NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP FORHOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS

Presented by: (Leader’s Name/Agency)

Trees & Natural Resources are Valuable HOA Assets

There are many benefits trees and natural resources provide to your community:

Increased Property Values Air Pollution Control Water Quality Protection Stormwater Management Energy Use Reduction Improved Aesthetics View Screening/Privacy Recreation Sense of Place/Identity Wildlife Habitat Educational Opportunities

Do We Really Have Natural Resources?

Forests

WetlandsNatural Basins

Landscape Trees

Streams

Landscape Trees - Benefits

Shade/Cooling/Wind Protection Privacy/Screening Air and Water Quality Stormwater Mitigation Aesthetics/Higher Property

Value

Landscape Trees - Responsibilities

Maintenance Replacement Planting Monitoring

Woodlands - Benefits

Stormwater Mitigation Hillside Stabilization Privacy and Buffering Air and Water Quality Wildlife Habitat Carbon Storage Recreation Higher Property Values

Woodlands - Responsibilities

Maintenance for Safety Along Trails and at Edges

Monitoring for Insects and Disease

Storm Damage Correction

Streams - Benefits

Stormwater Mitigation Higher Property Values Recreation Wildlife Habitat

Streams - Responsibilities

Erosion Control Maintenance for Blockages Litter and Debris Control Monitoring Pollution Prevention

Wetlands - Benefits

Water Quality Stormwater Control Recreation Wildlife Habitat

Wetlands - Responsibilities

Litter and Debris Control Monitoring for Invasive

Plants Pollution Prevention Restoration

Naturalized Stormwater Basins - Benefits

Water Quality Stormwater

Mitigation Wildlife Habitat Aesthetics

Naturalized Stormwater Basins - Responsibilities

Maintenance of Slopes and Outlets Maintenance of Plantings Litter and Debris Control Monitoring

HOAs Are Special!

HOA Concerns and Issues

Legal Responsibilities Enforce rules Execute contracts

Financial Responsibilities Manage funds Set budgets Pay bills

Community Responsibilities Monitor contracts for performance/quality Understand and comply with requirements of local and

state government Maintain a high quality of life for the Association and

residents

There is Help!

Natural Resource Management Expertise County Extension Offices and Agents Certified Arborists and Foresters Soil and Water Conservation Districts Park Districts

Rules and Regulations Expertise Municipal Forester City/County Manager Planning Department

Owner’s Manual – Natural Resource Stewardship for Homeowner Associations

Get Started with DIY Projects

Plant landscape trees Plant tree seedlings or sow wildflower seeds in

rarely used lawn areas Mulch and water landscape trees Prune small trees Eliminate litter in streams, wetlands, and

stormwater basins Create a rain garden Erect birdhouses and plant wildlife food plots Review or create new maintenance specifications and

monitor all work by contractors Take an inventory of your natural resources Meet with local experts and government staff for advice and

planning Conduct education programs and special events for the

residents, like an Arbor Day or Earth Day celebration

Seek Professionals When Needed

Large Tree Maintenance and Storm Damage Correction

Landscape Tree Planting Safety Risk Inspections Invasive Plant Species

Control Water Quality Testing Streambank Stabilization Maintenance or any Work

on Steep Slopes

Natural Resource Stewardship Assistance

Locally (insert presenter’s organization if applicable) (insert city/county agency[s]) (insert local university extension office) (insert local soil & water conservation district)

Nationally National Arbor Day Foundation International Society of

Arboriculture

Make Natural Resource Stewardship a Priority for Your HOA and Community!

Questions?

The work upon which this presentation is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by the Northeastern Area State and Private

Forestry, U.S. Forest Service.