RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-693

A resolution requesting the Tennessee Department of Transportation to promote, encourage, and allow the growth of trees and vegetation within and along interstate rights-of-way to the maximum extent permitted under Federal Highway Administration regulations.

WHEREAS, the City of Nashville, Tennessee has experienced a substantial diminution of tree canopy, with estimates indicating a reduction to as low as 53% of land coverage in Davidson County, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the City of Nashville, including Mayor Karl Dean’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environment and Sustainability, is currently exploring means of expanding and improving the diminishing tree canopy in Davidson County, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, vast acreages of state and federal property adjacent to the interstate highway system are maintained as open spaces and grass land in Davidson County, Tennessee and throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, these open spaces are mowed or otherwise closely cut on a regular and repeated basis at a substantial expense to taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, trees, foliage and other vegetation – when allowed to grow naturally in these areas – vastly improve the beauty, appearance, and environmental quality of the area; and

WHEREAS, in recent years, community groups, neighborhood organizations, and individual volunteers have undertaken beautification measures to improve the appearance and environmental quality of interstate rights-of-way by planting trees and other vegetation, and by landscaping these once desolate acreages; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has shown leadership in partnering with these communities, neighborhoods, and individuals in beautification efforts to improve the appearance and environmental quality of these properties.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Tennessee Department of Transportation to promote, encourage and allow the growth of trees and vegetation along interstate rights-of-way to the maximum extent permitted by under Federal Highway Administration regulations.

Section 2. The Metropolitan clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Tennessee Department of Transportation and to the Federal Highway Administration.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Duane Dominy, Mike Jameson