Tree Replanting Fund
When protected trees are removed without a permit, it is a violation. The abatement trees are to be replanted on the site, from which they were removed, whenever possible. However, occasionally circumstances exist where planting trees on-site is not feasible.
Lee County's Land Development Code (LDC) Section 14-384(a)(2) in part states "The administrator may at his/her discretion allow the replacement stock to be planted off-site where approved development displaces areas to be restored. In these situations, off-site plantings shall be on lands under the control of a public agency. The off-site location is subject to the approval of the administrator."
The tree replanting fund was established in 1999. This has proven to be convenient for both ES staff and the violator. Monies from the fund are used to purchase trees for various County parks and schools. Good quality plants are purchased and planted at the right time of year for long term survival. This has proven to be a successful abatement solution for several violations.
2010
East Lee County High School
In 2010 Lee County Environmental Sciences collected $1,260.00 in the Tree Replanting Fund. These monies were collected through the abatement of an environmental code enforcement violation. The plantings at East Lee County High School, located in Lehigh, consisted of planting live oak trees and Simpson stopper shrubs along Thomas Sherwin Avenue. (See attached before and after photos)
2009
Lee County School Bus Depot and Mirror Lakes Elementary School
In 2009 Lee County Environmental Sciences collected $9,146.00 in the Tree Replanting Fund. These monies were collected through the abatement process of several environmental code enforcement violations. The Lee County School Bus Depot and Mirror Lakes Elementary School, both located in Lehigh, consisted of planting trees and shrubs, mulching of new plant material, and maintenance of existing plant material. (See attached before and after photos)
2008
Bonita Beach Access # 3
In 2008 Lee County Environmental Sciences collected $5,270.00 into the Tree Fund. These monies were collected through the abatement process of several environmental code enforcement violations. The Bonita Beach Access # 3 project was completed in February of 2009 and consisted of planting beach dune vegetation (sea oats, Jamaican caper, and sabal palms) and exotic removal of the invasive exotic Scaevola. (See attached before and after photos)