{"kind":"expression","expression":{"expr_id":"366","doc_id":"366","label":"SL 169 of 2020","is_as_enacted":"t","commenced_on":null,"superseded_on":null,"valid_from":null,"valid_to":null,"is_current":"t","incorporating":null,"akn_expr_iri":"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01","akn_envelope":"{\"_canary\": {\"iri\": {\"work\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\", \"expression\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01\", \"manifestation\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01.pdf\"}, \"pdf\": {\"md5\": \"f74dfa3afabb0db33f78adfd199c4c98\", \"path\": \"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/working\/SUBORDINATE\/2020\/2020-0169\/2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf\", \"pages\": 25, \"filename\": \"2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf\"}, \"errors\": [], \"extraction\": {\"model\": null, \"stats\": {\"word_count\": 5893, \"paragraph_count\": 10, \"text_char_count\": 38253}, \"usage\": null, \"method\": \"pymupdf-text\", \"version\": \"kyleg-akn-1.0\", \"extracted_at\": \"2026-06-22\"}, \"classification\": \"text_layer\", \"validation_flags\": [], \"docai_processor_id\": null}, \"akomaNtoso\": {\"act\": {\"body\": [{\"eId\": \"sec_n1\", \"num\": null, \"text\": \"Monday,27 April 2020 Issue No. 09\/2020 GOVERNMENT Appointments APPOINTMENT AND RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT BANK Pursuant to Sections 4 and Section 4(2) and 4(3) of the First Schedule of the Development Bank Law (2018 Revision) and Section 9 of the Public Authorities Law (2020 Revision), the Cabinet has granted the approval to: x appoint Mr. Doyney (Doyle) Scott to the Board of the Cayman Islands Development Bank, for two (2) years from 1 March 2020 until 28 February 2022; and x re-appoint the following persons to the Board of Cayman Islands Development Bank, for two (2) years from 1 March 2020 until 28 February 2022; Name Position Capacity Mr. Richard Lewis Chairman Banking Ms. Lynne Whittaker Deputy Chairperson Banking Ms. Lucille Seymour Director Other Ms. J Rosalie Twohey Director Accounting Dated this day 14 April 2020 KIM BULLINGS Clerk Of The Cabinet Departmental Notices NATIONAL CONSERVATION COUNCIL ADOPTION OF MANGROVE CONSERVATION PLAN The National Conservation Council, in accordance with section 17 of the National Conservation Law, 2013, adopts the Species Conservation Plan for Mangroves to come into force with immediate effect. A copy of the Species Conservation Plan for Mangroves may be obtained by the public by downloading from https:\/\/conservation.ky\/protected-species-conservation-plan\/ (https:\/\/conservation.ky\/wpcontent\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Species-Conservation-Plan-for-Mangroves-FINAL-Public-Consultation.pdf) or email ConservationCouncil@gov.ky. Errata Notice Subscribers are being asked to note: LBC INTERNATIONAL CORP. was erroneously included to the list of Companies struck from the Register effective 31 October 2019 and published by Gazette No.24\/2019 dated 25 November 2019. National Conservation Council National Conservation Law, section 17 This Conservation Plan applies to the following species wherever they are naturally occurring or have been restored: Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_1\", \"num\": \"1.\", \"text\": \"Conservation Status All of the mangrove species covered by this Conservation Plan are protected species in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the National Conservation Law 2013 (NCL). These are all widespread species with neotropical to hemispherical distributions, and are not listed as globally threatened in the IUCN Red List. However within the Cayman Islands, mangrove loss has been so extensive over recent decades that it triggers local Red-Listing criteria. In 2008 the Cayman Islands national IUCN Red List status of Black Mangrove was assessed as Endangered, White Mangrove and Buttonwood both as Vulnerable, and Red Mangrove as Near-Threatened. The Ramsar Convention (1971) has been extended to the Cayman Islands, requiring a commitment to work towards the wise use of our mangrove and other wetlands through national plans, policies and legislation, management actions and public education.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_2\", \"num\": \"2.\", \"text\": \"Ecology and Threats In the Cayman Islands, the four mangrove species dominate and form the framework for mangrove ecosystems in tidally flooded and seasonally flooded wetlands. They grow on peat substrates laid down by the mangroves themselves, forming forests and shrublands, with the species occurring alone and in various combinations depending on local patterns including geographic setting, peat depth, salinity, flooding, hurricane history and nutrient availability. These mangrove communities support a diverse fauna, notably including crustaceans, insects and birds. During spring tides and periods of heavy rain they export nutrients to adjacent lagoons and sounds, supporting marine life including a highly diverse and productive fish nursery zone where the mangroves interface with the sea. In the Cayman Islands and elsewhere, mangroves are noted for their role in shoreline protection, carbon sequestration and storage, filtering of sediment and pollutants, and as habitat for threatened species. The dominant threats to mangroves in the Cayman Islands include the continuation of practices involving conversion of mangrove ecosystems into artificial environments for various human uses. Climate change also poses a growing threat. Further acceleration in sea level rise may overwhelm the mangroves\u2019 ability to lay down peat at the same rate, resulting in extensive drowning and die-off. Any increase in the frequency or intensity of hurricanes, especially when compounded by alteration or blocking of surface water outflow pathways by road construction and land filling, can also lead to general mangrove drowning and death.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_3\", \"num\": \"3.\", \"text\": \"Conservation objectives The primary objective of this Conservation Plan is to ensure that the ecological benefits the mangroves provide to humans and the environment generally are allowed to continue, by ensuring that: \uf0b7 The Central Mangrove Wetland continues to function as a viable and hydrologically connected ecosystem, helping to support a living North Sound \uf0b7 Mangrove islands, Mangrove Buffer Zones and other mangrove areas remaining on the west and south coasts of North Sound, are retained as functional habitats protecting shorelines and supporting a living North Sound \uf0b7 Barkers mangroves and mangrove ponds are protected and managed to optimize their value for supporting native biodiversity and for compatible recreational activity \uf0b7 Coastal mangrove systems in Little Cayman, especially Tarpon Lake, Jackson Pond and the Crown East Interior, are protected as a nature tourism asset and as key habitat for resident and migratory birds \uf0b7 Mangroves fringing coasts and natural saline ponds throughout the Cayman Islands are allowed to continue their role in maintaining water quality, and as habitat for water birds, crabs and other native species \uf0b7 Coastal and inland mangroves throughout the Cayman Islands continue to capture and store greenhouse gasses though deposition of peat while sea level and groundwater levels rise\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_4\", \"num\": \"4.\", \"text\": \"Conservation Strategies The primary conservation strategy is to bring significant areas of mangrove into the Cayman Islands\u2019 Protected Area system, through a combination of: \uf0b7 Designation of Crown mangrove wetlands as protected areas under s.7 of the NCL \uf0b7 Voluntary purchase of mangrove wetland property, at fair market price, using funds voted from the Environmental Protection Fund, leading to protection under s.7 of the NCL \uf0b7 Conservation Agreements on mangrove wetland property, leading to protection of the land through s.13 of the NCL \uf0b7 Management Planning for protected wetland areas under s.10 of the NCL Other strategies are: \uf0b7 Designation of new mangrove protected areas as RAMSAR sites under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1971) \uf0b7 National Conservation Council (NCC) advice to government agencies under s.41 of the NCL, to continue to recommend measures to limit damage especially to storm buffers and other mangroves generally \uf0b7 NCC to seek requirements through the Coastal Works licensing process to restore coastal mangroves in situ where practical, whenever mangroves are damaged \uf0b7 NCC to propose through the relevant permitting agencies, requirements for ex-situ mitigation of environmental damages arising from large-scale destruction of mangroves \uf0b7 Direct restoration of mangroves damaged by hurricanes, in protected area settings where this is practical and would provide a clearly defined environmental benefit \uf0b7 Provision of mangrove trimming guidelines (Appendix 1 to this Conservation Plan) to developers and property owners \uf0b7 Management of invasive species affecting mangrove habitat\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_5\", \"num\": \"5.\", \"text\": \"Habitat protection a). Critical Habitat No Critical Habitat for mangroves is defined in this Conservation Plan. b). Protected Areas Proposals will be made by the NCC for protection of Crown mangroves, and for purchase and protection of privately owned mangrove areas through the nominations, selection, consultation and recommendation process laid out in s.9 of the NCL, and through negotiation of Conservation Agreements with owners of mangrove areas under s.13 of the NCL.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_6\", \"num\": \"6.\", \"text\": \"Additional conservation measures a). Control of take Under authority given by NCL s.17 (3) (b) (iii) mangroves may not be taken, meaning they may not be killed, collected, destroyed, damaged, or harmed, except under the following conditions: 1. Planning Permission has been granted for a project impacting mangroves, by the Central Planning Authority or Development Control Board, and any conditions which must be met before this permission is valid or implementable, have been met 2. A Coastal Works Permit for a project impacting mangroves has been granted by Cabinet, any required conditions have been met and any fees due have been paid 3. A road is being constructed by the National Roads Authority or the Public Works Department on mangroves falling within a gazetted road corridor 4. A permit has been issued by the NCC under s.20 of the NCL and any conditions therein are being adhered to 5. Hand clearing only as strictly necessary for a licensed land surveyor to survey property boundaries, is permitted 6. Tree trimming of mangroves when in accordance with Appendix 1 to this Conservation Plan\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_7\", \"num\": \"7.