More trees to be saved by Brook Run Park trail construction modifications

The city of Dunwoody plans to save 80 trees for the Brook Run Park multi-use trail.

In a press release posted on the city’s website, a city official said the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) approved a plan that allows for the removal of all 337 trees within the trail construction limits. However, the city made modifications that will allow for the preservation of approximately 25 percent, or 80 of the 337 trees identified for removal.

“The city will continue to make efforts to preserve these identified trees, however, the city acknowledges some may need to be removed at a future point in time if the construction equipment activity damages tree and root structures,” the press release read.

City crews have begun clearing trees to make room for the 12-foot-wide concrete and 3.3-mile long trail after a DeKalb County Superior Court judge lifted an injunction that was placed on the project on Dec. 13, 2012. The trail is designed as a recreational facility to promote connectivity between city parks, neighborhoods, and area business.

The city has also begun installing silt fencing around the construction site. After the clearing work, the city will install “tree save” fencing for trees outside of the construction limits. The “tree save” fencing will ensure that equipment operates can identify trees that are not to be touched.

“The city will continue to manage all trail construction activities occurring on-site,” city officials said in the statement. “City staff are monitoring site activity, with plans in hand, to ensure only those trees previously identified and tagged for removal are removed.”

On March 1, the EPD visited the site to inspect the erosion and sedimentation control measures installed by the city crews. The EPD inspector concluded that the city was going “above and beyond” state requirements to manage the construction site successfully, according to city officials.

The city said recent concerns raised by citizens observing the construction regarding the alleged improper removal of an American Beech Tree were shown to be false.

“The city removed a 24-inch American Beech tree that was clearly identified in the plans to be removed,” officials said. “Only trees approved to be removed in the construction plans have been cleared.”

The city has also fielded questions regarding the trail’s encroachment into the state’s 25-foot stream buffer. Based on the EPD recommendations, the city will provide additional mulch and slightly adjust the position of the silt fence to an area of about 20 yards to accommodate proper buffer distance.

Brook Run Park remains the largest park in Dunwoody with a total of 102 acres and an estimated 60 acres of wooded park space, including an estimated 12,000 trees. The pre-construction trail assessment determined phase one of the multi-use trail would only affect approximately 2 percent of the trees in the park.