Trees, pt. 2: They need our help, and we need theirs

Recognizing Placer County is one of the fastest-growing counties in California, local conservationists and government leaders are trying to get ahead of rampant growth before it's too late and are seeking to protect native lands and resources through a program known as PCCP – Placer County Conservation Program. The 50-year goal is to conserve nearly 50,000 acres containing oak woodlands, aquatic/wetlands, vernal pools, grasslands and riparian habitats. In addition, the Placer County 2025 General Plan update is underway, including efforts to ensure compliance with state law to foster more sustainable and resilient communities is followed. Through this "Country Living" column, I will attempt to encourage individual property owners to also be a part of this awareness for environmental protection in Placer County. This is especially directed to those who are new to this area and to the ways individuals can help preserve the native characteristics on their property. Firstly, and most importantly, understand the things that attracted you to buy in this area. Was it the large open spaces, the oak woodlands, the pine forests, the rolling foothill topography? Was it the amazing wildlife that needs this kind of habitat? Was it the plentiful water corridors created from melting snow in the Sierra Mountains – the American, Yuba and Bear rivers and the dozens of tributaries that grace our area? These are the very things that need protection, and this may mean leaving your old ways behind when moving to a more rural area. Too often, newbies are so conditioned to urban living they forget they're moving to an entirely different environment with its unique biodiversity and eco-systems. Protecting this uniqueness becomes more than a duty of our local government – it's also up to individual property owners to do their part in protecting the very things that attracted us to the foothills. I was one of those newbies long ago and learned important lessons the hard way – that's why I write this column. There are many things property owners should be considerate of that could negatively affect the rural character of Placer County, including native vegetation removal, excessive lighting and noise, chemical use that could drift into private wells, fencing necessity and design, excessive grading, pond design, water runoff, creek corridor protections and a general consciousness for the effects your actions have on human and native beings. Placer County, and each municipality within Placer County, have their own laws that pertain to the above considerations. Check out the municipal websites for laws that pertain to your location. For Placer County, contact www.placer.ca.gov. State laws provide guidelines for cities and counties in reaching General Plan goals, such as SB 1425 and Assembly Bill 1889, which remind municipalities of their requirements to address wildlife and habitat connectivity in the conservation element of their general plans. If your property is fortunate to have a stream corridor, it's important to realize this provides a highway for wildlife to travel and is vital to their survival in their search of mates, food, water and shelter. In Placer County, to remove native trees (which provides wildlife habitat, among other values), a Minor Tree Permit may be required. Municipal ordinances also protect "heritage" or "landmark" trees and groves that have special historical or cultural value. Unfortunately, some local municipalities have allowed major exceptions to the principles that protect our native resources by giving generous exemptions to developers in exchange for commercial growth. This has led to the destruction of hundreds of acres of oak woodlands and wildlife habitats in exchange for big box shopping centers and apartment complexes. I have too many photos of deer and turkey looking bewildered and frightened after their protective oak woodland was recently clear cut to make way for yet another commercial interest. In recent studies by the Nature Conservancy, there's a lot of evidence about the relationship between nature and human health that has attracted national attention. Citing the connections between air quality and human health, studies reveal the ability of plants to mitigate air pollution. One study even proved blood pressure rates, immunity and mental wellbeing improved after a blighted residential area was re-forested. The study concluded tree conservation should be a key public health strategy. An excellent book, titled "Secrets of the Oak Woodlands" by Kate Marianchild, delights readers with what really goes on within these woodlands right under our noses, revealing the secret lives of plants and animals, and gives an appreciation for the many under-recognized values our beautiful oak woodlands provide. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful environment, and to honor this, we should be responsible to protect the native flora and fauna on our own property. Let's play our part to keep Placer County green and healthy for all beings. Irene Smith has enjoyed rural living for more than 30 years and wants to share experiences and lessons learned from this lifestyle for the benefit of others. You can share your comments and experiences with Irene at n8rlvr2009@gmail.com.