\", \"text\": \"Collection of mangrove seeds or fallen propagules for the purpose of growing mangroves in pots, and potted mangroves may be bought and sold\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_8\", \"num\": \"8.\", \"text\": \"Restoration of mangroves in areas where they previously occurred, and restoration of mangroves in new habitat, may only be carried out with a permit under s.20 of the NCL, or to fulfil conditions attached to planning permission or a coastal works permit as per paragraphs 1 or 2 above\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_9\", \"num\": \"9.\", \"text\": \"Maintenance of mosquito control dykes and canals by the Mosquito Research and Control Unit, is permitted Except where conditions 1-5 apply, standing dead mangrove trees may not be felled, cut into, or otherwise disturbed. Planted buttonwood hedges and other cultivated mangroves which may be planted in domestic, civic and commercial landscapes, are neither naturally occurring nor restored and are therefore not subject to the protective measures in this Conservation Plan. Taking of mangroves in circumstances other than as permitted in this plan constitutes an offence under s.33 of the NCL. b). Consultation on development proposals Guidance Notes to Government Agencies issued under the NCL (Gazette Issue 05\/2015, 2 March 2015) set out criteria to determine which government agency actions require consultation with the NCC under s.41 of the NCL. Consultation with the NCC is triggered for all mangrove areas in undisturbed, primary state, and for all mangrove areas within 500 feet of the high water mark. In making recommendations to government agencies on decisions that may affect mangroves, the NCC will seek to advance the objectives of this Conservation Plan. c). Monitoring and research The Department of Environment will conduct monitoring and research on mangroves which may include but is not restricted to: \uf0b7 Periodic mapping of mangrove areas to monitor rates of mangrove loss and gain \uf0b7 Assessment of productivity, carbon storage and carbon sequestration rates in the peat of the Central Mangrove Wetland and other areas d). Public outreach, education and awareness Management Plans for new protected areas with mangroves will include many opportunities for public outreach, education and awareness about mangroves. These may range from infrastructure (visitor centers, trails, interpretation) to activities (guided recreation, school projects etc.) Designation of new protected areas and RAMSAR sites will stimulate positive local and international media interest. 7. Implementation, Evaluation and Review Responsibility for implementing this plan lies primarily with the National Conservation Council, and the Department of Environment. Protected area proposals require Cabinet approval and any associated land acquisitions are subject to funds being voted from the Environmental Protection Fund for this purpose by Finance Committee. This Conservation Plan will be evaluated annually by the Department of Environment, and at such time that any revision appears to be necessary, the Department will bring proposed revisions to the NCC. Legal Basis Section 17 of the National Conservation Law, 2013 requires the National Conservation Council to formulate and adopt a conservation plan for each protected species whose range includes the Islands. Schedule 1, Part 2 of the Law designates protected species which require protection under this Law other than for such limited hunting or collecting of specimens as may be permitted by regulations or a Conservation Plan [section 16(1)(b)]. Species Conservation Plans must set out the steps which the Council considers to be necessary to achieve the conservation and survival of the species and their critical habitat. Priority is accorded to the development of Plans for threatened or endangered species that are at risk from development projects or other forms of economic activity, or that would otherwise be most likely to benefit from such plans. Species Conservation Plans may take into account traditional cultural needs and applicable regional programmes under the various biological, conservation and climate change Conventions to which the Cayman Islands are party [section 6(2)(j)]. Appendix 1: Mangrove Trimming Guidelines Mangrove Trimming Guidelines www.doe.ky TABLE OF CONTENTS (These guidelines have been adapted from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection guidelines) Introduction\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Red Mangroves\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. Black Mangroves\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 White Mangroves\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Buttonwood\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Quick Identification Tips\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. Before You Trim\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. Trimming for Healthy Plants\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Trimming Styles\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Trimming Principles\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Species-specific Trimming\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 Definitions & Key Contacts \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u2026\u2026 INTRODUCTION These guidelines are intended to assist coastal property owners in identifying, trimming and altering mangrove trees in a manner that will: \u2022 provide a view or navigational access; \u2022 protect valuable mangrove resources, and \u2022 be in compliance with the National Conservation Law & Cayman has four native species of mangroves: red, black, white and buttonwood. While  they can grow in freshwater, their physiological adaptations to life in salt water allow them to thrive and outcompete other freshwater species. Each species responds differently to trimming; information on the identification and trimming tolerances of these species is provided in this  guidance. Many property owners trim mangroves along their shorelines to obtain or enhance their view of the water.  Unfortunately, if not done properly, trimming can harm or kill the mangroves. While this might maximize a view, many people do not realise that killing or harming mangroves can have many unintended adverse consequences to the benefits mangroves provide, including: \u2022 Habitat for marine food webs; \u2022 Assist with maintaining and improving the quality of our coastal  waters; \u2022 Their roots and trunks help prevent shoreline erosion, and \u2022 Protection of homes and property from severe wind damage. Cayman mangroves are tropical to subtropical trees  that grow on peat substrates laid down by the mangroves themselves, forming forests and shrublands, with the species occurring alone and in various  combinations depending on local patterns  of geographic setting, peat depth, salinity, flooding, hurricane history and nutrient availability. Within the Cayman Islands, mangrove loss has been so extensive over recent decades that their  National Red List Status as of 2008 lists Red Mangrove as Near Threatened, Black Mangrove as Endangered and both White Mangrove and Buttonwood as Vulnerable. Mangroves and Buttonwood are listed under Schedule 1 Part 2 of the National Conservation Law, 2013. Please note, if your property is located in a Mangrove Buffer Zone (Development Plan, 1997), you require planning permission to conduct trimming. Red footed booby chick in its nest within mangroves Marine life within red mangrove prop roots Coastal mangroves RED MANGROVE (Rhizophora mangle) Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are characterized by their arching \u2018prop roots\u2019. These roots, also referred to as \u2018aerial\u2019 or \u2018stilt\u2019 roots, extend from the main trunk and lateral branches and grow down into the substrate. Prop roots provide support for the tree and assist in nutrient uptake and gas exchange (through pores called \u2018lenticels\u2019). They are also physiologically developed to prevent most salt infiltration through a \u2018salt exclusion\u2019 process. Red mangrove leaves are the largest of the four species mentioned in these trimming guidelines. They are elliptical, glossy and dark green on top, and paler, dull green, often with tiny black spots, underneath and grow in pairs opposite each other on the stem. Red mangroves are \u201cviviparous\u201d, which means that the seeds germinate while still attached to the parent mangrove. The seedlings, commonly referred to as propagules, can float for over a year before establishing in a substrate. As the tip of the propagule gets saturated with water, it becomes heavy, falls to the substrate, and sends out roots that establish the propagule into a juvenile tree. Red mangroves grow well in sea water but not in hypersaline conditions (saltier than sea water). Of the mangrove species, red mangroves tend to grow closest to the water due to the advantage of their aerial prop roots. Their extensive root system prevents erosion of coastal properties, stabilizing the shifting substrate of shorelines and providing sheltered structure for young fish, shellfish, and other invertebrates (tunicates, sponges, etc.). Wading birds use red mangrove prop roots and the tree\u2019s large, and sometimes horizontal limbs, as refuge during high tides. Red mangrove propagules  attached to parent mangrove Prop roots are characteristic of the red mangrove Red mangrove sapling Surface of a red mangrove leaf Underside of a red mangrove leaf BLACK MANGROVE (Avicennia germinans) Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) are distinguished by leaves that are a dull, dark green on the upper side and whitish green\/ grey underneath. The leaves aid in the removal of salt from the tree and salt crystals are often observed on the leaves. Black mangroves have an extensive underground cable root system that gives rise to above-ground pencil-like roots called pneumatophores. Pneumatophores grow above the seasonal flood level and act like snorkels, channeling oxygen down to the roots. Black mangrove roots are responsible for water and nutrient intake. In the Cayman Islands black mangroves can grow into tall trees of 30ft or more, usually with a single main trunk that often has a large diameter. They are useful as windbreaks during severe weather.  They are most attractive when the lower branches are trimmed (windowed) and the upper canopy is left intact or thinned.  