Photo: Diane Edwardson, September 28, 2011. California Black Walnuts are easy to identify right now, they're just starting to turn yellow before they drop their leaves for winter. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
In 2006, recognizing native trees were at risk of disappearing from our hillsides due to rampant development, as well as to protect native ecosystems, the City of Los Angeles passed the Protected Native Tree Ordinance 177404. Among the protected tree species, Coast Live Oak and California Black Walnuts thrive in the Semi Tropic Spiritualists' Tract.
The Protected Native Tree Ordinance spells out specific replacement ratios with trees that won't be this size for another 30 years. It seems to make it easier for developers to destroy complete ecosystems.
For the next few days, we'll take a closer look at the trees on the approved 16-lot subdivision. The latest developer has applied for a native tree removal permit without first applying for grading or building permits.
