Sadly, there hasn't been much progress recently (much being none). Also lost some stuff when my PC thought it was a good time to corrupt the hard drive. So to anwser your question, I dont know. I need a modder who has experience to help me out and convert the base I have now to a .zip file, and then I'll release it. From there updates will follow.
I'm back (sort of). I've got plenty of time right now until mid-August. However, I can't do this without a experienced modder, or just anyone who can make a mod out of a .dae file and a bunch of .dds files.
Okay my main problems are out of the way. I'll work on the tree collision this week and then there could be a temporary release.
I’d like to suggest this guide to you, mentions and solves a number of the problems you’ve mentioned. Youtube link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCh6l6gqdWwx1-HLm1JN1V7EMGPu8lwxL
I can't upload it, for copyright reasons. If you really want it, please message me. Edit: Somehow it has magically uploaded, but it does not work.