Their form, color and slender leaves often allow a pleasing, and somewhat private view from waterfront homes. Black mangrove propagules (lima-bean shaped) are much smaller than red mangrove propagules and are light greyish green.   They are not as hardy as red mangrove propagules, but can be free floating for several weeks before sprouting roots in a suitable environment. Black mangroves can tolerate more saline conditions than other mangroves and generally grow landward of the Mean High Water Mark. Older trees develop hollow trunks which are often used by nesting parrots. Black mangrove leaves. Notice the \u201csweatiness\u201d of the top surface of the black mangrove leaf. This is because they excrete salt and the humidity turns salt crystals into concentrated salt solution Black mangrove\u2019s characteristic pencillike roots called pneumatophores Black mangrove tree Salt excretion on black mangrove leaves Black mangrove propagules WHITE MANGROVE (Laguncularia racemosa) White mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) are characterized by paddleshaped leaves that are uniformly light green on both their upper and lower surfaces. The leaves are characterized by being notched at the tip, and two small bump-like glands at the base of the leaf (petiole). The glands secrete sugar and are thought to attract ants which aide in the control of other small plant-eating insects. White mangroves generally do not tolerate the same extent of flooding that black and red mangroves can tolerate. However, in some cases where there is good tidal flushing of the soils, white mangroves will sometimes grow seaward of black mangroves and produce above ground knobby, pneumatophore-like roots.  White mangroves produce greenish-white flowers.  White mangrove propagules are small, vase shaped and are the least hardy of the mangroves. The greenish white flowers and  smooth, thick and leathery leaves of the white mangrove. The small vase-shaped fruit pictured are the mangrove\u2019s propagules Young white mangrove tree Characteristic notch at the tip of white mangrove leaves Mature white mangrove trees The white mangrove has two small glands at the base of each leaf BUTTONWOOD (Conocarpus erectus) The brownish red fruit of the buttonwood tree look like old leather buttons which gives this tree its common name The alternating placement of leaves on a buttonwood stem Green buttonwood Silver buttonwood Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is often found among mangrove species but differs by reproducing through seeds. Buttonwood naturally occurs in two main varieties; green buttonwood which is the most common variety while the silver buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus sericeus) is often used for gardens in hedges and landscaping. Buttonwood is a low \u2013branching shrub or tree growing to a typical 10.5 meters (~35ft.). While buttonwood can be found inland, it is a seaside shrub or tree offering protection and retention of the soil and banks during storm surges. This evergreen is a highly salt tolerant plant and it also tolerates frequent flooding and wet soil making it a highly attractive plant around the Cayman Islands where reclaimed and low-lying land is common. While buttonwood trees do not have any prop roots or pneumatophores, they may produce short, thin, and flexible  roots on the lower trunk in areas of frequent saturation or inundation by water. It further has low nutrient requirements making it cheap to propagate or sow. Buttonwood has inconspicuous white flowers and its leaves are similar to black mangroves, however they are the same colour green on both sides and are alternately placed on the stems (mangroves have opposite leaf placement). As buttonwood flower and fruit throughout the year, it is a very important native species providing both food and cover for wild birds. The brownish red fruit look like old leather buttons, hence giving the plant its common name. Naturally growing buttonwood trees. Pictured from left \u2013 right: red mangrove, black mangrove, buttonwood and white mangrove leaves: surfaces. Pictured from left \u2013 right: red mangrove, black mangrove, buttonwood and white mangrove leaves: undersides. Mangrove succession diagram QUICK IDENTIFICATION TIPS A quick way to differentiate between the four species referenced in these guidelines is by using their leaves : \u2022 Red mangrove leaves are the largest of these 4 species with a dark green surface and a paler green underside. \u2022 Black mangrove leaves have a dark green surface and whitish green\/ grey underside. Salt crystals are often found on their leaves. \u2022 White mangrove leaves are thick, rounded and light green on both sides, with a notch at the tip of the leaf and two glands at the base of the leaf. \u2022 Buttonwood leaves are similar to black mangrove leaves but are dark green on both sides and have an alternating leaf placement. BEFORE YOU TRIM Shoreline owners have a unique opportunity to directly participate in the stewardship of Cayman\u2019s marine environment by understanding that there are many ways that a reasonable view may be obtained without severely injuring or killing mangroves.  The heights to which a mangrove tree may be trimmed will depend upon the species and condition of the tree.  In most instances, mangroves may not be trimmed lower than 6 feet in height as measured from the substrate (ground surface), except for certain government and utility oriented exemptions. Reduction in height for larger trees will need to be conducted in stages over several years.  Many large trees cannot legally be trimmed to 6 feet; this is mainly due to the tree\u2019s pre-trim canopy configuration.  In no case shall trimming result in defoliation (loss of most of the tree\u2019s leaves), destruction (death of part or all of the tree, including roots) or removal of a mangrove. COMPLIANCE: Under the Mangrove Conservation Plan, dead mangroves and dead portions of living mangroves are protected to the same degree as living mangroves. The dead plants and stems provide important habitat and detrital material, and may only be trimmed to the same extent as the living mangroves. In all cases, the applicant, permittee, landowner, and person performing the trimming are jointly and severally liable for complying with the Cayman Islands Conservation Plan for Mangroves, unless evidence indicates otherwise.  It is important for all parties involved to always take photos before and after any trimming activities occur to document pre and post-trimming conditions. Two examples of  over-trimming resulting in the destruction of the red mangroves in these residential canals Hedge-trimmed buttonwood and red mangrove for a view of the water TRIMMING FOR HEALTHY PLANTS OBJECTIVE: When trimming a branch, the desired result is a nice, clean-cut against the branch side of the juncture of the branch and the limb (or trunk), leaving the branch collar in place. Damage to that junction will wound the tree (see diagram on right). EQUIPMENT: Tools must be clean and free of oils. It is important that the tools are sharp for a clean cut. The wood at the cut should be smooth, not frayed. Frayed cuts may not heal properly and may be a source of infection. If fraying occurs, your trimmer\u2019s tools may not be sufficiently sharp. Do not use pesticides or pruning paint on any cuts. Pruning paint can seal in harmful fungi and bacteria and slows healing. HERBICIDES: Herbicides may never be used on mangroves for trimming or otherwise. TIMING: Mangroves will only produce new leaves and fruits once or twice per year. Trimming is best done during the months of October through March, when mangrove growth is somewhat slowed and the plant\u2019s energy demand for producing flowers and propagules is reduced, leaving more energy for recovery from the trimming. Don\u2019t trim prior to a hurricane. The tree will need whatever leaves it can maintain to generate energy for recovery. To allow for flowering and fruiting, and for a healthy mangrove area, regular trimming, once or twice a year at the most, will reduce stress to the tree in the future, allow propagule production and will maintain your view. DEFOLIATION IS STRESSFUL: If all or most of the leaves are trimmed off of a mangrove, its survivability is severely reduced. Red mangroves and large black mangroves are the most susceptible to death from defoliation. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended and generally required that no more than 25% of the foliage is removed annually from any tree. Healthy mangroves are more beneficial to the shoreline, fisheries, water quality, and to your landscape design than unhealthy mangroves that have been improperly trimmed. Final appearance Stem after trimming Branches greater than 1 inch (use three cuts) FINAL CUT 1st cut 2nd cut Cut out and away from the larger limb or trunk Branches less than \u00bd inch TRIMMING STYLES WINDOWING: Windowing is a view through large trees that can be obtained by selective limb removal within the lower or central area of the tree. Windowing allows for a view while maintaining shade, privacy, windbreak, and additional habitat for wildlife (especially birds). The bottom height of a window may not be lower than 6 ft. from the substrate. Arborists recommend that the window openings be no more than 1\/3 of the canopy for smaller trees and not more than 1\/5 of the canopy of larger trees. HEDGING: Hedging is not recommended for mature red or black mangroves. Red mangroves do not sprout from older, lower branches and so can only form a hedge when young and low growing. Leaf mass must remain on the tree for the tree to continue its life processes. Consider leaving some areas with uneven heights or emergent stems to provide habitat and richer detrital output than flat-topped compact hedges. Alternate trimming styles can provide a \u2018healthier\u2019 view. UNDERCUTTING: Undercutting is the trimming of the lower portion of a tree (below 6ft.). Undercutting is allowed, so long as defoliation of all or part of the tree does not occur, however it is not preferred due to the damage that can occur to mangrove propagules colonizing in that area. The young mangroves (<6 feet tall) may not be removed, defoliated or destroyed. Consider a style of trimming that can maintain leaf mass and some open canopy (arboreal habitat). Mangrove leaves are an important source of nutrients for the smaller animals of the marine food chain, including sea grass and coral reef communities. Leaves that die naturally on the tree and then fall into the water are quickly biodegraded and available as a food source, unlike healthy leaves cut from the tree. Fresh cut green leaves will stay mostly intact lying on the substrate for months before total leaf breakdown. It is important to avoid frequent trimming in poorly flushed areas (if possible) i.e. water with poor circulation which can result in the leaves turning the water anoxic (low oxygen) due to natural processes. Windowed red mangrove along a residential complex Red mangrove hedging along landscaping at a local condo Undercutting with red mangrove Before trimming try to determine exactly where you would like a view and try to limit the trimming as much a possible. TRIMMING PRINCIPLES (see definitions, page 16) 1. Only trimming, not alteration, may be performed.  