Tree and Vegetation Impact Assessment-Feedback
High Ridge Country Club
Tree and Vegetation Impact Analysis and Assessment
February 19, 2026
Introduction
High Ridge Country Club is located within the City of Boynton Beach, Florida. The Club address
is 2400 Hypoluxo Rd. Boynton Beach Fl, 33462. The Parcel Control Number for the subject area
of this analysis is 08-43-45-08-00-000-1000.
Currently, the Club is preparing for a renovation to the 18-hole Championship Golf Course. As
part of this renovation, modifications to the existing lakes and lake banks are being proposed.
Portions of these modifications will impact areas of the property which are designated as
Environmentally Sensitive Lands, (ESL). These ESL areas are located within the above Property
Control number area and are designated as either A Rated, or B Rated. The ‘A' rated lands are
located primarily along the eastern and southeastern portion of the High Ridge property, while the
‘B’ rated lands are found along the western and southwestern perimeters of the property.
Existing Acreages for both A and B rated areas are as follows.
ESL (A-Rated) 34.55 acres
ESL (B-Rated) 39.32 acres
The proposed acreage of impact for both A and B rated ESL areas is as follows.
Impact Area to ESL (A-Rated) 1.06 acres
Impact Area to ESL (B-Rated) 7.31 acres
Purpose
The purpose of this analysis and assessment is to review the potential tree/ vegetation impacts
of the proposed lake expansions within the above described Environmentally Sensitive Lands. As
part of this report, the health and viability of the vegetation was observed, the overall acreage of
impacts proposed, and that impact on the vegetation communities.
A tree impact plan has been provided with this document to show the areas of potential impact.
Methodology
The vegetation/ tree review and assessment was performed was a Type 1, limited visual analysis.
A field review of the proposed areas of impact was conducted in May, 2025. This review analyzed
the plant species, (both native and non native), and their overall condition. Condition was
determined by rating the trees and vegetation communities as either good, fair or poor. This
review focused specifically on the areas of potential impact within both A and B rated lands. For
purposes of this report, analyses of vegetation has been limited to discussion on native vegetation
only. Findings for these assessments are listed below.
APPROVED
Planning & Zoning
sevignyr 03/02/2026
High Ridge Country Club
Tree and Vegetation Impact Analysis
February 19, 2026
Review of Proposed Impact to ESL (A Rated Area): Total area of Impact: 1.06 Acres
Vegetation observed: (A’ Rated Environmental area)
The predominant species found within the limits of proposed impacts were as follows:
Native Vegetation
o Florida Slash Pine
o Saw Palmetto
o Cocoplum
Non-Native Vegetation
o Australian Pine
o Earleaf Acacia
o Maleleuca,
o Brazilian Pepper
o Umbrella Plant
Analysis of Native Vegetation within the limits of Proposed Impact- ESL (A Rated)
Slash Pines: The quantity of pines within proposed 1.06-acre area of impact was limited and
clustered, with a significant number of dead pines being observed The existing pines within the
proposed area of impact exhibited signs of phototropism, and were noted as having thin caliper,
and sparse, poorly developed canopies. Evidence of boring insects, such as Pine Beetle were
observed throughout the clusters of Pines, both within the proposed impact area and beyond. The
foliage on all observed pines had poor color and appeared to be in decline.
Generally, the trees appeared to lack vigor and would be classified as being in Poor condition.
Cocoplum: Cocoplum communities were noted as being limited and sparsely populated. Where
communities of Cocoplum were observed, the vegetation was observed as being thin, with
overstretched form caused by shade. Condition of these communities of shrubs would be
considered Fair.
Saw Palmetto: Areas of saw palmetto were observed, primarily at the periphery of the impacted
area and were also limited in size. The palmetto stands which were observed appeared to be thin
and scattered, but of relatively good health and condition.
Assessment of Proposed Impact to ESL (A Rated)
The proposed impacts to the ESL (A rated area), can be assessed as minimal, both in terms of
acreage, (1.06 ac), percentage of the total area (3.07% of total acreage), and in terms of
vegetation impacts. The vegetation, in particular the Slash Pines within the impact area are of
poor quality and are in decline. While the proposed area of impact contains sparse amounts of
both Cocoplum and Saw Palmetto, the impacted amount can be remediated as part of a larger
landscape planting plan to enhance both the new shoreline and surrounding area.
