Atlanta Urban Forest in Peril
by Randall White
Did you know that the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta contains a 60-acre forest? This woodland, the largest remaining (and one of the last) urban forest in Atlanta, is under threat of development. The Wildwood Urban Forest Group (WUFG), a grassroots organization of concerned Atlanta residents, has been formed to preserve this important resource. The Wildwood Urban Forest, adjacent to Wellbourne, Wildwood and Lenox Roads merits preservation because it harbors one of the few remaining century-old stands of indigenous tree species in the City of Atlanta and is a diverse ecosystem with habitat and mast for wildlife. Numerous eastern box turtles and great horned owls dwell here, and the parcel is large enough to support these species indefinitely. Indeed, the Wildwood Urban Forest is especially well suited for preservation due to its size and the fact that it is connected to additional habitat by a stream corridor, which functions as a biological bridge.
The area contains nearly old-growth trees dominated by hardwoods. Forest cover in the lowest part of the flood plain includes water oak, river birch, willow, and red maple. Yellow poplar is prevalent on the lower slopes along with some very large loblolly pine. Approximately 10 acres of higher ground lie within the 60 acres where beech, poplar, red oak and white oak predominate. The canopy is formed by trees in excess of 100 years of age with some individuals substantially older. The stand is vigorous in spite of its age due to the high quality site and the availability of water.
The forest buffers a major tributary of the Chattahoochee River, South Fork Peachtree Creek, and its wetlands, floodplain and riparian zones cleanse storm water runoff before it reaches the waterway. The property is key to improving the water quality of the South Fork Creek, heavily polluted by storm water and leakage from the sewer trunk line that is already loaded beyond capacity.
A developer, Mr. Dan Metzler, currently has a contract on 30 acres of this property. Mr. Metzler has submitted a rezoning application to request zoning change from R3 (Residential) to PDH (Planned Development Housing), which would allow him to build homes at a significantly higher density than R3 zoning allows. He stated at the Morningside Lenox Park Zoning Committee meeting, held on October 6, 1998, that if he cannot acquire rezoning, he will regrade a majority of the 30 acres, shifting the floodplain and wetland parcels to suit his developmental plans. City officials, however, have stated that building in the floodplain in the City of Atlanta is prohibited.
WUFG has hired an attorney to fight the rezoning application, is raising money to cover administrative costs, and is actively seeking foundation moneys and funds to purchase the property. This vision is not unrealistic, since funds earmarked for such projects soon will become available. The City of Atlanta is investing $25 million in the property ("greenways") along streams. WUFG's vision for this unique 60-acre parcel of land provides something for everyone: compensation for the property owners, enhanced viability of the ecosystem, a splendid public resource and preserved quality of life for Morningside residents.
For more information on how you can get involved, please call Rochelle Routman at (404) 892-3661 or Vickie Grimes at (404) 876-3015. A tax-deductible donation to the Georgia Environmental Organization to cover legal fees would be appreciated. Mail to: GEO, 3815 Center Street, Smyrna, GA 30080-7039.
Last updated: 30 Nov 99