Defoliation is not allowed.  Trimming shall be staged i.e. removal of not more than 25% of the leaves from any tree annually to prevent alteration. 2. No mangrove may be trimmed to less than 6 feet in height as measured from the substrate (mud). 3. Mangrove roots may not be trimmed.  Cutting mangrove roots is considered alteration and shall not be conducted without a permit. 4. Trimming may only be done with the permission of the property owner. Where mangroves are growing in a Crown-owned canal, the Crown is the owner of the mangroves. Trimming of Crown mangroves requires a permit under section 20 of the National Conservation Law, issued by the Department of Environment on behalf of the National Conservation Council. Trimming on another person\u2019s property is not authorised. 5. For shorelines greater than 150 feet, only 65% of the mangrove area may be trimmed. The area is determined by square feet of mangrove cover. Hedge-trimmed mangrove fringe Mangrove hedges incorporated into a luxury home development in Florida RED MANGROVE TRIMMING GUIDANCE: Red mangroves are the most susceptible of the mangroves to damage from severe trimming. The following principles should be remembered when trimming red mangroves: \u2022 They primarily grow from their branch tips \u201capical meristems\u201d; removing most of these can kill a tree. \u2022 When most of the leaves and apical meristems are removed, the tree\u2019s survival is very doubtful because red mangroves lose their ability to resprout new branches from older parts of the tree (coppicing), especially when the diameter of the branch is greater than 1\/2-1 inch thick. \u2022 \u2018Topping\u2019 of red mangroves can be very damaging. \u2022 The upper 50% of the canopy of tall red mangroves should not be cut (i.e. no top trimming of red mangroves). \u2022 Red mangroves rarely recover from severe trimming and do not resprout most trimmed branches. \u2022 They are best cut by trimming windows in the lower part of the canopy, with the bottom of the window being at least 6 ft. from the substrate (mud) to prevent illegal trimming of young mangroves growing into the windowed area. \u2022 Cutting of the aerial\/prop roots is prohibited unless it falls within section 6 of the Mangrove Species Conservation Plan. The smooth roots are readily distinguished from the stems which have obvious scar rings completely encircling them. BLACK MANGROVE TRIMMING GUIDANCE: Black mangroves handle most trimming fairly well, however mature black mangroves are susceptible to excessive trimming and do not recover as well as younger trees. The upper canopy of old mature black mangroves should not be removed to maintain the tree\u2019s vitality and habitat. Because black mangroves have such strong, dense wood and are great wind breakers, windowing of the larger diameter trees is highly recommended. Following storm events, the Department has received many accounts of how untrimmed red and black mangrove fringes have saved property owners from incurring extensive property damage. These accounts occur worldwide and go to show the ability of mangrove fringes in protecting coastlines. Small black mangroves are known to coppice, producing new shoots from the base of the tree, when trimmed, leading to a multiple stemmed shrub. SPECIES SPECIFIC TRIMMING Hedge-trimmed red mangroves in a canal Species specific guidance must be read in conjunction with the trimming principles on page 12. Windowing with black mangrove SPECIES SPECIFIC TRIMMING (continued) WHITE MANGROVE TRIMMING GUIDANCE: The white mangrove is highly tolerant of trimming, including hedging.  They have reserve growth capability in their meristem.  The meristem is a tissue along their trunks, and can provide reserve energy to help the tree recover from trimming.  White mangroves can develop blocked vessels leaving parts of older trees weak.  When trimming white mangroves, trim for balance of their weight as well as how they look. Species specific guidance must be read in conjunction with the trimming principles on page 12. White mangrove trees with two trunks and a balanced canopy over a mostly white mangrove hedge BUTTONWOOD TRIMMING GUIDANCE: The Buttonwood tree can reach mature heights of up to 45 feet; it develops low-hanging branches and produces small, green-colored spring blooms with rich-green foliage. Buttonwood is an extremely robust tree and lends itself well to trimming. As it can be trimmed extensively and responds well to heavy pruning, it is often used in hedging or as a privacy screen. However, though the buttonwood requires little pruning to develop a strong structure, it does require regular pruning and trimming to maintain its shape and health. Buttonwood privacy hedging Here are some tips for trimming your buttonwood tree: \uf0fc Early spring is the best time to prune your buttonwood tree to promote healthy growth throughout the year. When hedging buttonwood, make any drastic changes and reductions around this time, then periodically throughout the growing season to maintain its desired shape. \uf0fc Remove any damaged or diseased branches and steams with sharp sterile shears. Remove thick, lower branches with a sterile saw, making one underside cut before cutting through the branch further out and finally making a clean slice closer to the branch collar. \uf0fc Make flush, angular cuts to promote rapid healing. Thin the interior branches of the buttonwood\u2019s densely foliated canopy to increase the sun and air flow throughout the tree while promoting healthy development. \uf0fc Trim back drooping and low-hanging branches to allow proper clearance for lawn equipment and walking traffic. Cut back vigorously growing branches and stems to align them with the buttonwood\u2019s desired shape. Remove unwanted suckers from the base of the tree by cutting them flush at the tree\u2019s planting surface. \uf0fc Pick up and discard all clippings and always keep the tree\u2019s planting area free of debris to reduce the potential for diseases. Irrigate your buttonwood tree deeply after each pruning and trimming session to promote rapid healing. Cease all trimming and pruning activities by midsummer to allow the wood to harden before the upcoming dormancy period. Buttonwood hedges in a residential area SPECIES SPECIFIC TRIMMING (continued) Species specific guidance must be read in conjunction with the trimming principles on page 12. DEFINITIONS & KEY CONTACTS DEFINITIONS: \u2022 Trim: Means to cut mangrove branches, twigs, limbs and foliage, but does not mean to remove, defoliate, or destroy the mangroves. \u2022 Alter:  Human-induced removal, defoliation, or destruction of mangroves. Under the National Conservation Law this would constitute \u201ctake\u201d of a mangrove species, which includes to damage, injure or harm a species. \u2022 Defoliate:  The removal of leaves by cutting or other means to the degree that the plant\u2019s natural functions have been severely diminished or which result in the death of all or part of the mangrove. \u2022 Pre-trimmed height: The height of the mangroves immediately prior to any trimming event, whether it is the first time trimming, staged trimming, or maintenance trimming. \u2022 Mangrove:  The Mangrove Conservation Plan defines the word mangrove to mean any specimen of the three native Cayman species (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa), also known as the Red, Black, and White mangroves, and Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus).  The Plan does not distinguish between living and dead mangroves.  Trimming regulations apply to both equally. CONTACTS: For more information on designated Mangrove Buffer Zones contact: \u2022 Department of Planning: EMAIL: planning.dept@gov.ky PHONE: (345) 244 6501 For more information on mangrove trimming principles: \u2022 Department of Environment: NAME: Environmental Management Unit EMAIL: emu.doe@gov.ky PHONE: (345) 949 8469\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}], \"meta\": {\"notes\": null, \"workflow\": null, \"lifecycle\": {\"source\": \"#cilegis\", \"eventRef\": [{\"eId\": \"e_commence_2020_01_01\", \"date\": \"2020-01-01\", \"type\": \"generation\", \"source\": \"#cilegis\"}]}, \"references\": {\"source\": \"#canary\", \"TLCRole\": [], \"TLCEvent\": [{\"eId\": \"ev_commencement\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/event\/commencement\", \"showAs\": \"commencement\"}], \"TLCPerson\": [], \"TLCConcept\": [{\"eId\": \"inForce\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/concept\/temporal\/in-force\", \"showAs\": \"in force\"}], \"TLCProcess\": [], \"TLCLocation\": [], \"TLCOrganization\": [{\"eId\": \"cilegis\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\", \"showAs\": \"Cayman Islands legislation mirror (kyleg)\"}]}, \"temporalData\": {\"source\": \"#cilegis\", \"temporalGroup\": [{\"eId\": \"tg_inforce_2020_01_01\", \"timeInterval\": [{\"end\": null, \"start\": \"#e_commence_2020_01_01\", \"duration\": null, \"refersTo\": \"#inForce\"}]}]}, \"classification\": null, \"identification\": {\"source\": \"#cilegis\", \"FRBRWork\": {\"FRBRuri\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\", \"FRBRdate\": [{\"date\": \"2020-01-01\", \"name\": \"generation\"}], \"FRBRthis\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/!main\", \"FRBRalias\": [{\"name\": \"cmsId\", \"value\": \"2020-0169\"}], \"FRBRauthor\": [{\"as\": \"#editor\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\"}], \"FRBRnumber\": \"169 of 2020\", \"FRBRcountry\": \"ky\", \"FRBRsubtype\": \"subordinate\"}, \"FRBRExpression\": {\"FRBRuri\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01\", \"FRBRdate\": [{\"date\": \"2020-01-01\", \"name\": \"generation\"}], \"FRBRthis\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01\/!main\", \"FRBRauthor\": [{\"as\": \"#editor\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\"}], \"FRBRlanguage\": \"eng\"}, \"FRBRManifestation\": {\"FRBRuri\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01.xml\", \"FRBRdate\": [{\"date\": \"2026-06-22\", \"name\": \"generation\"}], \"FRBRthis\": \"\/akn\/ky\/act\/sl\/2020\/169\/eng@2020-01-01.xml\", \"FRBRauthor\": [{\"as\": \"#editor\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\"}], \"FRBRformat\": \"application\/xml\"}}}, \"name\": \"act\", \"header\": {\"title\": \"Species