HomeMy WebLinkAboutAd hoc Tree Committee report Lexington Tree Committee
ROLE. To promote the preservation and protection of both Public Shade Trees pursuant
to General Law Chapter 87 and certain trees on portions of private property; in
conjunction with the Tree Warden, to regulate the removal and replacement of trees in
certain circumstances; and to promote the planting and protection of trees throughout the
Town, all as stated in the Lexington Tree By-law Duties and responsibilities under the
Tree By-law include the development of rules, regulations, tree inventory, manuals and
other data, in conjunction with the Tree Warden, to carry out the purposes and intent of
the Tree By-law for approval and promulgation by the Selectmen.
APPOINTED by the Selectmen: Chair John Frey, Clerk Susan Solomon, Joanna
Griscom, Karen Longeteig, Paul Mazerall, Nell Walker, James Wood, Selectmen's
liaison Cathy Abbott, Tree Warden David Pinsonneault.
HIGHLIGHTS: After Town Meeting passed Article 34, the Tree By-law, 112 to 43 on
April 11, 2001 and after approval by the Attorney General with a minor change in late
August, the Tree By-law became effective in October 2001 On May 14, 2001 Town
Meeting passed Article 14, an appropriation of$50,000 for the planting of new trees in
Town. These articles were prepared by the Ad Hoc Tree Committee, which was
dissolved after Town Meeting 2001 On October 15 the Selectmen appointed 7 members
to the new Tree Committee, which on December 6 voted to reserve two articles on the
Town Warrant. One article, since rescinded, would have been to make minor
adjustments to the Tree By-law The other is to request$20,000 for a tree inventory
Some of the goals and objectives of the Tree Committee are as follows:
• Complete the Tree Manual as mandated by the Tree By-law for presentation to
the Selectmen the Town.
• Create a tree inventory which can be used by the Tree Warden as a
management/planning tool to ensure the systematic care and perpetuation of our
public tree resources.
• Educate the Public and raise awareness. Make the new tree by-law known and
explained. Publicize advantages of avoiding clear-cutting and eliminate
misinformation.
• Explore tree-funding possibilities.
• Work with the Lexington Field and Garden Club on future Arbor Day
celebrations.
• Maintain Lexington's Tree City USA status.
• Establish a memorial tree program for funding and planting more trees.