Tree Protection Ordinance Enacted In Tredyffrin

TREDYFFRIN, PA —In the effort to curtail stormwater management issues and protect the environment, Tredyffrin Township supervisors this week unanimously passed a woodland conservation ordinance to protect the trees.

The ordinance requires residents to obtain permits when removing trees, noting that trees protect air quality and provide health benefits. Violation of the ordinance will result in a $1,000 fine.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Tredyffrin is stormwater management,” Supervisor K.S. Baskar said. “That is the result of years of development without ample consideration of stormwater exacerbated by the intense downpours and storms resulting from climate change.”

Baskar said that first responders' lives are in danger during water rescues. Baskar said that Tredyffrin has a large number of trees, which protect the environment.

“This ordinance is an important step in protecting our trees,” K.S. Baskar, supervisor said.

Julie Gosse, board chairwoman, said the ordinance is a long time coming, thanking everyone who worked on it.

More than a dozen residents spoke out in favor of the ordinance, thanking the supervisors and township staff for enacting it.

Liz Feinberg, a Paoli resident, said she supports the ordinance.

“It’s critical that Tredyffrin Township demonstrates a stewardship for the protection of trees,” Feinberg said. “Trees have quality of life issues.”

Emily Bell, chair of her community’s tree committee, said once people realize the value protection of trees they are likely to support the cause.

Bell said that the trees reduce stormwater issues while benefiting health issues.

Cynthia Williams, a resident who lives near Valley Forge Park, said the area has lost large Oak trees due to disease over the years, and the Glenhardie Garden Club provided 60 native trees to homeowners in the community.

Richard Kunin, chairman of the Trout Creek Watershed Resident Association, said the ordinance is very important, thanking the supervisors for enacting it.
Kunin said he would like to see a certified arborist determine which trees should be removed.

“We don’t want developers to get away with any funny business,” he said.

About 50 residents seated in the audience applauded after the unanimous vote.