Conservation Plan for Mangroves\", \"actNumber\": \"169 of 2020\", \"longTitle\": null}}, \"doc\": null, \"bill\": null, \"judgment\": null}}","akn_full_text":"Monday,27 April 2020\n\n                                                     Issue No. 09\/2020\n\n574\nGOVERNMENT\nAppointments\n\nAPPOINTMENT AND RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE\nBOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE\nCAYMAN ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT BANK\n\nPursuant to Sections 4 and Section 4(2) and 4(3) of the First Schedule of the Development Bank Law (2018\nRevision) and Section 9 of the Public Authorities Law (2020 Revision), the Cabinet has granted the approval\nto:\nx\nappoint Mr. Doyney (Doyle) Scott to the Board of the Cayman Islands Development Bank, for two\n(2) years from 1 March 2020 until 28 February 2022; and\nx\nre-appoint the following persons to the Board of Cayman Islands Development Bank, for two (2) years\nfrom 1 March 2020 until 28 February 2022;\nName\nPosition\nCapacity\nMr. Richard Lewis\nChairman\nBanking\nMs. Lynne Whittaker\nDeputy Chairperson\nBanking\nMs. Lucille Seymour\nDirector\nOther\nMs. J Rosalie Twohey\nDirector\nAccounting\nDated this day 14 April 2020\nKIM BULLINGS\nClerk Of The Cabinet\n\nDepartmental Notices\n\nNATIONAL CONSERVATION COUNCIL\n ADOPTION OF MANGROVE CONSERVATION PLAN\n\nThe National Conservation Council, in accordance with section 17 of the National Conservation Law, 2013,\nadopts the Species Conservation Plan for Mangroves to come into force with immediate effect. A copy of the\nSpecies Conservation Plan for Mangroves may be obtained by the public by downloading from\nhttps:\/\/conservation.ky\/protected-species-conservation-plan\/\n(https:\/\/conservation.ky\/wpcontent\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Species-Conservation-Plan-for-Mangroves-FINAL-Public-Consultation.pdf) or email\nConservationCouncil@gov.ky.\n\nErrata Notice\n\nSubscribers are being asked to note:\nLBC INTERNATIONAL CORP. was erroneously included to the list of Companies struck from the Register\neffective 31 October 2019 and published by Gazette No.24\/2019 dated 25 November 2019.\n\nNational Conservation Council\n\nSpecies Conservation Plan for Mangroves\n\nNational Conservation Law, section 17\n\nThis Conservation Plan applies to the following species wherever they are\nnaturally occurring or have been restored:\n\nRed Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)\nWhite Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)\nBlack Mangrove (Avicennia germinans)\nButtonwood (Conocarpus erectus)\n\n1. Conservation Status\nAll of the mangrove species covered by this Conservation Plan are\nprotected species in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the National Conservation\nLaw 2013 (NCL). These are all widespread species with neotropical to\nhemispherical distributions, and are not listed as globally threatened in\nthe IUCN Red List.\nHowever within the Cayman Islands, mangrove loss has been so\nextensive over recent decades that it triggers local Red-Listing criteria. In\n2008 the Cayman Islands national IUCN Red List status of Black\nMangrove\nwas\nassessed\nas\nEndangered,\nWhite\nMangrove\nand\nButtonwood both as Vulnerable, and Red Mangrove as Near-Threatened.\nThe Ramsar Convention (1971) has been extended to the Cayman\nIslands, requiring a commitment to work towards the wise use of our\nmangrove and other wetlands through national plans, policies and\nlegislation, management actions and public education.\n\n2. Ecology and Threats\nIn the Cayman Islands, the four mangrove species dominate and form\nthe framework for mangrove ecosystems in tidally flooded and seasonally\nflooded wetlands. They grow on peat substrates laid down by the\nmangroves themselves, forming forests and shrublands, with the species\noccurring alone and in various combinations depending on local patterns\nincluding geographic setting, peat depth, salinity, flooding, hurricane\nhistory and nutrient availability.\nThese mangrove communities support a diverse fauna, notably including\ncrustaceans, insects and birds. During spring tides and periods of heavy\nrain they export nutrients to adjacent lagoons and sounds, supporting\nmarine life including a highly diverse and productive fish nursery zone\nwhere the mangroves interface with the sea. In the Cayman Islands and\nelsewhere, mangroves are noted for their role in shoreline protection,\ncarbon sequestration and storage, filtering of sediment and pollutants,\nand as habitat for threatened species.\nThe dominant threats to mangroves in the Cayman Islands include the\ncontinuation of practices involving conversion of mangrove ecosystems\ninto artificial environments for various human uses.\nClimate change also poses a growing threat. Further acceleration in sea\nlevel rise may overwhelm the mangroves\u2019 ability to lay down peat at the\nsame rate, resulting in extensive drowning and die-off. Any increase in\nthe frequency or intensity of hurricanes, especially when compounded by\nalteration or blocking of surface water outflow pathways by road\nconstruction and land filling, can also lead to general mangrove drowning\nand death.\n\n3. Conservation objectives\nThe primary objective of this Conservation Plan is to ensure that the\necological benefits the mangroves provide to humans and the\nenvironment generally are allowed to continue, by ensuring that:\n\uf0b7 The Central Mangrove Wetland continues to function as a viable\nand hydrologically connected ecosystem, helping to support a\nliving North Sound\n\uf0b7 Mangrove islands, Mangrove Buffer Zones and other mangrove\nareas remaining on the west and south coasts of North Sound, are\n\nretained\nas\nfunctional\nhabitats\nprotecting\nshorelines\nand\nsupporting a living North Sound\n\uf0b7 Barkers mangroves and mangrove ponds are protected and\nmanaged to optimize their value for supporting native biodiversity\nand for compatible recreational activity\n\uf0b7 Coastal mangrove systems in Little Cayman, especially Tarpon\nLake, Jackson Pond and the Crown East Interior, are protected as\na nature tourism asset and as key habitat for resident and\nmigratory birds\n\uf0b7 Mangroves fringing coasts and natural saline ponds throughout\nthe Cayman Islands are allowed to continue their role in\nmaintaining water quality, and as habitat for water birds, crabs\nand other native species\n\uf0b7 Coastal and inland mangroves throughout the Cayman Islands\ncontinue to capture and store greenhouse gasses though\ndeposition of peat while sea level and groundwater levels rise\n\n4. Conservation Strategies\nThe primary conservation strategy is to bring significant areas of\nmangrove into the Cayman Islands\u2019 Protected Area system, through a\ncombination of:\n\uf0b7 Designation of Crown mangrove wetlands as protected areas\nunder s.7 of the NCL\n\uf0b7 Voluntary purchase of mangrove wetland property, at fair market\nprice, using funds voted from the Environmental Protection Fund,\nleading to protection under s.7 of the NCL\n\uf0b7 Conservation Agreements on mangrove wetland property, leading\nto protection of the land through s.13 of the NCL\n\uf0b7 Management Planning for protected wetland areas under s.10 of\nthe NCL\nOther strategies are:\n\uf0b7 Designation of new mangrove protected areas as RAMSAR sites\nunder the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance\n(1971)\n\uf0b7 National Conservation Council (NCC) advice to government\nagencies under s.41 of the NCL, to continue to recommend\n\nmeasures to limit damage especially to storm buffers and other\nmangroves generally\n\uf0b7 NCC to seek requirements through the Coastal Works licensing\nprocess to restore coastal mangroves in situ where practical,\nwhenever mangroves are damaged\n\uf0b7 NCC to propose through the relevant permitting agencies,\nrequirements for ex-situ mitigation of environmental damages\narising from large-scale destruction of mangroves\n\uf0b7 Direct restoration of mangroves damaged by hurricanes, in\nprotected area settings where this is practical and would provide a\nclearly defined environmental benefit\n\uf0b7 Provision of mangrove trimming guidelines (Appendix 1 to this\nConservation Plan) to developers and property owners\n\uf0b7 Management of invasive species affecting mangrove habitat\n\n5. Habitat protection\na). Critical Habitat\nNo Critical Habitat for mangroves is defined in this Conservation Plan.\n\nb). Protected Areas\nProposals will be made by the NCC for protection of Crown mangroves,\nand for purchase and protection of privately owned mangrove areas\nthrough the nominations, selection, consultation and recommendation\nprocess laid out in s.9 of the NCL, and through negotiation of\nConservation Agreements with owners of mangrove areas under s.13 of\nthe NCL.\n\n6. Additional conservation measures\na). Control of take\nUnder authority given by NCL s.17 (3) (b) (iii) mangroves may not\nbe taken, meaning they may not be killed, collected, destroyed,\ndamaged, or harmed, except under the following conditions:\n\n1. Planning Permission has been granted for a project impacting\nmangroves, by the Central Planning Authority or Development\nControl Board, and any conditions which must be met before\nthis permission is valid or implementable, have been met\n2. A Coastal Works Permit for a project impacting mangroves has\nbeen granted by Cabinet, any required conditions have been\nmet and any fees due have been paid\n3. A road is being constructed by the National Roads Authority or\nthe Public Works Department on mangroves falling within a\ngazetted road corridor\n4. A permit has been issued by the NCC under s.20 of the NCL\nand any conditions therein are being adhered to\n5. Hand clearing only as strictly necessary for a licensed land\nsurveyor to survey property boundaries, is permitted\n6. Tree trimming of mangroves when in accordance with Appendix\n1 to this Conservation Plan\n7. Collection of mangrove seeds or fallen propagules for the\npurpose of growing mangroves in pots, and potted mangroves\nmay be bought and sold\n8. Restoration of mangroves in areas where they previously\noccurred, and restoration of mangroves in new habitat, may\nonly be carried out with a permit under s.20 of the NCL, or to\nfulfil conditions attached to planning permission or a coastal\nworks permit as per paragraphs 1 or 2 above\n9. Maintenance of mosquito control dykes and canals by the\nMosquito Research and Control Unit, is permitted\n\nExcept where conditions 1-5 apply, standing dead mangrove trees\nmay not be felled, cut into, or otherwise disturbed.