The Ventura City Council has adopted an emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within identified protected wildlife habitats.

The ordinance, passed on Feb. 10, applies only to trees within the protected areas. The law takes effect immediately and will remain in place while the city develops a permanent tree protection ordinance.

The ruling follows recent tree trimming and removal within a monarch butterfly overwintering habitat, and is intended to prevent damage to sensitive habitat areas within the city, officials said.

The ordinance prohibits trimming or removing any trees located within U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-designated critical habitat areas; and monarch butterfly overwintering habitat areas identified in the city’s 2050 General Plan.

To determine whether a tree is in a protected wildlife habitat area, those interested can review the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Critical Habitat Map using the Online Mapper tool.

Individuals can also review the City of Ventura 2050 General Plan, Chapter 8: Parks, Open Space, and Conservation (Pages 187-188, Figure 23).

“If your property falls within one of these mapped areas, the ordinance applies,” the city said.

Exemptions

Limited exemptions may be granted for safety concerns, fire prevention, hardship, or public benefit. Permit applications may be submitted through the city’s Community Development Department.

Violations of the ordinance will result in civil penalties up to $15,000 per tree and corrective action.

For more information and to review the full ordinance, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/UrbanForestry.