High Ridge Country Club
Tree and Vegetation Impact Analysis
February 19, 2026
Review of Proposed Impact to ESL (B Rated Area): Total area of Impact: 7.31 Acres
Vegetation observed: (B Rated Environmental area)
The predominant species found within the limits of proposed impacts were as follows:
Native Vegetation
o Florida Slash Pine (very limited)
o Fireflage (limited to existing pond shoreline)
o Canna (limited to existing pond shoreline)
o Duck Potato (limited to existing pond shoreline)
o Soft Stem Rush (limited to existing pond shoreline)
o Pond Apple (very limited)
Non-Native Vegetation
o Maleleuca, (Large monoculture planting)
o Brazilian Pepper
o Umbrella Plant
Analysis of Vegetation within the limits of Proposed Impact- ESL (B Rated)
The proposed area of impact is comprised predominately by a monoculture of Maleleuca. Some
Slash Pines in very limited quantity were noted along the eastern periphery of the impacted area.
Additionally, all native aquatic vegetation noted above appears to have been part of a previous
shoreline littoral planting, not a naturally occurring wetland area. Observations related to the
native plant species within the impacted area are as follows.
Slash Pine: Slash pines are found outside the impacted area and are located within a small
portion of the southeastern periphery. Clearing notes have been provided to delineate that the
clearing limits are to stop prior to the location of these pines. The Pines along the periphery of the
impacted area were noted as being of relatively good quality, with good canopy structure and
color. Observed condition of these pines was considered Good. All efforts shall be made to avoid
any impacts to native vegetation within the ESL (B Rated).
Aquatic Vegetation: As noted above, the aquatic vegetation adjacent to the impacted area
appears to have been part of a littoral shoreline planting, and not a naturally occurring wetland or
transitional area. The species observed all appeared to be in good health, with only slight signs
of chlorosis or other nutrient deficiencies. Those deficiencies were limited to the Pond Apple and
Fireflag. In general, the observed condition of the native aquatic vegetation was considered Good.
Assessment of Proposed Impact to ESL (B Rated)
The proposed impacts to the ESL (B rated area), can also be assessed as minimal. Although the
acreage of impact is both in terms of acreage, (7.31 ac), percentage of the total area (18.59% of
total acreage), and in terms of vegetation impacts. As noted above, the impact area is comprised
of Malaleuca trees, which are a class 1 prohibited exotic species. All efforts will be made to avoid
conflicts with any existing native vegetation in the vicinity of the proposed impact area within ESL
(B rated).
High Ridge Country Club
Tree and Vegetation Impact Analysis
February 19, 2026
Proposed Impacts and Compliance with the City of Boynton Beach Requirements
Based on the field observations made and a review of the acreages of both impact areas, the
proposed impacts are in compliance with current City of Boynton Beach Code guidelines and
Comprehensive Plan objectives.
As it relates to the A rated ESL, Objective 4.5 of the City of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan
states that the preservation goal is ‘to provide for the continued existence of at least 75% of the
acreage occupied by A rated Ecosystems through the long term plan horizon’. As this proposal
impacts only 3.25%, the goal of the Comprehensive Plan has been met in this case.
Further, the location of the proposed impacts ensure that the A rated and B rated lands remain in
a unified, contiguous tract.
Finally, the vegetation which is impacted in both areas, (A and B rated), is not of such quantity,
or quality that there is a risk of large disruption or damage to the existing native ecosystems in
either area. Although there are significant stands of Pines and upland vegetation communities
within both ESL areas, the proposed lake modifications do not impact those areas in any way.
Below is a tabular breakdown of the proposed acreages of impact vs. the existing acreage of both
A and B rated areas.
Proposed Tabular Data Summary
High Ridge County Club
Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Overall
Acreage
Impacted
Acreage
Percent
Impacted
Allowable
Impact by
Code
"A"
Rated 34.55 1.06 3.07% 75%
"B"
Rated 39.32 7.31 18.59% 75%
"(1) If the property proposed for development is greater than ten (10) acres, or
is a portion of a larger tract containing ten (10) or more acres of environmentally
sensitive lands designated as an "A" rated site, the developer shall be required
to preserve a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of all native plant
communities on the site in one (1) unified preserve. Habitat shall be preserved
with intact canopy, understory and ground cover.
(2) If the property proposed for development is greater than ten (10) acres and
has been designated as a "B" or "C" rated site, the developer shall be required
to preserve a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of all native plant
communities on the site. The preserve areas may be separated into micro
preserves. Habitat shall be preserved with intact canopy, understory and ground
cover."
High Ridge Country Club
Tree and Vegetation Impact Analysis
February 19, 2026
Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact me at
your convenience.
Sincerely,
Cotleur & Hearing
Gregg Byrick
Registered Landscape Architect #6667718
Certified Arborist # FL-10238A
LIAF Certified Landscape Inspector LIC# 2021-254
gbyrick@cotleur-hearing.com