[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6539419,"mediaKeyId","3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984","parentId",3646963,"title","Flower Mound commission reviews sustainability initiatives; subcommittees outline pilot projects on native plantings and recycling","audioSeconds",1903,"startMs",2433000,"endMs",4336000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984&start=2433&end=4336","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984/thumbnail_2433000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6539419/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Flower-Mound-commission-reviews-sustainability-initiatives-subcommittees-outline-pilot-projects-on-native-plantings-and-recycling","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539419-45d325d2a371bfbba5b4f065c4d5ae58/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501661&Signature=Edevn0jfEGOhFE4QvbR9Up8NuBFj3Qj8R7XERKDE-Jew1vrXLoPx4hy6FDipCt15JMPEDcF162X83gED7cPQkLuLrqV3NAULqjo8jgpvyBiP7XuJI60qxf8C7FdS~Xjw4D3XR-hHT~94YbGilNw~nn7uwNWdtZdT16knmJiMFEbjkKOHcxc9aA5uAQeDn1KudmXFaGombSnrJm7TR4Cn9zg3KUxlD6~dvYeqa9Q6gtZvCqzJoP3KsaMCnelSqKnsef-2xnPoUseVX93P5BEU3UE18c7NtMj2z8HWheu6SWtMJOMXT-QpozO~rWv~UR3G-JwXyclsX5X~04ckLtmygw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Flower Mound","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","The Environmental Conservation Commission spent a substantial portion of its June 3 meeting reviewing its current sustainability initiatives and hearing updates from subcommittees working on native plantings, tree canopy and multifamily recycling.

Staff recapped the commission’s two-year cycle approach. The commission’s focus for 2024–25 included three primary initiatives: promoting native and drought-tolerant landscaping, developing and implementing a plan to increase the town’s tree canopy, and developing recommendations for multifamily recycling, staff said. The commission will review and set new initiatives at the end of the two-year cycle.

Subcommittee updates and next steps:

- Open-space native plants: Subcommittee members reported a proposal modeled on Lewisville’s “no-mow/no-spray” and native-plant projects and recommended a pilot program on town-owned medians or other suitable sites. Staff said they would meet with Parks Director Chuck Jennings, consult Lewisville staff for lessons learned, and identify pilot locations and resource needs. Commissioners discussed community expectations about the aesthetic transition from lawn to native plantings and recommended a careful public messaging plan and small pilot areas where borders are mowed to signal intentional design.

- Multifamily recycling and composting: The recycling subcommittee reported research into multifamily recycling ordinances and logistical barriers for existing apartment sites (parking and enclosure space). Members said they are seeking model ordinances (including Lewisville’s) and exploring practical steps such as drop-off locations, event composting and education at town festivals, and possible collaboration with area high-school clubs for volunteer support.

- Acorns to Oaks and tree seedling programs: Commissioners reported ongoing seedling and acorn-sprout efforts. One commissioner reported roughly 90% success among sprouted acorns in pots, plans to transplant in the dormant season, and early volunteer interest for resident giveaways. Town staff noted the town already runs tree-seedling giveaway programs and said staff would coordinate with commissioners on volunteer-driven seedling distributions and data collection.

Commissioners asked for follow-up on metrics such as canopy analysis from aerial data, and staff said a canopy analysis is planned using last year’s aerial data and that the town hopes to complete the analysis before year end. Several commissioners urged clear public education so residents understand native and no-mow plantings’ seasonal cycles and benefits.

Why it matters: The discussions identify specific pilot projects and next steps for public-space native plantings, recycling for multifamily properties, and volunteer-driven tree-restoration efforts that could shift town landscape practices and waste services planning over the next two-year initiative cycle.

What’s next: Staff will meet with parks staff and Lewisville contacts to scope a pilot no-mow/native planting project, continue research on multifamily recycling ordinance options, and return with implementation steps and cost estimates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Flower Mound - Environmental Conservation Commission - Jun 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Environmental Conservation Commission reviewed its two-year sustainability initiatives and received subcommittee updates on open-space native plant pilot proposals, multifamily recycling work and an Acorns-to-Oaks seedling program on June 3.","taxTitle","Flower Mound, Denton County, Texas","taxId",2790,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6539424,"Flower Mound commission approves permit to remove one specimen post oak at 4408 Overlook Ridge",1077,1292000,2369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984&start=1292&end=2369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984/thumbnail_1292000.jpg","/articles/6539424/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Flower-Mound-commission-approves-permit-to-remove-one-specimen-post-oak-at-4408-Overlook-Ridge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539424-4f922bcdda8e5e2876c034076d1d7e7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501661&Signature=ioByeuoPsKTp0oixUZ4mV9Oc-87VQ0HD-jVz4lC5BW4CqonqIU-JPrEQ3mt3pah~ixBS9HoiCpUSbYHf7wgtvHLytIRPTefS-VcGejeZh-W9vcx8JSNvRnNKWvsohCs~7oJDK7adJoBONBDRX7E8nsGfbreJu5QwD8wzFzlWGaINZ~aMPlLpDrZE~ctkXmnpHGENNjFrqJzN3JwviMAewjtAywvRHGYU8gKHFSuCb37d-dh0DrrUOmwVSuG52sgpL6TjviTXH9c1rxB-Ov-e0FLzjSY0S1tmtHHSPqhtPkG0PV5g3qiZbxb3TTwep3~odllsuvZSiYvUo6ACSnevPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Environmental Conservation Commission on June 3 voted to approve a tree removal permit allowing the removal of one specimen post oak from a residential lot at 4408 Overlook Ridge in the Pepper Creek Ranch subdivision.

