The Village of Bingham Farms finds that protection of natural resources is a matter of paramount public concern as provided by Article IV, Section 52 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451, Public Acts of 1994 as amended). Continued growth, new development, and redevelopment in Bingham Farms, and increased demand on natural resources have the effect of encroaching upon, despoiling, or eliminating many of the trees and other forms of vegetation, natural resources, and processes associated with wooded areas. If preserved and maintained in an undisturbed and natural condition, these resources constitute important physical, aesthetic, recreational, and economic assets to existing and future residents of the village. Specifically, the village finds that:
(A) Woodland growth protects public health through the absorption of air pollutants and contamination, through the reduction of excessive noise and mental and physical damage related to noise pollution, and through its cooling effect in the summer months;
(B) Woodlands provide for public safety through the prevention of erosion, siltation, and flooding;
(C) Trees and woodland growth are an essential component of the general welfare of the village by virtue of maintaining play areas for children and natural beauty, recreation opportunities and irreplaceable heritage for existing and future residents; and
(D) The protection of such natural resources is a matter of paramount public concern in the interest of health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the village.
(Ord. 189, passed 8-23-04)