Greenwood Tree Board announces Arbor Day poster contest winners; Greenwood, MI

Greenwood Commonwealth > Archives > Lifestyle > Features > Trees are terrific:
When we think about what trees do for people most of us think about the shade they provide on a hot sunny day or a place to hang a swing for playtime.

As fifth-graders at Greenwood schools learned this Arbor Day, trees do more for us and our environment than we can merely see, such as absorbing carbon dioxide, making oxygen and cooling the air.

The Greenwood Tree Board recognized the environmentally conscious occasion by visiting those students to remind them of the importance of urban forestry and promote the annual fifth-grade poster contest.

Sackets Harbor offering four kinds of trees for sale as part of fundraiser; Sackets Harbor, NY

Watertown Daily Times Sackets Harbor offering four kinds of trees for sale as part of fundraiser:
Northern red oaks, swamp white oaks, Eastern redbuds and sugar maples will start to help shade and beautify the village as soon as the ground thaws.
The village tree committee has launched a tree fundraiser in an effort to build up the committee's fund balance and is offering for sale a selection of four different kinds of trees.
'Anyone can buy the trees,' said Kelly E. Reinhardt, chairwoman of the committee. 'The trees are easy to plant and will reach the height of surrounding trees quickly. The trees are good for maintaining temperature in the summer and they can increase property value.'
In previous years, the committee has planted trees in the village-owned margins of residents' front yards, free of charge, for people who requested them, she said.

City seeks new members for Tree Advisory Committee; Grants Pass, OR

City of Grants Pass : What's New:
Urban Tree Advisory Accepting Applications
Closure Date: February 26, 2010
Posted Date: 2/19/2010
Applications are STILL being accepted to serve on the Urban Tree Advisory Committee for the City of Grants Pass. There are two (2) positions open due to terms that expire February 18, 2010. Applications for this Committee must be received no later than February 26, 2010.
For further information, please call Janet at 474-6360 ext. 6412.
ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
For a detailed description about the type, purpose, terms and special qualifications of the committees/commissions you may obtain an application packet at City Administration Office, 101 NW 'A' Street or select Committee Application Packet.

Rebuilding Cazenovia’s Tree Canopy; Cazenovia, NY

Rebuilding Cazenovia’s Tree Canopy « Cazenovia Pilot:
With spring just around the corner, the Village of Cazenovia Tree Commission is gearing up for the season by inviting the public to the Cazenovia Canopy Workshop Presentation to be held in the community room of the Cazenovia Public Library on March 27 at 10:15 a.m.
The Tree Commission was formed two years ago with the mission to preserve, protect and enhance the tree population as an important community asset contributing to the scenic beauty, health and environment of Cazenovia. Since then, the Commission has taken specific actions to achieve this mission. These actions include developing a list of optimal tree species, creating a comprehensive tree inventory, engaging village home-owners regarding tree care and replacement adjacent to their properties, and planting a variety of new trees from Lakeland Park to the Burton Street ball park and on many streets in between.

City looking for interested parties to fill two vacancies on Urban Tree Advisory Committee; Grants Pass, OR

City of Grants Pass : What's New:
Applications are now being accepted to serve on the Urban Tree Advisory Committee for the City of Grants Pass. There are two (2) positions open due to terms that expire February 18, 2010. Applications for this Committee must be received no later than February 9, 2010.
For further information, please call Janet at 474-6360 ext. 6412.
ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Proposed budget cuts to impact tree maintenance, permit response times; Portland, OR

Proposed budget cuts to impact tree maintenance Growth Rings:
Last Thursday in the Lovejoy Room at city hall, the Urban Forestry Commission was briefed on almost $250,000 in proposed tree-related budget cuts facing the Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R).
As stated in a letter written by parks director Zari Santner that outlines all of the cuts, PP&R is prepared to cut four percent of its annual budget, or $1.7 million, as directed by the city council.

Sidewalk replacement practices questioned by tree group; Rutherford, NJ

NorthJersey.com: Sidewalk replacement questioned by tree group:
In the Boro of Trees, when a tree falls, people take notice.
On Dec. 29, a large tree on Wheaton Place in Rutherford fell due to high winds and a damaged root system. The tree took power lines and a telephone pole with it when it went down; the fallen pole landed on a car, blasting out the back window and damaging the rear of the vehicle.
The fallen tree has caused some residents to question the process of replacing sidewalks adjacent to large trees, and believe trimming or cutting the roots of those trees causes them to topple down much easier.
The Botti and Briscione families, who both live on Wheaton Place, were affected by the fallen tree. The Botti family lives across the street from the now-uprooted tree, and the tree crashed down inches from their doorstep.
When the tree hit a power line, it caused the pole in front of the Brisciones' to crash down on Emma Briscione's car. Emma had just been out and had exited her car minutes before the tree and the power line went down.
'We feel really lucky,' said Ed Briscione.

