VICTORIA PARK HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCATION

GREENBELT PROPERTIES POLICY

The following policy pertaining to the Victoria Park greenbelt properties was adopted by the VPHA Board of Trustees at its September 15, 2008 meeting.

General:

With a few exceptions, the common properties of the Victoria Park Homeowners' Association (VPHA) are to be maintained as a greenbelt whose state is as similar as possible to that which was in existence prior to development of the surrounding properties. The exceptions are:

The asphalt paths are intended to provide walking access thru various parts of the greenbelt, the Children's Park is intended to provide a landscaped playground area for small children, the eastern Teasdale Park entrance property is generally considered to be too small to be maintained as a greenbelt, and the Talbot Road greenbelt in the immediate vicinity of the south entrance sign is intended as a small landscaped area that surrounds the Victoria Park community sign. All other common-property areas are to be managed as a natural greenbelt that is inhabited by native plants and native wildlife.

Native Plants:

Greenbelt vegetation shall consist of plant species that are native to the greenbelt and that are maintained in as natural a state as possible. Non-native species of plants shall not be planted within the greenbelt, and where non-native species have been introduced intentionally or by other means, they shall be removed as budget and volunteer efforts allow. Native greenbelt plants shall not be removed from the greenbelt.

Species of trees that are known to be native to the Victoria Park greenbelt include: Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Bitter Cherry, Big Leaf Maple, Vine Maple, Red Alder, Oregon Ash, Willow, and Black Pacific Cottonwood. Species of shrubs and small plants that are known to be native to the Victoria Park greenbelt include: Common Snowberry, Indian Plum, Ninebark, Ocean Spray, Oregon Grape (tall and dull), Red Elderberry, Red Flowering Currant, Salal, Orange Honeysuckle, and Trillium. Species of ferns that are known to be native to the Victoria Park greenbelt include: Bracken Fern, Lady Fern, Shield Fern, and Sword Fern.

Native Wildlife:

Species of wildlife that are native to the greenbelt and/or the Talbot Hill area shall be allowed to reside within the greenbelt properties. These species shall not be trapped, poisoned, or otherwise disturbed. Wildlife that is native to the greenbelt includes many species of insect, bird, reptile, and mammal.

Herbicides, Pesticides, and Poisons:

No herbicide shall be used on any greenbelt vegetation, regardless of whether the vegetation is a native or non-native species. Similarly, no pesticides or poisons shall be applied within any common property; however, Victoria Park Board of Trustees may grant a limited exception to this policy regarding herbicides, pesticides, and poisons in order to manage moss on greenbelt paths.

Tree Maintenance:

Native species of trees shall be allowed to grow within the greenbelt without encumbrance; however, because large trees may pose a danger to persons and property as a result of disease, damage, or natural events such as storms, the greenbelt trees shall be inspected on an annual basis by an International Society of Arborculture (ISA) Certified Arborist who shall report to the board recommendations for tree removal and/or trimming. The inspection shall encompass all common properties; however, it is recognized that certain areas of the greenbelt cannot be readily accessed without significant difficulty due to thickness of vegetation and due to respect for private property. Consequently, the arborist shall be tasked with making a good-faith effort to inspect as many of the trees on common properties as is reasonably possible within these limitations.

The following guidelines apply to the removal and trimming of trees: