WOODLAND

OAK WOODLAND CONSERVATION

Valley’s Edge intends to preserve the maximum number of trees possible.

A foundational element of the Valley’s Edge vision is the preservation and protection of Oak Woodlands. Conservation of Oak Woodlands enhances the scenic beauty of the area, encourages thoughtful site design, commemorates cultural importance, prevents soil erosion, and counteracts pollution in the air, all while maintaining the climatic balance and biodiversity of the City and its surrounding area.

As undeveloped ranch land, oak trees and woodlands within the 1,448-acre planning area are currently neither protected nor managed, and historical grazing has largely eliminated natural regeneration. By layering existing City preservation regulations together with an ambitious Oak Woodland Mitigation and Management Plan, the natural, cultural, environmental, and economic values of oak trees in Valley’s Edge will not only be maintained, but enhanced.

THIS PLAN OPERATES ON TWO DRIVING GUIDELINES:
  1. Keep approximately 80% of the estimated 7,000 trees within the Valley’s Edge area in their “wild” environment.
  2. Preserve those trees by incorporating them into permanent open space.

The remaining 20% of the existing trees, deemed “living environment trees,” will be incorporated into parks, common areas, neighborhoods, and buildings. Community awareness and appreciation programs for oak trees, as well as community-sponsored and school educational events for acorn harvesting, planting, replacement, mitigation, and proper care and maintenance will ensure vested interest in the preservation of the Oak Woodlands.

An added benefit of this program is the provision and to provide for a healthy urban forest that will absorb carbon dioxide and help reduce urban impacts on global warming.

 

 

5600 trees remain untouched in permanent open space