Resolution No. 21-01RESOLUTION NO. 21-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING
A 42.5 -INCH DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE AND 15.5 -INCH DIAMETER RIVER BIRCH
TREE AS A HERITAGE TREE IN HOWELL PARK; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, Atlantic Beach's tree canopy beautifies our community and improves the lives of our citizens
and visitors by bringing nature to our urban environment and preserving environmental sanctuaries for connection
with the natural world; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach desires to be a good steward of the tree
canopy, particularly specimens of physical and historical significance; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has the ability to designate individual trees as Heritage Trees according
Section 23-41 (a) of the Atlantic Beach Code of Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Heritage Tree designation runs with the property and doubles the mitigation ratio if the tree
is ever removed; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission created the Environmental Stewardship Committee in 2017 to serve as
curators of our environment, thus creating a legacy for future generations of our community; and
WHEREAS, as its 2021 Arbor Day project, the Environmental Stewardship Committee has nominated a 42.5 -
inch -diameter live oak tree hugging a 15 -inch diameter river birch tree in Howell Park as a Heritage Tree; and
WHEREAS, the nominated tree has a combined 182.21 -inch circumference; is approximately 168 years old;
was selected because of its intrinsic value due to its age and size; and is nicknamed "The Hugging Tree"; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Stewardship Committee will hold an event on January 15, 2021
commemorating Arbor Day and celebrating the Heritage Tree designation.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach:
SECTION 1. The City Commission hereby designates a 42 -inch diameter live oak and 15 -inch -diameter river
birch in Howell Park as a "Heritage Tree."
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
PASSED;' 1 • DOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, on this 1 lth day of January, 2021.
El lasser, Mayor
Attest:
o,vxfc VitSm:te-e..,
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
ity Attorney