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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 Preserving the Hardee Oak I • Blo-Tech Consulting Inc. info @bio-techconsulting.com www.bio-techconsulting.com Environmental and Permitting Services January 3, 2008 Mr. Al Minner, City Manager City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 Proj: Indian River Drive/Main Street Improvements Project Site — Indian River County, Florida Section 6; Township 31S; Range 39E BTC File # 130.51.03 Re: Hardee Live Oak Dear Mr. Minner: This letter has been drafted to address the current health of the Hardee Live Oak and the future health of the tree once the construction activities have been completed. Concerns have been raised regarding the ability of the Hardee Live Oak to survive the stress from the construction activities and changes to the land surrounding the tree once the project has been completed. On November 5, 2007, Ms Rebecca Grohall and I met at the project site with Mr. Dale Armstrong, Senior Forester of the Division of Forestry to obtain his professional opinion of the current health of the tree and his estimation of the tree's future health once the proposed improvements have been completed. During our meeting we provided Mr. Armstrong with a site plan of the proposed project in relation to the construction activities and development around the tree. During our meeting, Mr. Armstrong gave a brief review of the tree's existing structural status and general health. He estimated that the majority of the tree roots were under the existing dirt parking lot and Main Street and that the tree was still recovering from past hurricane events as evident of the epicormic branching (small sprouts) along the major branches. He also noted that extensive decay was found throughout the trunk and that approximately one-third of the bark was no longer attached to the trunk (southwest side). He noted that additional stress would only set the tree back in recovery. In regards to the construction activities, the Main Street asphalt removal and grading activities would severely impact the root system and further damage the trees recovery. As the sidewalk and road re-alignment are proposed to flank the tree, much of the tree's water needs will also be impacted. Main Office Vero Beach Office Pensacola Office 315 N.Ferncreek Ave 1111 Indian River Blvd,Ste 302 1312 E.Cervantes St Orlando FL 32803 Vero Beach FL 32960 Pensacola FL 32501 401.894.5969 112.563.0344 850.469.1100 401.894.5910 fax 172.563.0345 fax 850.469.1104 fax Al Minner, City of Sebastian Indian River Drive/Main Street Improvements Project(BTC File# 130-51.03) Page 2 of 2 In conclusion, based on the construction plans and Mr. Armstrong's review of the tree, we believe that it is necessary to remove the tree now from the site plan. This conclusion is consistent with Mr. Armstrong's final assessment. Though it is possible to do the improvements and keep the tree, it will not be possible to keep a healthy tree that is structurally sound. It should be noted that SBS Engineering and Bio-Tech Consulting have harvested acorns from the Hardee tree and are attempting to grow saplings. These saplings could be eventually planted on- site. A copy of Mr. Armstrong's email correspondence to Ms. Grohall regarding the site inspection is included with this letter. If you have any questions, concerns, or require any additional information, please contact our office at (772) 563-0344. Thank you. Regards, , Stephanie Salvilla Project Manager cc: Joseph Schulke, P.E., Schulke, Bittle & Stoddard, LLC Bio-Tech Consulting Inc. Environmental and Permitting Services Page 1 of 1 Stephanie From: Rebecca Grohall [RGrohall @CityOfSebastian.org] Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 10:28 AM To: Stephanie Subject: FW: Hardee Live Oak Hi Steph - Thanks for helping to coordinate this. Rebecca From: Armstrong, Dale [mailto:armstrd©doacs.state.fl.us] Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 10:15 AM To: Rebecca Grohall Subject: Hardee Live Oak Rebecca, It was great meeting with you this morning. Wasn't the weather perfect?! With regards to the Hardee live oak, unfortunately I recommend it's removal based on the following observations and proposed activities: 1. The proposed construction activities will severely impact the tree's root system through pavement removal, grade changes, and equipment activity within the critical root zone (the tree's drip line). 2. There is a chance that the tree could survive the aforementioned impacts, however the structural integrity of the tree would be severely compromised. In other words, the tree you'd end up with would have major structural problems. 3. The tree is still recovering from hurricane damage as evidenced by epicormic branching (sprouting) along major branches. Additional stress to this tree will further set back its recovery. 4. There exists extensive decay throughout the trunk. This is evidenced by decay within major branch scars and loose bark around one-third of the trunk's circumference. If you have any additional questions, please let me know. Talk to you later and take care! Dale P.S. Would you forward this to Stephanie. I can't find her e-mail address anywhere. FLORIDA Dale Armstrong, Senior Forester —.