NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP FOR HOMEOWNER 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?

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.