\nPlanted buttonwood hedges and other cultivated mangroves which\nmay be planted in domestic, civic and commercial landscapes, are\nneither naturally occurring nor restored and are therefore not\nsubject to the protective measures in this Conservation Plan.\nTaking of mangroves in circumstances other than as permitted in\nthis plan constitutes an offence under s.33 of the NCL.\n\nb). Consultation on development proposals\nGuidance Notes to Government Agencies issued under the NCL\n(Gazette Issue 05\/2015, 2 March 2015) set out criteria to\ndetermine which government agency actions require consultation\nwith the NCC under s.41 of the NCL.\nConsultation with the NCC is triggered for all mangrove areas in\nundisturbed, primary state, and for all mangrove areas within 500\nfeet of the high water mark.\nIn making recommendations to government agencies on decisions\nthat may affect mangroves, the NCC will seek to advance the\nobjectives of this Conservation Plan.\n\nc). Monitoring and research\nThe Department of Environment will conduct monitoring and\nresearch on mangroves which may include but is not restricted to:\n\uf0b7 Periodic mapping of mangrove areas to monitor rates of\nmangrove loss and gain\n\uf0b7 Assessment of productivity, carbon storage and carbon\nsequestration rates in the peat of the Central Mangrove\nWetland and other areas\n\nd). Public outreach, education and awareness\nManagement Plans for new protected areas with mangroves will\ninclude many opportunities for public outreach, education and\nawareness about mangroves. These may range from infrastructure\n(visitor\ncenters,\ntrails,\ninterpretation)\nto\nactivities\n(guided\nrecreation, school projects etc.)\nDesignation of new protected areas and RAMSAR sites will\nstimulate positive local and international media interest.\n\n7. Implementation, Evaluation and Review\nResponsibility for implementing this plan lies primarily with the National\nConservation Council, and the Department of Environment. Protected\narea proposals require Cabinet approval and any associated land\n\nacquisitions are subject to funds being voted from the Environmental\nProtection Fund for this purpose by Finance Committee.\nThis Conservation Plan will be evaluated annually by the Department of\nEnvironment, and at such time that any revision appears to be\nnecessary, the Department will bring proposed revisions to the NCC.\n\nLegal Basis\n\nSection 17 of the National Conservation Law, 2013 requires the National Conservation Council to formulate and adopt\na conservation plan for each protected species whose range includes the Islands.\n\nSchedule 1, Part 2 of the Law designates protected species which require protection under this Law other than for such\nlimited hunting or collecting of specimens as may be permitted by regulations or a Conservation Plan [section 16(1)(b)].\nSpecies Conservation Plans must set out the steps which the Council considers to be necessary to achieve the\nconservation and survival of the species and their critical habitat.\nPriority is accorded to the development of Plans for threatened or endangered species that are at risk from development\nprojects or other forms of economic activity, or that would otherwise be most likely to benefit from such plans.\nSpecies Conservation Plans may take into account traditional cultural needs and applicable regional programmes\nunder the various biological, conservation and climate change Conventions to which the Cayman Islands are party\n[section 6(2)(j)].\n\nAppendix 1:\n\nMangrove Trimming Guidelines\n\nMangrove Trimming\nGuidelines\nwww.doe.ky\n\nTABLE OF CONTENTS\n2\n(These guidelines have been adapted from the Florida Department of Environmental\nProtection guidelines)\nIntroduction\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n3\nRed Mangroves\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\n4\nBlack Mangroves\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n5\nWhite Mangroves\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n6\nButtonwood\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n7\nQuick Identification Tips\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\n8\nBefore You Trim\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\n9\nTrimming for Healthy Plants\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n10\nTrimming Styles\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n11\nTrimming Principles\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n12\nSpecies-specific Trimming\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\n13\nDefinitions & Key Contacts \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u2026\u2026\n16\n\nINTRODUCTION\nThese guidelines are intended to assist coastal property owners in\nidentifying, trimming and altering mangrove trees in a manner that\nwill:\n\u2022\nprovide a view or navigational access;\n\u2022\nprotect valuable mangrove resources, and\n\u2022\nbe in compliance with the National Conservation Law &\nSpecies Conservation Plan for Mangroves.\n\nCayman has four native species of mangroves: red, black, white and\nbuttonwood. While  they can grow in freshwater, their physiological\nadaptations to life in salt water allow them to thrive and\noutcompete other freshwater species. Each species responds\ndifferently to trimming; information on the identification and\ntrimming tolerances of these species is provided in this  guidance.\nMany property owners trim mangroves along their shorelines to\nobtain or enhance their view of the water.  Unfortunately, if not\ndone properly, trimming can harm or kill the mangroves. While this\nmight maximize a view, many people do not realise that killing or\nharming\nmangroves\ncan\nhave\nmany\nunintended\nadverse\nconsequences to the benefits mangroves provide, including:\n\n\u2022\nHabitat for marine food webs;\n\u2022\nAssist with maintaining and improving the quality of our\ncoastal  waters;\n\u2022\nTheir roots and trunks help prevent shoreline erosion, and\n\u2022\nProtection of homes and property from severe wind damage.\n\nCayman mangroves are tropical to subtropical trees  that grow on\npeat substrates laid down by the mangroves themselves, forming\nforests and shrublands, with the species occurring alone and in\nvarious  combinations depending on local patterns  of geographic\nsetting, peat depth, salinity, flooding, hurricane history and nutrient\navailability.\n\n3\n\nWithin the Cayman Islands, mangrove loss has been so extensive\nover recent decades that their  National Red List Status as of 2008\nlists Red Mangrove as Near Threatened, Black Mangrove as\nEndangered and both White Mangrove and Buttonwood as\nVulnerable. Mangroves and Buttonwood are listed under Schedule\n1 Part 2 of the National Conservation Law, 2013. Please note, if\nyour property is located in a Mangrove Buffer Zone (Development\nPlan, 1997), you require planning permission to conduct trimming.\nRed footed booby chick in its nest\nwithin mangroves\nMarine life within red mangrove\nprop roots\nCoastal\nmangroves\n\nRED MANGROVE (Rhizophora mangle)\nRed mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are characterized by their\narching \u2018prop roots\u2019. These roots, also referred to as \u2018aerial\u2019 or\n\u2018stilt\u2019 roots, extend from the main trunk and lateral branches and\ngrow down into the substrate. Prop roots provide support for the\ntree and assist in nutrient uptake and gas exchange (through\npores called \u2018lenticels\u2019). They are also physiologically developed to\nprevent most salt infiltration through a \u2018salt exclusion\u2019 process.\n\nRed mangrove leaves are the largest of the four species\nmentioned in these trimming guidelines. They are elliptical, glossy\nand dark green on top, and paler, dull green, often with tiny black\nspots, underneath and grow in pairs opposite each other on the\nstem. Red mangroves are \u201cviviparous\u201d, which means that the\nseeds germinate while still attached to the parent mangrove. The\nseedlings, commonly referred to as propagules, can float for over\na year before establishing in a substrate. As the tip of the\npropagule gets saturated with water, it becomes heavy, falls to\nthe substrate, and sends out roots that establish the propagule\ninto a juvenile tree.\n4\nRed mangroves grow well in sea water but not in hypersaline conditions\n(saltier than sea water). Of the mangrove species, red mangroves tend to\ngrow closest to the water due to the advantage of their aerial prop roots.\nTheir extensive root system prevents erosion of coastal properties,\nstabilizing the shifting substrate of shorelines and providing sheltered\nstructure for young fish, shellfish, and other invertebrates (tunicates,\nsponges, etc.). Wading birds use red mangrove prop roots and the tree\u2019s\nlarge, and sometimes horizontal limbs, as refuge during high tides.\nRed mangrove\npropagules  attached\nto parent mangrove\nProp roots are characteristic of the red mangrove\nRed mangrove sapling\nSurface of a red\nmangrove leaf\nUnderside of a red\nmangrove leaf\n\nBLACK MANGROVE (Avicennia germinans)\nBlack\nmangroves\n(Avicennia\ngerminans)\nare\ndistinguished by leaves that are a dull, dark green on\nthe upper side and whitish green\/ grey underneath.\nThe leaves aid in the removal of salt from the tree\nand salt crystals are often observed on the leaves.\nBlack mangroves have an extensive underground\ncable root system that gives rise to above-ground\npencil-like\nroots\ncalled\npneumatophores.\nPneumatophores grow above the seasonal flood\nlevel and act like snorkels, channeling oxygen down\nto the roots. Black mangrove roots are responsible\nfor water and nutrient intake.\n\nIn the Cayman Islands black mangroves can grow\ninto tall trees of 30ft or more, usually with a single\nmain trunk that often has a large diameter. They\nare\nuseful\nas\nwindbreaks\nduring\nsevere\nweather.  They are most attractive when the lower\nbranches are trimmed (windowed) and the upper\ncanopy is left intact or thinned.  Their form,\ncolor and slender leaves often allow a pleasing, and\nsomewhat private view from waterfront homes.\n\nBlack mangrove propagules (lima-bean shaped) are\nmuch smaller than red mangrove propagules and are\nlight greyish green.   They are not as hardy as red\nmangrove propagules, but can be free floating for\nseveral weeks before sprouting roots in a suitable\nenvironment.\n\nBlack mangroves can tolerate more saline conditions\nthan other mangroves and generally grow landward\nof the Mean High Water Mark. Older trees develop\nhollow trunks which are often used by nesting\nparrots.