- 1025 Edwards Road Fort Pierce, FL 34950 -- " Office: 772-467-3004 Cell: 863-634-7357 Serving Glades, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, & St. Lucie Counties 1/3/2008 Page 1 of 2 Alfred Minner From: Alfred Minner Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:52 AM To: council Cc: Rebecca Grohall; Rich Stringer; Sally Maio; Margaret Reynolds; Donna Cyr; 'jschulke @sbsengineers.com' Subject: Indian River Drive/Main Street Project and the Hardee Oak Tracking: Recipient Read council Rebecca Grohall Read: 12/12/2007 11:52 AM Rich Stringer Read: 12/12/2007 11:53 AM Sally Maio Read: 12/12/2007 1:40 PM Margaret Reynolds Read: 12/12/2007 1:27 PM Donna Cyr Read: 12/12/2007 11:57 AM 'jschulke @sbseng ineers.com' Sal Neglia Deleted: 12/14/2007 4:15 PM In the last few days, my office has received and reviewed a string of e-mails with reference to the Hardee Oak. Please understand that I truly understand this is a sensitive issue for the community. Fortunately or unfortunately, as we move forward with the IRD/Main Street Project the Hardee Oak question will need to be addressed. However, please be rest assured that this Office will not tackle this questions without first consulting the Council. As the design plans for the IRD/Main Street Project move forward, it has always been my intention to bring back an update on the project to Council. We are just about at the stage; however, at a recent meeting of the Natural Resources Board, the issue of the Hardee Oak was brought up under discussion from a member and concern about the tree's future has grown. It was this concern at the rout of the e-mails. Below is a quick update on the IRD/Main Street Project. My aim with this correspondence is to advise Council on the project and let you know when the Hardee Question will be before you for formal consideration and direction. The design plans for the IRD/Main Street Project are approximately 95% complete. Schulke Engineering has been moving forward with the plans as directed by Council. The major remaining issues are: • Location/footprint of res troom facilities;, • Coordination with IRC and DOT for US 1 Traffic and Permitting Issues; • No Permits required from Army Corp; • SJRWMD has received submittal for permitting as of Nov 14th and their comments for final permitting should be received any day; and, • Submittal per LDR to P/Z for project review for conformity to City Code (estimated February meeting). If all goes without any major delays, the project should be ready for construction bidding sometime in March/April which could bring a construction contract before Council by May/June. Obviously, the Hardee Oak is a remaining question. Based on comments and concerns from previous meetings, City Staff and Schulke have worked with an arborist to generate a report on the Hardee Oak. With major construction to occur in that area and because of the age/current condition of the tree, we wanted to receive a professional opinion to formulate a recommendation on the tree. Dale Armstrong was used to inspect the tree and this was done sometime in November. A formal report on this report will be forthcoming. The initial indication from Mr. Armstrong is that the Hardee Oak is not in good condition and will probably not survive construction. Based on this report staff will be recommending removal of the tree. However,we will only make this recommendation to Council and will follow your direction. 1/19/2008 Page 2 of 2 1 I anticipate these discussions to occur at the January th Regular meeting, we will conduct a CRA meeting, starting at 5:30 PM to review all of these issues. Sch Ike will be present to update you on his activities, as well as seeking guidance on final modifications to the plan. t is my hope that the Hardee question is addressed by Council at that time. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. Al Minner City Manager City of Sebastian L' ��+tS k ,1 . 1�0T �rtr 61 5-11 o •• Moat G�A 40 if(-44- 1/9. /1.4'r 4/6- PAlefiQcJitc- e Tttisc'T �(D tOo1 g fwd vet f -, f4 lu 4 Vz3 1/19/2008 Page 1 of 4 Alfred Minner From: Stephanie [Stephanie @bio-techconsulting.com] Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 4:22 PM To: Rebecca Grohall; 'Joseph W. Schulke, P.E.' Cc: Alfred Minner Subject: RE: Draft Al Minner Letter Rebecca is correct. Dale stated that restoration measures would be needed in order to improve the status of the tree. However, no restoration measures will fix the tree rot in the trunk and major branches. Those areas are done. I asked Dale last week if the tree stayed and we constructed around it, could he estimate how many years the tree would survive or did it really just need to be removed? " likertt4a5rj Dale responded: "It's difficult, if not impossible, to predict the life of a tree post-construction. Too many pre-existing and impending factors involved. The tree has a good chance of"surviving,"but you'd be left with, over time, a severely sub- standard tree warranting removal. The tree is already in bad shape. It's my opinion that it will just get worse. Removal and rededicating a newly planted tree is recommended. Catch you later. Dale" Stephanie Salvilla, Project Manager Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. 1717 Indian River Boulevard, Suite 302 Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Phone: (772) 563-0344 Mobile: (772) 713-9519 Fax: (772) 563-0345 E-mail: stephanie @bio-techconsulting.com web: www.bio-techconsulting.com S 111o-Teclb Consulting Inc. E.Bnivirtinmental and Permitting Servi cs This electronic data is confidential material which is provided to the recipient for coordination of its work efforts with BTC. It shall not be copied or provided to any other parties for any other use. This data is subject to change at the discretion of BTC. ***Please note that effective January 1 , 2008 our Orlando Headquarters will be at the following address: Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. 