Agnes Scott College
IN-26: Innovation C

Agnes Scott College aspires and endeavors to be an excellent steward of the roughly 2000 trees on its beautiful and historic 100-acre campus, in the conviction that trees have both intrinsic worth and irreplaceable value for the humans who live, study, work, and play amid them. As a college, tree-related policies, decisions, and actions can and should always further the educational mission. In keeping with these values, the college commits itself to high standards and best practices in both conservation of and education concerning its campus forest. - Because the college currently has a canopy of greater % than the city’s overall canopy, and we have a tree management plan to replace trees that are removed, the city encouraged us to enter into an MOU. (As the previous arborist said, “Agnes Scott is doing more than required across the campus, so it is not worth the city’s time to look at each tree decision.”) - Based on the MOU, and our tree management plan, we will maintain a canopy of at least 45%, but long term it is expected to be closer to 50%. - Here is the process for tree removal: 1. The college’s consulting arborist will either make recommendations for removals based on his own observations or be asked to review any proposed removals by others on campus (coordinated by Facilities) and make a recommendation based on tree health, safety, etc. 2. The Director of Facilities (along with the Executive Director of the Center for Sustainability if needed) will work with the arborist to make the final decision about removal. The arborist will document the decision for the files. 3. If the arborist, Director of Facilities and Executive Director (when needed) agree on the removal, then the tree will be removed with no further review or approval. 4. If there is disagreement, the recommendation for removal will be reviewed by the Arboretum Advisory Committee and the VP for Business & Finance. 5. The arborist will report on all tree removals at each Arboretum Advisory Committee meeting, expected to be three to four times a year A signed copy of this MOU is kept on file at the City of Decatur.