Forest Preservation Ordinance

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR FOREST PRESERVATION IN SUSSEX COUNTY!

County Council will review the Forest Preservation Ordinance on July 14, 2026, beginning at 1:30 pm. Review the ordinance and SPC's position below and be an advocate by:

1. Attending the County Council meeting and expressing your support to them by making a statement.

2. Calling in to the County Council meeting during public comment period and expressing your support. Conference Number: 302-394-5036, Conference Code: 570176

3. Writing to County Council and express your support

These talking points can assist you if you plan on speaking, calling in, or writing to county council. Also here is a sample letter to assist if you wish to write.

If you plan on attending and have signed up with us, SPC will coordinate with advocates on the day of the meeting. Email us at spcde.org@gmail.com for more information or if you wish to participate

The proposed Forest Preservation Ordinance has several key provisions:

Retention Limits:

Minimum protection of existing forest: Developers are required to preserve 30% of forested land in designated growth areas and 50% in rural or unzoned parts of the county.

Forest Stand Delineation: Before clearing, a professional forester must conduct a detailed assessment of the site to identify tree species, age, condition, and ecological value.

Mitigation Ratios: If trees must be cleared over the permitted threshold, developers will be required to replant at a rate of 1.5-to-1 in growth zones and 2-to-1 in rural areas.

Applicability: The rules are designed for larger housing subdivisions and mixed-use projects. Minor subdivisions (fewer than five homes) and certain affordable housing projects are generally exempt.

SPC wholeheartedly supports this important and long-needed ordinance with several modifications (see SPC's Steve Sinclair's presentation):

Revise Forest Definition

Add Forest Preservation and Maintenance Plan Requirement

Modify Mitigation Procedures To Further Protect Mature Forests

Add Overall Landscape Plan Requirement and Specific Tree Planting