2002 East Robinson Street Orlando, Florida 32803 From: Rebecca Grohall [mailto:RGrohall @CityOfSebastian.org] Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 3:07 PM 1/19/2008 Page 2 of 4 To: Joseph W. Schulke, P.E.; Stephanie Cc: Alfred Minner Subject: RE: Draft Al Minner Letter I believe Dale indicated the previous improvements to Main Street had seriously constrained the root system of the tree and even if it was left alone-the City would need to basically restore the entire area (remove the asphalt) around the drip line (radius to the tip of the branch) cordon that area off, replace dirt, and not stockpile any construction materials or equipment. Even with all that, with its lightening damage -its unlikely to have any real good long term survival. I think that was epitomized by the epicormic branching and the extremely puny acorns (which even the squirrels didn't seem that interested in). Margie indicated you had good news from St. John's on Bettina's dock transferral and the permit applicaiton. From: Joseph W. Schulke, P.E. [mailto:jschulke @sbsengineers.com] Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 2:56 PM To: Stephanie Cc: Alfred Minner; Rebecca Grohall Subject: FW: Draft Al Minner Letter Did the Arborist give you any indication to its chances if the Main Street improvements were not done at all? (See below). FYI: 1. SJR approved the SSL transfer 2. SJR comments were minimal (no wetland/river questions). We have resubmitted. Joseph w. sehullee, P. E. schullee, gittle,f.'stoddard, L..L..C. 1717 ihdi.ah.River glued, ste. 201 Vero Beach, FL 32960 (T)77277O9622 (F)77277094_96 www.sbseptgi i.' rc.con4. PLEASE NOTE: This information is provided solely for your convenience only;SCHULKE,BITTLE&STODDARD LLC makes no representations or warranties,either express or implied,as to its suitability for any specific purpose.While we believe this drawing file to be accurate at the time of retrieval,this media and its contents can be easily altered or corrupted either purposely or inadvertently through any number of sources. For this reason,SCHULKE,BITTLE& STODDARD LLC,its managers and or employees shall be indemnified and held harmless from any and all liability that may arise or result from the use of this information by your firm,employees,agents or sub-contractors.Any use of the file provided herein constitutes acceptance of the provisions stated herein. The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only.If you are not the intended recipient,you are asked to respect that confidentiality and not disclose,copy or make use of its contents.If received in error you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately.Your assistance is appreciated. From: Alfred Minner [mailto:aminner @CityOfSebastian.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 8:57 AM To: Joseph W. Schulke, P.E. Subject: RE: Draft Al Minner Letter Joe-This works. It does bring up a few questions that I believe may need to be addressed. I am hoping maybe you can get the answer. That question is, how long does the Hardee Oak have if nothing were to occur at that site. It sounds like with its trunk decay, the tree may be at the end...or just a good storm away from being lost. If you could find that answer, that would be great. 1/19/2008 Page 3 of 4 Other than that, this letter and report should us moving in a direction. Thanks again. Al Minner City Manager City of Sebastian Original Message From: Joseph W. Schulke, P.E. [mailto:jschulke @sbsengineers.com] Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 2:41 PM To: Alfred Minner; Rebecca Grohall Cc: Stephanie Subject: FW: Draft Al Minner Letter Al Attached is a draft letter report on the Hardy tree. Please review(and have Rebecca/Margie) review, and let me know if it needs to address anything further before we send you a final signed copy. Joseph W. Schulke, P.E. Schur, e,:13ittee d Staddaul,Lee 1717 3ndian 9liuen.9314.4.,Ste.201 Vexes 2eacfl,.i&.onida 32960 .Ilan: (772)770-9622 gax: (772)770-9496 www.o8oengi wem.cam PLEASE NOTE: This information is provided solely for your convenience only; SCHULKE,BITTLE&STODDARD LLC makes no representations or warranties,either express or implied,as to its suitability for any specific purpose.While we believe this drawing file to be accurate at the time of retrieval,this media and its contents can be easily altered or corrupted either purposely or inadvertently through any number of sources. For this reason,SCHULKE,BITTLE&STODDARD LLC,its managers and or employees shall be indemnified and held harmless from any and all liability that may arise or result from the use of this information by your firm,employees,agents or sub-contractors. Any use of the file provided herein constitutes acceptance of the provisions stated herein. ------------------------------------------------------------ The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only.If you are not the intended recipient,you are asked to respect that confidentiality and not disclose,copy or make use of its contents.If received in error you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately.Your assistance is appreciated. From: Stephanie [mailto:Stephanie @bio-techconsulting.com] Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 9:31 AM To: Joseph W. Schulke, P.E. Subject: Draft Al Minner Letter Stephanie Salvilla, Project Manager Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. 1717 Indian River Boulevard, Suite 302 Vero Beach, Florida 32960 1/19/2008 Page 4 of 4 Phone: (772) 563-0344 Mobile: (772) 713-9519 Fax: (772) 563-0345 E-mail: stephanie @bio-techconsulting.com web: www.bio-techconsulting.com I Bio-Tecbb Consulting Inc. Envi ronmental and Permitting Services This electronic data is confidential material which is provided to the recipient for coordination of its work efforts with BTC. It shall not be copied or provided to any other parties for any other use. This data is subject to change at the discretion of BTC. ***Please note that effective January 1 , 2008 our Orlando Headquarters will be at the following address: Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. 2002 East Robinson Street Orlando, Florida 32803 1/19/2008