Drainage System Maintenance A community can lose a portion of its drainage system conveyance or storage capacity due to dumping, debris, soil erosion and sedimentation and over growth of vegitation. When this happens, flooding occurs more frequently and reaches higher elevations, subjecting properties otherwise protected to an unnecessary risk of damage. Keep grass clippings and other debris out of storm water drainage systems to prevent clogging and loss of storm water storage and conveyance capacity. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Effective December 31, 2006, all U.S. citizens traveling by air or sea to/from the U.S. will be required to have a passport. Roof Care, Maintenance and Preservation Standards Excluding the natural aging process of the wood shake roof, we have noted a sharp decline from the original high standard of beauty that the roofs within our community have maintained in the past; the neglect has affected the overall look of our residencies. In order to address this very important matter the Architectural Review Committee has issued a roof maintainence requirement since 2000 that requires a minimum of one roof cleaning to be done within each two-year period. As mentioned before, this will exclude all wood shake roofs. On May 1st every year each HOA will provide documentation that validates that the homes in their community have met the minimum roof maintenance requirements. Problem Trees Non-native problem trees can cause conflicts when planted adjacent to or under overhead power lines. These trees may be prohibited in some municipalities. Any fast, tall-growing tree that could ultimately reach the power lines could cause a problem. Some examples include:                                             * Australian Pine                                             * Brazilian Pepper                                             * Chinese Tallow                                             * Melaleuca                                              * Ficus                                             * Tree Bamboo           Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles 1. Right Plant, Right Place Plants selected to suit a specific site will require minimal amounts of water, fertilizers and pesticides. 2. Water Efficiently Irrigate only when your lawn and landscape need water. Efficient watering is the key to a healthy Florida yard and conservation of limited resources. 3. Fertilize Appropriately Less is often better. Overuse of fertilizers can’t be hazardous to your landscape and the environment. 4. Mulch Maintaining a 2"-3" layer of mulch will help retain soil moisture, prevent erosion and suppress weeds. 5. Attract Wildlife Plants in your landscape that provides food, water and shelter will attract Florida's diverse Wildlife. 6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, beneficial organisms and the environment. 7. Recycle Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings recycled on-site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal when reused on the landscape. 8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff Water running off your landscape can carry pollutants such as soil, debris, fertilizer, gasoline and pesticides that can adversely impact water quality. Reduction of this runoff will help prevent pollution. 9. Protect the Waterfront Waterfront property, whether on a river, stream, pond, bay or beach, is very fragile and should be carefully protected to maintain freshwater and marine ecosystems.