“Guidelines for Developing and Evaluating Tree Ordinances,” by T. J. Swiecki and E. A. Bernhardt (2001).

In addition to his research on Sudden Oak Death in California, Ted Swiecki has been sharing his expertise in the development of tree ordinances. “Guidelines” includes a section on heritage, historic, and landmark trees that is lacking in most other model ordinances that I have researched. The text can also be viewed at: http://www.isa-arbor.com/publications/tree-ord/heritage.aspx. 

“Des Moines Memorial Drive Corridor Management Plan,” by Susan Black and Associates, 2005.

Des Moines Memorial Drive was one of the earliest planned World War I "Living Roads of  Remembrance," and the first nationally to be fully implemented. It was the only living  memorial designed to commemorate an individual for each tree planted. It was also distinguished as an American "Great War" Memorial by being the sole arboreal memorial honored  in dedication and tree planting ceremonies in 1921 and 1922. The trees create an 8-mile long French countryside lane, enhanced by floral plantings below the trees that symbolically commemorated the fallen. The plants include red poppies, native Northwest foxglove, blue forget-me-nots, and Western trillium.  

The Memorial Drive has experienced many changes and challenges since the 1920s. Many trees have been lost due to disease, car accidents, road and utility projects, and improper pruning. Of the original 1200 elms planted by 1922, the 220 that remain are reaching the end of their natural life span. In 2000, the Des Moines Memorial Drive Advisory Committee was created between King County, the Port of Seattle, and the cities of Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Des Moines. The Committee initiated the Corridor Management Plan project in 2002 to provide a framework for memorial rehabilitation and corridor enhancement of the Memorial Drive that would renew the road as a living memorial.

A similar project was conducted for the Victory Memorial Drive in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A master plan was prepared in 2004 by Ingraham & Associates Park Planners, Hess Roise Historical Consultants, and WSB & Associates Engineers.