NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP FOR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS

Transcription

1 NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP FOR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS Presented by: (Leader s Name/Agency) Trees & Natural Resources are Valuable HOA Assets There are many benefits trees and natural resources provide to your community: Increased Property Values Air Pollution Control Water Quality Protection Stormwater Management Energy Use Reduction Improved Aesthetics View Screening/Privacy Recreation Sense of Place/Identity Wildlife Habitat Educational Opportunities Do We Really Have Natural Resources? 1

2 Landscape Trees - Benefits Shade/Cooling/Wind Protection Privacy/Screening Air and Water Quality Stormwater Mitigation Aesthetics/Higher Property Value Landscape Trees - Responsibilities Maintenance Replacement Planting Monitoring Woodlands - Benefits Stormwater Mitigation Hillside Stabilization Privacy and Buffering Air and Water Quality Wildlife Habitat Carbon Storage Recreation Higher Property Values 2

3 Woodlands - Responsibilities Maintenance for Safety Along Trails and at Edges Monitoring for Insects and Disease Storm Damage Correction Streams - Benefits Stormwater Mitigation Higher Property Values Recreation Wildlife Habitat Streams - Responsibilities Erosion Control Maintenance for Blockages Litter and Debris Control Monitoring Pollution Prevention 3

4 10/14/2011 Wetlands - Benefits Water Quality Stormwater Control Recreation Wildlife Habitat Wetlands - Responsibilities Litter and Debris Control Monitoring for Invasive Plants Pollution Prevention Restoration Naturalized Stormwater Basins Benefits Water Quality Stormwater Mitigation Wildlife Habitat Aesthetics 4

5 Naturalized Stormwater Basins - Responsibilities Maintenance of Slopes and Outlets Maintenance of Plantings Litter and Debris Control Monitoring HOAs Are Special! HOA Concerns and Issues Legal Responsibilities Enforce rules Execute contracts Financial Responsibilities Manage funds Set budgets Pay bills Community Responsibilities Monitor contracts for performance/quality Understand and comply with requirements of local and state government Maintain a high quality of life for the Association and residents 5

6 There is Help! Natural Resource Management Expertise County Extension Offices and Agents Certified Arborists and Foresters Soil and Water Conservation Districts Park Districts Rules and Regulations Expertise Municipal Forester City/County Manager Planning Department Owner s Manual Natural Resource Stewardship for Homeowner Associations Get Started with DIY Projects Plant landscape trees Plant tree seedlings or sow wildflower seeds in rarely used lawn areas Mulch and water landscape trees Prune small trees Eliminate litter in streams, wetlands, and stormwater basins Create a rain garden Erect birdhouses and plant wildlife food plots Review or create new maintenance specifications and monitor all work by contractors Take an inventory of your natural resources Meet with local experts and government staff for advice and planning Conduct education programs and special events for the residents, like an Arbor Day or Earth Day celebration 6

7 Seek Professionals When Needed Large Tree Maintenance and Storm Damage Correction Landscape Tree Planting Safety Risk Inspections Invasive Plant Species Control Water Quality Testing Streambank Stabilization Maintenance or any Work on Steep Slopes Natural Resource Stewardship Assistance Locally (insert presenter s organization if applicable) (insert city/county agency[s]) (insert local university extension office) (insert local soil & water conservation district) Nationally National Arbor Day Foundation International Society of Arboriculture Make Natural Resource Stewardship a Priority for Your HOA and Community! 7

8 Questions? The work upon which this presentation is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service. 8