Heritage Trees Protection

Heritage Trees are a distinct and significant aspect of the City of Hudsons history, health, and economic vitality. Heritage Trees means trees of particular interest by virtue of such qualities as age, size, shape, special interest, location and/or history. Trees may include individual trees, avenues, groves, tree gardens, arboretum and sites of botanical, ecological or historical interest. The Heritage Trees of the City of Hudson provide a myriad of benefits to residents, tourists, and city managers alike:

stabilize the soil & filter polluted water.
reduce cooling & heating requirements.
foster air quality & remove carbon dioxide (C02) as well as airborne pollutants.
abate visual and noise pollution & provide aesthetic value.
increase property values & encourage contextual development.
provide welcome shade & protection from UV rays.
preserve historical context & highlight architectural history.
contribute significantly to bird, animal, plant, & insect diversity
support vibrant ecosystems & convivial residents.

We believe that The City Of Hudson should recognize that the preservation of Heritage Trees enhances the historic character and natural scenic beauty, sustains the long term potential increase in property values, encourages contextual and quality development, maintains the ecology and history of the City, moderates the effect of extreme temperatures, prevents the erosion of topsoil, sequesters carbon and reduces air pollution, enhances the attractiveness of the City to visitors, and increases the aesthetic qualities of the architecture and streetscape. For these reasons the City of Hudson should find that in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City; while simultaneously recognizing individual rights to develop and maintain private property in a manner which will not be prejudicial to the public interest, it is necessary to enact regulations controlling the removal and preservation of Heritage Trees within the City of Hudson. The City of Hudson should also recognize that under certain circumstances Heritage Trees may properly be removed. Those circumstances include where Heritage Trees are dangerous; are dead or diseased; are so situated on undeveloped land that their preservation would preclude feasible, reasonable, and contextual development; or have a significant and detrimental impact on the property. It should be the intent of the City of Hudson to preserve as many Heritage Trees as possible throughout the City of Hudson, for the beauty of the City as well as the for the edification of generations to come. We the undersigned ask the City of Hudson to recognize the need to protect Heritage Trees from further destruction, and move with timeliness and prudence towards this end.