\n\n5\nBlack mangrove leaves. Notice the \u201csweatiness\u201d of the\ntop surface of the black mangrove leaf. This is because\nthey excrete salt and the humidity turns salt crystals\ninto concentrated salt solution\nBlack mangrove\u2019s characteristic pencillike roots called pneumatophores\nBlack mangrove tree\nSalt excretion on\nblack mangrove\nleaves\nBlack mangrove\npropagules\n\nWHITE MANGROVE (Laguncularia racemosa)\nWhite mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) are characterized by paddleshaped leaves that are uniformly light green on both their upper and\nlower surfaces. The leaves are characterized by being notched at the\ntip, and two small bump-like glands at the base of the leaf (petiole).\nThe glands secrete sugar and are thought to attract ants which aide in\nthe control of other small plant-eating insects.\n\nWhite mangroves generally do not tolerate the same extent of flooding\nthat black and red mangroves can tolerate. However, in some cases\nwhere there is good tidal flushing of the soils, white mangroves will\nsometimes grow seaward of black mangroves and produce above\nground knobby, pneumatophore-like roots.  White mangroves produce\ngreenish-white flowers.  White mangrove propagules are small, vase\nshaped and are the least hardy of the mangroves.\n\n6\nThe greenish white flowers and  smooth, thick and leathery leaves of\nthe white mangrove. The small vase-shaped fruit pictured are the\nmangrove\u2019s propagules\nYoung white mangrove tree\nCharacteristic notch at the tip of\nwhite mangrove leaves\nMature white mangrove trees\nThe white mangrove has two\nsmall glands at the base of\neach leaf\n\nBUTTONWOOD (Conocarpus erectus)\n7\nThe brownish red fruit of the buttonwood tree look like old\nleather buttons which gives this tree its common name\nThe alternating placement of leaves\non a buttonwood stem\nGreen buttonwood\nSilver buttonwood\nButtonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is often found among mangrove species but\ndiffers by reproducing through seeds. Buttonwood naturally occurs in two\nmain varieties; green buttonwood which is the most common variety while the\nsilver buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus sericeus) is often used for gardens in\nhedges and landscaping.\n\nButtonwood is a low \u2013branching shrub or tree growing to a typical 10.5 meters\n(~35ft.). While buttonwood can be found inland, it is a seaside shrub or tree\noffering protection and retention of the soil and banks during storm surges.\nThis evergreen is a highly salt tolerant plant and it also tolerates frequent\nflooding and wet soil making it a highly attractive plant around the Cayman\nIslands where reclaimed and low-lying land is common. While buttonwood\ntrees do not have any prop roots or pneumatophores, they may produce\nshort, thin, and flexible  roots on the lower trunk in areas of frequent\nsaturation or inundation by water. It further has low nutrient requirements\nmaking it cheap to propagate or sow.\n\nButtonwood has inconspicuous white flowers and its leaves are similar to\nblack mangroves, however they are the same colour green on both sides and\nare alternately placed on the stems (mangroves have opposite leaf\nplacement). As buttonwood flower and fruit throughout the year, it is a very\nimportant native species providing both food and cover for wild birds. The\nbrownish red fruit look like old leather buttons, hence giving the plant its\ncommon name.\nNaturally growing\nbuttonwood trees.\n\n8\nPictured from left \u2013 right: red mangrove, black\nmangrove, buttonwood and white mangrove leaves:\nsurfaces.\nPictured from left \u2013 right: red mangrove, black\nmangrove, buttonwood and white mangrove leaves:\nundersides.\nMangrove succession diagram\nQUICK IDENTIFICATION TIPS\nA quick way to differentiate between the four species referenced in these guidelines is by\nusing their leaves :\n\n\u2022\nRed mangrove leaves are the largest of these 4 species with a dark green\nsurface and a paler green underside.\n\n\u2022\nBlack mangrove leaves have a dark green surface and whitish green\/ grey\nunderside. Salt crystals are often found on their leaves.\n\n\u2022\nWhite mangrove leaves are thick, rounded and light green on both sides,\nwith a notch at the tip of the leaf and two glands at the base of the leaf.\n\n\u2022\nButtonwood leaves are similar to black mangrove leaves but are dark green\non both sides and have an alternating leaf placement.\n\nBEFORE YOU TRIM\nShoreline owners have a unique opportunity to directly participate in\nthe stewardship of Cayman\u2019s marine environment by understanding\nthat there are many ways that a reasonable view may be obtained\nwithout severely injuring or killing mangroves.  The heights to which\na mangrove tree may be trimmed will depend upon the species and\ncondition of the tree.  In most instances, mangroves may not be\ntrimmed lower than 6 feet in height as measured from the substrate\n(ground surface), except for certain government and utility oriented\nexemptions. Reduction in height for larger trees will need to be\nconducted in stages over several years.  Many large trees cannot\nlegally be trimmed to 6 feet; this is mainly due to the tree\u2019s pre-trim\ncanopy configuration.  In no case shall trimming result in defoliation\n(loss of most of the tree\u2019s leaves), destruction (death of part or all of\nthe tree, including roots) or removal of a mangrove.\n\nCOMPLIANCE:\nUnder the Mangrove Conservation Plan, dead mangroves and dead\nportions of living mangroves are protected to the same degree as\nliving mangroves. The dead plants and stems provide important\nhabitat and detrital material, and may only be trimmed to the same\nextent as the living mangroves.\n\nIn all cases, the applicant, permittee, landowner, and person\nperforming the trimming are jointly and severally liable for\ncomplying with the Cayman Islands Conservation Plan for\nMangroves, unless evidence indicates otherwise.  It is important for\nall parties involved to always take photos before and after any\ntrimming activities occur to document pre and post-trimming\nconditions.\n\n9\nTwo examples of  over-trimming resulting in the destruction of the red\nmangroves in these residential canals\nHedge-trimmed buttonwood and red mangrove for a view of the water\n\nTRIMMING FOR HEALTHY PLANTS\nOBJECTIVE:\nWhen trimming a branch, the desired result is a nice, clean-cut against\nthe branch side of the juncture of the branch and the limb (or trunk),\nleaving the branch collar in place. Damage to that junction will wound\nthe tree (see diagram on right).\n\nEQUIPMENT:\nTools must be clean and free of oils. It is important that the tools are\nsharp for a clean cut. The wood at the cut should be smooth, not\nfrayed. Frayed cuts may not heal properly and may be a source of\ninfection. If fraying occurs, your trimmer\u2019s tools may not be sufficiently\nsharp. Do not use pesticides or pruning paint on any cuts. Pruning paint\ncan seal in harmful fungi and bacteria and slows healing.\n\nHERBICIDES:\nHerbicides may never be used on mangroves for trimming or otherwise.\n\nTIMING:\nMangroves will only produce new leaves and fruits once or\ntwice per year. Trimming is best done during the months of October\nthrough March, when mangrove growth is somewhat slowed and the\nplant\u2019s energy demand for producing flowers and propagules is\nreduced, leaving more energy for recovery from the trimming. Don\u2019t\ntrim prior to a hurricane. The tree will need whatever leaves it can\nmaintain to generate energy for recovery. To allow for flowering and\nfruiting, and for a healthy mangrove area, regular trimming, once or\ntwice a year at the most, will reduce stress to the tree in the future,\nallow propagule production and will maintain your view.\n\nDEFOLIATION IS STRESSFUL:\nIf all or most of the leaves are trimmed off of a mangrove, its\nsurvivability is severely reduced. Red mangroves and large black\nmangroves are the most susceptible to death from defoliation. To\nprevent this from happening, it is recommended and generally required\nthat no more than 25% of the foliage is removed annually from any\ntree.\n\n10\nHealthy mangroves are more beneficial to the shoreline, fisheries, water quality, and to your landscape design than unhealthy\nmangroves that have been improperly trimmed.\nFinal appearance\nStem after\ntrimming\nBranches greater\nthan 1 inch (use\nthree cuts)\nFINAL CUT\n1st cut\n2nd cut\nCut out and\naway from the\nlarger limb or\ntrunk\nBranches less\nthan \u00bd inch\n\nTRIMMING STYLES\nWINDOWING:\nWindowing is a view through large trees that can be obtained by selective limb removal\nwithin the lower or central area of the tree. Windowing allows for a view while\nmaintaining shade, privacy, windbreak, and additional habitat for wildlife (especially\nbirds). The bottom height of a window may not be lower than 6 ft. from the substrate.\nArborists recommend that the window openings be no more than 1\/3 of the canopy for\nsmaller trees and not more than 1\/5 of the canopy of larger trees.\n\nHEDGING:\nHedging is not recommended for mature red or black mangroves. Red mangroves do\nnot sprout from older, lower branches and so can only form a hedge when young and\nlow growing. Leaf mass must remain on the tree for the tree to continue its life\nprocesses. Consider leaving some areas with uneven heights or emergent stems to\nprovide habitat and richer detrital output than flat-topped compact hedges. Alternate\ntrimming styles can provide a \u2018healthier\u2019 view.\n\nUNDERCUTTING:\nUndercutting is the trimming of the lower portion of a tree (below 6ft.). Undercutting is\nallowed, so long as defoliation of all or part of the tree does not occur, however it is not\npreferred due to the damage that can occur to mangrove propagules colonizing in that\narea. The young mangroves (<6 feet tall) may not be removed, defoliated or destroyed.\nConsider a style of trimming that can maintain leaf mass and some open canopy\n(arboreal habitat). Mangrove leaves are an important source of nutrients for the smaller\nanimals of the marine food chain, including sea grass and coral reef communities.\nLeaves that die naturally on the tree and then fall into the water are quickly\nbiodegraded and available as a food source, unlike healthy leaves cut from the tree.\nFresh cut green leaves will stay mostly intact lying on the substrate for months before\ntotal leaf breakdown. It is important to avoid frequent trimming in poorly flushed areas\n(if possible) i.e. water with poor circulation which can result in the leaves turning the\nwater anoxic (low oxygen) due to natural processes.\n\n11\nWindowed red mangrove along a residential complex\nRed mangrove hedging along landscaping at a local\ncondo\nUndercutting with red mangrove\nBefore trimming try to determine exactly where you would like a view and try to limit the trimming as much a possible.