Commission staff described the lot as approximately 0.76 acres, zoned agricultural, containing a single specimen tree identified as a 23-inch post oak in fair condition that had shown signs of epicormic growth; staff also noted there is a preserved 21-inch post oak on the site and other protected-sized post oaks and blackjack oaks.

During public comment Claire Harris (416 Northwood Drive) said the application would result in the removal of multiple protected trees across the lot: “13 post oaks, 8 blackjack, and a cedar elm, total of 28 trees and only 9 to remain,” she said, and asked why the builder could not design around more trees. Harris cited a prior presentation in which developer Kurt Debose said his company had designed a multimillion-dollar home around a tree and urged the applicant to do more to protect trees on this lot.

Kurt Debose of Bentovia Custom Homes, the applicant, responded that site-specific constraints limit options for preserving the specimen tree. He told commissioners the lot presents grading and drainage challenges, and because the property is not on town sewer the site requires on-site sewage (septic) infrastructure that occupies substantial backyard area. Debose said engineers and geotechnical reports dictate foundation and grading solutions that affect tree preservation and that the homeowners have agreed to the proposed design.

After discussion a commission member moved to approve the permit and another member seconded; Commission member Fulbright recorded “Aye” in the roll call and the chair announced the motion passed. The motion approved removal of the single specimen tree on the property; the transcript does not record a full roll-call with individual votes beyond the named “Aye.”

Why it matters: The removal prompted public comment about loss of canopy on a lot in an existing subdivision and illustrates the tension between single-family development, lot engineering constraints and tree preservation goals.

What’s next: The town will process the single-family dwelling and on-site sewage permits required for construction; the commission’s approval clears the way for the applicant to proceed with the permit as described to the commission.","On June 3 the Environmental Conservation Commission approved a tree removal permit allowing one specimen post oak to be removed at 4408 Overlook Ridge; public comment and the developer cited grading, drainage and septic constraints.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6539429,"Flower Mound staff outline proposed residential tree rebate program",882,213000,1095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984&start=213&end=1095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646963-2de2df51c46a56e88ac330b0fc64c984/thumbnail_213000.jpg","/articles/6539429/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Flower-Mound-staff-outline-proposed-residential-tree-rebate-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539429-40f5eccbbd39c999dc3cf9cea26d5e13/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501661&Signature=YwD7mkPrsnoeppODDq7jAh3ew~QRG3gpwXUu0n-dZ-fWCg8Fb7iIOzEzIEMiax--HKf5N4Xi6v3PXtKFDgGPimLFEIdBsfws35GJvmgSnuuk1Afj-CZr5~ugU1b4MGuKzqkZQPCJsbWugFi8Lsg3yqDPuGrtYCvUztn5USw6JiPtFmKKkl8R~-SwCgf5hpBir4j8~DDlKZIvS2dYp6Udk8U864MpjmH-477DQoJXDphxXuKngauqCji2SnrD8kjBvvijdxUs6LOFIr6C7HELjKSVJYtGdsrZXDdHGqd5klG1Roin71oGq1uF9R20vunddLpfP9mKEeCSH7SxP6Oo3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Flower Mound staff presented a proposal for a residential tree rebate program to the Environmental Conservation Commission on June 3, asking the commission for feedback before the item goes to Town Council. The program would reimburse qualifying Flower Mound residents up to $500 per year after they purchase and plant eligible trees during an October–May planting window, staff said.

The proposal, presented by Sarah Luxon, senior management analyst for the Town of Flower Mound, would link participation to a resident’s utility account so staff can confirm the planting is on a Flower Mound property. Reimbursement limits are tied to tree size: up to five 5-gallon trees, up to five 15-gallon trees, or up to two 30-gallon trees, with a $500 cap on total reimbursement per property per year. Purchases must be made by May 1 and planted within 30 days; purchases after May 1 would not qualify, Luxon said.

Luxon told the commission the town would accept only trees on a recommended species list and that applicants must have permission to plant (for rentals) and should call 811 before digging. She said the program is intended to spread funds broadly among residents and is modeled on similar programs in Argyle and Denton; staff cited Argyle’s roughly $10,000 allotment and Denton’s program, which staff said had previously been funded at about $31,000.

Commissioners and residents asked about several implementation details. Luxon said the town would accept contractor installation costs in the reimbursement calculation. To verify planting, applicants would drop a pin on a map and upload photographs; staff intends to use ArcGIS survey tools and forms to capture locations and to follow up with a one-year survivorship survey. Luxon said the program would be “first come, first served” until the program fund is exhausted and that applicants would be limited to one application per property per year.

On funding and timing, Luxon said staff expects to present the program to the Town Council later in June; if council approves funding, the program would likely be funded through the next budget cycle and launch in October 2025. During a later discussion commissioners noted that tree mitigation funds (builder/tree-mitigation penalties) are the intended funding source for the rebate program.

Why it matters: The rebate program is intended to increase the town’s tree canopy by incentivizing private planting and to generate geo-located data that staff can track for survival and canopy analyses.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the digital application and program documents for commission feedback and, if directed, present the program and a budget request to Town Council.","Town staff presented a proposed residential tree rebate to the Environmental Conservation Commission on June 3, outlining eligibility, reimbursement limits, verification and a likely October 2025 pilot start if council funds the program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Flower Mound commission reviews sustainability initiatives; subcommittees outline pilot projects on native plantings and recycling

Flower Mound commission approves permit to remove one specimen post oak at 4408 Overlook Ridge

Flower Mound staff outline proposed residential tree rebate program