Heritage Tree Applications Available

The City of Key West is accepting applications for the Heritage Tree program, a program created to identify trees of special significance to the people in the city.

“A heritage tree is a tree that is historically significant and is associated with a notable local or regional historical event, person, structure, or landscape, has been dedicated or planted as a public memorial, or its species is important to the history of the community,” said Karen DeMaria, Urban Forester for the City of Key West.

“It is a local designation that seeks to raise community awareness by officially recognizing noteworthy trees in the city,” she said. “Any tree determined to be of unique and intrinsic value to the general public because of its size, age, historic association or ecological value can be a heritage tree.”

Applications are currently being accepted until July 31^st.  Applications can be found on the City’s web site at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov; just go to the Heritage Tree program link in the search engine to download the application.  They are also available in the Building Department at City Hall, 1300 White Street.

Applications can be submitted for trees located on either public or private property.  If the property owner is not the one submitting the application, the property owner must give consent for the application to be processed.

Prior to final issuance of a heritage tree status, a signed agreement with property owner must be part of the file. The submitted application is then reviewed by the Urban Forester then forwarded to the Tree Commission for final review and vote.  The goal of this program is to have a marker placed at the tree location and a website list and map created for people to view the locations of the trees.