ALCOA and IN DNR partner to fund replacement of six ash with 17 new trees of other species; Greencastle, IN

Greencastle Banner-Graphic: Local News: Greencastle Parks Department completes tree planting grant: GREENCASTLE -- Because urban and community forests can make a difference in our lives and replenishing the tree cover within the municipal parks system is a high priority for the City of Greencastle, is what led the City of Greencastle Tree Board, Board of Park Commissioners and the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department to apply for the ALCOA/DNR Community and Urban Forestry Tree Planting Partnership Grant.
Due to a generous grant from the ALCOA Foundation, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources -- Division of Forestry created the community tree planting partnership to assist municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to purchase and plant trees on public property.

ConnDOT Commissioner takes Tree Alliance's complaints about Merritt Parkway tree-cutting under advisement; Wilton, CT

Tree Alliance joins fight against Merritt tree-cutting - Wilton News - Wilton Villager - Wilton's Newspaper: "The Norwalk Tree Alliance has joined the effort to get the state Department of Transportation to trim back its tree cutting along the Merritt Parkway.

The Tree Alliance, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote Norwalk's urban forest canopy, expressed its position in an e-mail to ConnDOT Commissioner Joseph F. Marie and other state officials. Marie has taken the conservancy's concerns under advisement, according to the alliance.

Dave Tracy, the president of the Tree Alliance, told Marie that 'the irreparable cutting down of trees is removing the defining elements of the parkway,' according to a statement released by the alliance.

Tracy asked ConnDOT to work with the Merritt Parkway Conservancy and 'professional consultants to replant the appropriate trees and shrubs to restore the parkway's unique bucolic character which he reported has already been damaged in Fairfield and Trumbull.'"

Tree Alliance joins fight against DOT's Merritt Parkway tree-cutting; Norwalk, CT

Tree Alliance joins fight against Merritt tree-cutting – Wilton Villager CT Environmental Headlines: NORWALK — The Norwalk Tree Alliance has joined the effort to get the state Department of Transportation to trim back its tree cutting along the Merritt Parkway. The Tree Alliance, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote Norwalk’s urban forest canopy, expressed its position in an e-mail to ConnDOT Commissioner Joseph F. Marie and other state officials.

Panel's recommendations for trees call for inventory, increased diversity, and establishment of advisory board; Fort Wayne, IN

Diversify city__8217_s trees_ panel urges The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.:
Mayor Tom Henry wants the city to take steps to protect its large tree canopy, but protecting thousands of trees will not be cheap.
The mayor’s tree commission, established on Arbor Day in April, released recommendations last week for improving the city’s forestry program.
The recommendations include conducting a study to collect an inventory on all the trees in the city, increase the diversity of trees and establish an ongoing tree advisory board.
Al Moll, city director of parks, served on the committee and plans to present the recommendations to the parks board next week. He said the next step will be critical: devising a plan to implement the recommendations and determine the costs.

Tree lovers get grants for landscaping and new trees; Houma, LA

Tree lovers get grants for landscaping and new trees HoumaToday.com The Courier Houma, LA: HOUMA — Local tree advocates received two grants this month that will add more trees to the parish and more landscaping to downtown Houma.
One is a $5,000 grant to create a landscape plan for downtown Houma, and the other is a donation of 100 trees for the parish's streets and parks.
The Apache Foundation awarded the Terrebonne Tree Board 100 five-gallon trees — a mixture of Savannah hollies, American hollies and crape myrtles — that will be planted along boulevards, streets and parks, said Sybil Guidry, Tree Board chairwoman.
“We are excited to get these trees into the ground as the planting season begins. We feel like these trees will go a long way in restoring the urban and rural canopy in the parish,” Guidry said.

Blogger reports Richmond council considering Urban Forestry Commission ordinance; Richmond, VA

Oregon Hill » Urban Forestry Commission moves forward - Richmond, Virginia:
Does Richmond Need a Citizen Tree Commission?
Information about Ordinance 2009-174
Council representative, Chris Hilbert, has introduced an ordinance to establish a citizen tree commission to be called the Urban Forestry Commission, to reflect the broad vision for the group. The purpose is to improve the City’s urban forestry resources through policy development, advise, education and fundraising. Key responsibilities include:
Serve as an advisory body to Council regarding legislation and policies regarding public trees.
Facilitate the development and passage of a tree maintenance and management plan for City-owned trees.
Assist with public relations and education programs to increase public understanding of urban forestry issues.
Conduct fundraising for city tree projects.

City Councilmember urges public to apply for a seat on city Urban Forest Commission; Seattle, WA

Apply for Urban Forest Commission West Seattle Herald:
Apply for Urban Forest Commission
By City Council member Nick Licata
August 31, 2009
(Editor's note: The following article appears originally in Seattle City Council member Nick Licata's newsletter 'Urban Politics.')

The city is currently seeking members to serve on the Urban Forestry Commission. Background on the urban forest, related legislation and a description of the duties and membership positions of the Urban Forestry Commission are included below. Information on how to apply is provided at the end of this newsletter.

