub for each tree to be removed, for a 2:1 ratio for all trees to be replaced, and at a 3:1 overall replacement ratio. Trees to be planted would be 15 gallons in size, and 5 gallon shrubs would be utilized.

Super-activated charcoal will be added to all tree planting holes to absorb contaminants in the soil produced by Eucalyptus trees.

Replacement planting is recommended to be done in the fall to early winter after two inches of rain have fallen.

A drip irrigation system is proposed to be used for the first three years for most plantings, and for a longer period for less drought resistant species.

Removal of invasive exotic plants (including Broom) and Eucalyptus sprouts is proposed to occur on an annual basis.

The reforestation plan indicates that the Vista Tiburon Homeowners Association has secured funding for the implementation of this plan by the adoption of a $185,000 special assessment at its December, 2002 meeting. Although no information has been submitted regarding cost estimates for the reforestation plan, it is anticipated that the adopted assessment should be adequate to complete this task. Representatives of the Vista Tiburon Homeowners Association may present additional information regarding the costs and funding for the reforestation plan at the meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

The submitted reforestation plan appears to provide a thorough approach for the replanting necessary after the removal of the Eucalyptus trees from these three groves. It is recommended that the Design Review Board take public testimony and approve the reforestation plan as submitted.

ATTACHMENTS