MORE DETAILS Trees Atlanta: Make fixes to protection ordinance

All intown neighborhoods can follow along for the latest news on Twitter: @atlnewsnow

Trees Atlanta has called upon supporters, volunteers and tree advocates to be aware of what they consider one of the most important law changes affecting Atlanta’s trees, according to a news release. Scheduled for May 17, the city of Atlanta will be adopting a new Tree Protection Ordinance — the first significant update since its origination in 2001.

Trees Atlanta officials are recommending the approval of the proposed TPO with the condition that the amendments that Trees Atlanta has submitted are incorporated into the final ordinance.

Connie Veates and Greg Levine, co-executive directors of Trees Atlanta, have outlined recommendations. Here’s a summary:

“We see that the city has created options that balance guidelines with incentives; however, within this new approach, there are standards that still need improvement. Trees Atlanta has submitted amendments to be considered for inclusion before the document is voted on by the City Council. The scheduled vote has been recently rescheduled for May 17 . ...

“The goals we set two years ago for the TPO rewrite still stand: We want the new ordinance to preserve more trees, plant or replant trees better, and recompense to fund other canopy protection solutions.”

Trees Atlanta encourages residents to reach out to the City Council to ask for adoption of the amendments it has submitted.

Information: treesatlanta.org/ or info@treesatlanta.org.

Upcoming

■ In person: Georgia Audubon field trip. 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday. Free. Goizueta Gardens, Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. This birding trip is recommended for beginner birders and families with children over age 10. No dogs or strollers are allowed. The walk will cover 2 to 3 miles of mild hiking terrain, including dirt paths and grass. Recommended are hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Register: Atlantahistorycenter.com/event/georgiaaudubon-field-trip