Grant, stimulus funds help tree commission pay for UTC enhancements; Clarks Summit, PA

Clarks Summit Receiving More Than 150 New Trees
(Source: The Times-Tribune) By Erin L. Nissley, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Aug. 28--More than 150 new trees will be planted in Clarks Summit starting this fall, but officials say they will need help getting them in the ground.
The Clarks Summit Shade Tree Commission will use a $14,000 grant to buy 69 trees to plant along Routes 6 and 11 from Abington Plaza to Grove Street, according to commission president Donna Zagrapan.
'That's the gateway to the community, people's first impression,' she said. 'That area is looking a little tired.'
In addition, the commission plans to plant 90 trees -- some weighing more than 300 pounds -- for the area around Hemlock Park, using federal stimulus money. Ms. Zagrapan also hopes the commission will obtain a third grant through the state forestry commission to buy another 20 trees.

City gets Tree City USA recognition, hosts regional shade tree commission meeting in new park; Wilkes-Barre, PA

River Common attracts tree lovers Wilkes-Barre News The Times Leader:
Park, W-B’s designation as Tree City USA catch interest of NEPA tree association.
By Rory Sweeney rsweeney@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
WILKES-BARRE – The River Common park has caught the eye of tree lovers who are coming to the city Friday for the summer meeting of the Northeast Pennsylvania Community Tree Association.
The association, a collection of regional shade-tree commissions and others interested in urban greenery, chose Wilkes-Barre for its annual summer meeting because of the new riverside park and the city’s recent designation as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city has planted more than 400 trees in the past five years, according to the association.

City identifies UTC protection as core community value, gives Tree Commission greater role in city affairs; St. Augustine, FL

Tree committee gains greater role : St. Augustine Local News - Historic City News
Tree committee gains greater role
August 25, 2009
Four citizen members of the city’s Street Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) successfully made their case Monday for greater recognition, more frequent meetings, and less city staff on the board.Gina Burrell, Sally Ann Freeman, Robin Nadeau, and Chuck Lippi pleaded with commissioners to make STAC a commission - rather than a staff - advisory committee, create a landscape beautification subcommittee, and develop a five-year beautification plan for the city’s entrance corridors.
“We just don’t meet,” Lippi, a certified arborist, told commissioners, noting the committee’s last meeting was nine months ago.
City Chief Operations Officer John Regan responded, “Protecting our tree canopy is a core value of our community. But they’re not going to be able to work effectively as a Sunshine committee (if appointed by the commission)."

Volunteer city forester keeps city's trees in shape, chairs Shade Tree Commission; Scranton, PA

City forester chiefly responsible for trees lining Scranton's streets - The Times-Tribune
BY JEREMY G. BURTON (STAFF WRITER)
Published: May 27, 2009
Tony Santoli reaches into the rotting trunk of a pin oak tree at Nay Aug Park and digs his fingers into the loose wood.
Even though the tree offers a shady canopy of brilliant green, a fungus is eating away at its base.
Mr. Santoli said the oak could easily topple in a storm or high winds, but that's what people don't understand - just because a tree has leaves doesn't mean it is healthy, sturdy or safe.
For Mr. Santoli, another spring means another season of trimmings, cuttings and plantings. In seven years as city forester, as Scranton has pushed to revitalize its greenspace, Mr. Santoli has often been instrumental behind the scenes.

Brattleboro walk features 'treasured trees'; Brattleboro, VT

Brattleboro walk features 'treasured trees' - Brattleboro Reformer:
By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff
Friday, May 22
BRATTLEBORO -- One would think that a road named Oak Street would be lined with oak trees. But in fact, there are only two oak trees left on Oak Street, one of them in the yard of Martha and Tim O'Connor.
At one time, Oak Street was lined with elm and oak trees, said Tim O'Connor.
But the elms succumbed to disease and most of the oaks were felled to make room for sidewalks, he said.
The Treasured Tree Project, which was undertaken by the Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee, was developed to highlight trees around town such as the O'Connors' oak.
The committee designed a map for area residents and visitors that leads them on a 2.25-mile stroll to look at 22 trees, called the Treasured Tree Walk. The members of the Tree Advisory Committee spent two years on the project.
People in the community submitted nominations for trees they thought should be included in the map, said Lynn Levine, project manager.

Severe pruning of red oak inspires resident to form tree preservation group; Grimsby, Ontario, Canada

NiagaraThisWeek.com: News: Communities: Grimsby: Story: Grimsby woman aims to start tree preservation group: "Grimsby woman aims to start tree preservation group
By Amanda Street/Staff, Niagra This Week
Grimsby
May 11, 2009
It was the loss of a historic tree from a Grimsby neighbourhood that set June Vansickle on the path of environmental protection.
On March 19, a red oak tree was trimmed of its branches and limbs as Vansickle watched, horrified. The town decided the tree, which had already lost a number of large limbs, was too much of a liability with a schoolyard nearby. After a number of studies by a contracted arborist, the top half of the tree was taken down, it’s pedestal left as a habitat for squirrels, raccoons and birds.
Vansickle wasn’t impressed with the tree cutting and contacted The News about getting the word out on a petition she had started calling for more measures to be taken for tree preservation. Since that story appeared, Vansickle has spoken with many residents over concerns of development, greenspace preservation and most of all, trees. After discovering a number of residents share her concerns, Vansickle is ready to take the next step – forming a citizens group."