Nominations sought for "notable trees" in Far North

Urban communities in the Far North are being invited to nominate trees worthy of protection which residents believe should be added to the District Plan Schedule of Notable Trees.

The Far North District Council move follows Resource Management Act changes which will impact on the vegetation clearance rules currently in the District Plan.  The changes in the legislation, which take effect from 01 January next year, have implications for all councils across New Zealand.

From next year trees in urban areas will only have protection if they are located on reserves, are individually listed in a District Plan, or are protected by means of a  caveat on land titles.

However the Act has defined a new set of standards for qualification as an urban area. Nominations are restricted to urban sites of less than 4000sq.metres which have reticulated water and sewerage service and which contain a building. Trees which do not meet the location qualification or where a nomination is made without the owner's consent will not be considered for protection.

In addition the trees must have ecological benefits, contribute to the landscape, have landmark value, visual amenity value, are a rare species, or have outstanding botanical values. The size and age of trees will also be considerations.

There will be a $120 nomination fee per tree to offset the cost of engaging qualified professionals to carry out assessments on each nominated tree.

Nominations for the Schedule of Notable Trees in urban areas will open on 24 May and close on 10 June 2011. Nomination forms are available at council service centres and public libraries.