\n\nTRIMMING PRINCIPLES\n(see definitions, page 16)\n1.\nOnly trimming, not alteration, may be performed.  Defoliation is not\nallowed.  Trimming shall be staged i.e. removal of not more than\n25% of the leaves from any tree annually to prevent alteration.\n\n2.\nNo mangrove may be trimmed to less than 6 feet in height as\nmeasured from the substrate (mud).\n\n3.\nMangrove roots may not be trimmed.  Cutting mangrove roots is\nconsidered alteration and shall not be conducted without a permit.\n\n4.\nTrimming may only be done with the permission of the property\nowner. Where mangroves are growing in a Crown-owned canal, the\nCrown is the owner of the mangroves. Trimming of Crown\nmangroves requires a permit under section 20 of the National\nConservation Law, issued by the Department of Environment on\nbehalf of the National Conservation Council. Trimming on another\nperson\u2019s property is not authorised.\n\n5.\nFor shorelines greater than 150 feet, only 65% of the mangrove\narea may be trimmed. The area is determined by square feet of\nmangrove cover.\n\n12\nHedge-trimmed mangrove fringe\nMangrove hedges incorporated into a luxury home\ndevelopment in Florida\n\nRED MANGROVE TRIMMING GUIDANCE:\n\nRed mangroves are the most susceptible of the mangroves to\ndamage from severe trimming. The following principles should be\nremembered when trimming red mangroves:\n\n\u2022\nThey primarily grow from their branch tips \u201capical\nmeristems\u201d; removing most of these can kill a tree.\n\u2022\nWhen most of the leaves and apical meristems are removed,\nthe tree\u2019s survival is very doubtful because red mangroves\nlose their ability to resprout new branches from older parts\nof the tree (coppicing), especially when the diameter of the\nbranch is greater than 1\/2-1 inch thick.\n\u2022\n\u2018Topping\u2019 of red mangroves can be very damaging.\n\u2022\nThe upper 50% of the canopy of tall red mangroves should\nnot be cut (i.e. no top trimming of red mangroves).\n\u2022\nRed mangroves rarely recover from severe trimming and do\nnot resprout most trimmed branches.\n\u2022\nThey are best cut by trimming windows in the lower part of\nthe canopy, with the bottom of the window being at least 6\nft. from the substrate (mud) to prevent illegal trimming of\nyoung mangroves growing into the windowed area.\n\u2022\nCutting of the aerial\/prop roots is prohibited unless it falls\nwithin section 6 of the Mangrove Species Conservation Plan.\nThe smooth roots are readily distinguished from the stems\nwhich have obvious scar rings completely encircling them.\n\nBLACK MANGROVE TRIMMING GUIDANCE:\n\nBlack mangroves handle most trimming fairly well, however\nmature black mangroves are susceptible to excessive trimming and\ndo not recover as well as younger trees. The upper canopy of old\nmature black mangroves should not be removed to maintain the\ntree\u2019s vitality and habitat. Because black mangroves have such\nstrong, dense wood and are great wind breakers, windowing of the\nlarger diameter trees is highly recommended. Following storm\nevents, the Department has received many accounts of how\nuntrimmed red and black mangrove fringes have saved property\nowners from incurring extensive property damage. These accounts\noccur worldwide and go to show the ability of mangrove fringes in\nprotecting coastlines.\n\nSmall black mangroves are known to coppice, producing new\nshoots from the base of the tree, when trimmed, leading to a\nmultiple stemmed shrub.\n13\nSPECIES SPECIFIC TRIMMING\nHedge-trimmed red mangroves in a\ncanal\nSpecies specific guidance must be read in conjunction with the trimming principles on page 12.\nWindowing with black mangrove\n\nSPECIES SPECIFIC TRIMMING (continued)\n14\nWHITE MANGROVE TRIMMING GUIDANCE:\n\nThe white mangrove is highly tolerant of trimming, including\nhedging.  They have reserve growth capability in their\nmeristem.  The meristem is a tissue along their trunks, and\ncan provide reserve energy to help the tree recover from\ntrimming.  White mangroves can develop blocked vessels\nleaving parts of older trees weak.  When trimming white\nmangroves, trim for balance of their weight as well as how\nthey look.\n\nSpecies specific guidance must be read in conjunction with the trimming principles on page 12.\nWhite mangrove trees with two trunks and a balanced\ncanopy over a mostly white mangrove hedge\nBUTTONWOOD TRIMMING GUIDANCE:\n\nThe Buttonwood tree can reach mature heights of up to 45 feet; it\ndevelops low-hanging branches and produces small, green-colored\nspring blooms with rich-green foliage. Buttonwood is an extremely\nrobust tree and lends itself well to trimming. As it can be trimmed\nextensively and responds well to heavy pruning, it is often used in\nhedging or as a privacy screen. However, though the buttonwood\nrequires little pruning to develop a strong structure, it does\nrequire regular pruning and trimming to maintain its shape and\nhealth.\n\nButtonwood privacy hedging\n\nHere are some tips for trimming your buttonwood tree:\n\n\uf0fc\nEarly spring is the best time to prune your buttonwood\ntree to promote healthy growth throughout the year.\nWhen hedging buttonwood, make any drastic changes and\nreductions around this time, then periodically throughout\nthe growing season to maintain its desired shape.\n\n\uf0fc\nRemove any damaged or diseased branches and steams\nwith sharp sterile shears. Remove thick, lower branches\nwith a sterile saw, making one underside cut before\ncutting through the branch further out and finally making\na\nclean\nslice\ncloser\nto\nthe\nbranch\ncollar.\n\n\uf0fc\nMake flush, angular cuts to promote rapid healing. Thin\nthe interior branches of the buttonwood\u2019s densely foliated\ncanopy to increase the sun and air flow throughout the\ntree\nwhile\npromoting\nhealthy\ndevelopment.\n\n\uf0fc\nTrim back drooping and low-hanging branches to allow\nproper clearance for lawn equipment and walking traffic.\nCut back vigorously growing branches and stems to align\nthem with the buttonwood\u2019s desired shape. Remove\nunwanted suckers from the base of the tree by cutting\nthem flush at the tree\u2019s planting surface.\n\n\uf0fc\nPick up and discard all clippings and always keep the tree\u2019s\nplanting area free of debris to reduce the potential for\ndiseases. Irrigate your buttonwood tree deeply after each\npruning and trimming session to promote rapid healing.\nCease all trimming and pruning activities by midsummer to\nallow the wood to harden before the upcoming dormancy\nperiod.\n\n15\nButtonwood hedges in a residential area\nSPECIES SPECIFIC TRIMMING (continued)\nSpecies specific guidance must be read in conjunction with the trimming principles on page 12.\n\nDEFINITIONS & KEY CONTACTS\nDEFINITIONS:\n\u2022\nTrim: Means to cut mangrove branches, twigs,\nlimbs and foliage, but does not mean to remove, defoliate,\nor destroy the mangroves.\n\n\u2022\nAlter:  Human-induced removal, defoliation, or destruction\nof mangroves. Under the National Conservation Law this\nwould constitute \u201ctake\u201d of a mangrove species, which\nincludes to damage, injure or harm a species.\n\n\u2022\nDefoliate:  The removal of leaves by cutting or other\nmeans to the degree that the plant\u2019s natural functions\nhave been severely diminished or which result in the death\nof all or part of the mangrove.\n\n\u2022\nPre-trimmed height: The height of the mangroves\nimmediately prior to any trimming event, whether it is the\nfirst time trimming, staged trimming, or maintenance\ntrimming.\n\n\u2022\nMangrove:  The Mangrove Conservation Plan defines the\nword mangrove to mean any specimen of the three native\nCayman species (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans,\nLaguncularia racemosa), also known as the Red, Black, and\nWhite mangroves, and Buttonwood (Conocarpus\nerectus).  The Plan does not distinguish between living and\ndead mangroves.  Trimming regulations apply to both\nequally.\nCONTACTS:\nFor more information on designated Mangrove Buffer Zones\ncontact:\n\u2022\nDepartment of Planning:\nEMAIL: planning.dept@gov.ky\nPHONE: (345) 244 6501\n\nFor more information on mangrove trimming principles:\n\u2022\nDepartment of Environment:\nNAME: Environmental Management Unit\nEMAIL: emu.doe@gov.ky\nPHONE: (345) 949 8469\n\n16","akn_extracted_at":"2026-06-22 15:40:11.222918+00","cms_id":"2020-0169","law_type":"subordinate","year":"2020","number":"169","title":"Species Conservation Plan for Mangroves","status":"in_force"},"provenance":{"files":[{"file_id":"5271","expr_id":"366","kind":"akn_xml","filename":"2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.akn.xml","source_url":null,"storage_path":"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/working\/SUBORDINATE\/2020\/2020-0169\/2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.akn.xml","content_md5":"4b1a75d521a728cfdcddba2010d3849e","byte_size":"42081","http_last_modified":null,"fetched_at":"2026-06-22 15:40:11.375125+00"},{"file_id":"731","expr_id":"366","kind":"pristine_pdf","filename":"2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf","source_url":"\/cms\/images\/LEGISLATION\/SUBORDINATE\/2020\/2020-0169\/2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf","storage_path":"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/pristine\/SUBORDINATE\/2020\/2020-0169\/2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf","content_md5":"f74dfa3afabb0db33f78adfd199c4c98","byte_size":"3416307","http_last_modified":null,"fetched_at":"2026-06-21 23:09:36.449816+00"},{"file_id":"732","expr_id":"366","kind":"working_pdf","filename":"2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf","source_url":"\/cms\/images\/LEGISLATION\/SUBORDINATE\/2020\/2020-0169\/2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf","storage_path":"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/working\/SUBORDINATE\/2020\/2020-0169\/2020-0169_SL 169 of 2020.pdf","content_md5":"f74dfa3afabb0db33f78adfd199c4c98","byte_size":"3416307","http_last_modified":null,"fetched_at":"2026-06-21 23:09:36.449816+00"}],"paragraph_count":10,"latest_history":null},"quality":{"expr_id":"366","doc_id":"366","quality_state":"needs_review","quality_score":"85","needs_human_review":"t","deterministic_categories":"{page_header_footer_noise}","llm_categories":"{truncated_text,other}","repair_actions":"{manual_review,reextract_full_text,strip_page_furniture}","finding_severity_counts":"{\"low\": 1, \"medium\": 1}","finding_summary":"Sample shows partial truncation of the main conservation plan and inclusion of unrelated trimming guidance requiring review.","assessed_at":"2026-06-22 15:29:46.150805+00","updated_at":"2026-06-22 15:29:46.150805+00"}}