HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-10-TREE-min
Tree Committee Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2011, 7:30 AM
201 Bedford St., Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, Room 125
Attendees: John Frey(Chairman), Jewel Kuljian, Deb Mauger(Selectman's liaison),
Gerry Paul. Anne Senning, and Jim Wood. Also Jane Beswick(Commemorative Tree
Program/Friends of Trees). Absent: Dave Pinsonneault(Tree Warden), Karen Longeteig,
and Nell Walker.
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Minutes of the January 6 meeting are approved as amended. Jewel Kuljian is acting as
Scribe today.
Tree Warden Agenda Items
(Anne announced that Dave will forward data by e-mail to
the Committee as soon as possible):
Tree removal applications
a) and activity. Not reported today.
Tree Inventory and DCR grant
b). Anne reported Dave has not heard from DCR
regarding the grant. She also told us about her ongoing work as a result of meeting with
Judy Seppala. A visual mapping is in progress to indicate the location of each tree
planted with a specific assigned number. A unique number is to be assigned to each tree.
The tag placed on each tree will include this same unique number and the species in
Latin(English as space allows). This system ties to the data base for complete information
about each tree including the date planted, dbh, etc.. Setting up such a system carefully
now can provide for ease with updating in 5, 10, 15 year intervals.
Tree List for nursery planting
c).The list of trees selected by the Tree Committee at the
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January 6 meeting was reviewed(see list from minutes for January 6). After a full
discussion about the species on the list, 10 American Elm 'Valley Forge' and 10 Sweet
Gum are added to the main list. Pending availability when ordering trees from the main
list, 10 American Sycamore and 10 Carpinus caroliniana remain as alternates.
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The tree nursery planting date is April 23 at 9:00AM. backup date is May 7
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at 9:00AM.
Training volunteers to plant the saplings consistently is needed. A
demonstration as well as a drawing taken from the Tree Manual(laminated for re-use) are
techniques discussed.
Tree planting: tags; volunteers.
d) The first full harvest of 110 trees will be coming out
of the nursery for planting this year, about 55 in the spring and 55 in the fall. The
species best to plant in spring and fall along with their corresponding planting sites, using
the new planting protocol with DPW staff and volunteers is in process. Anne reiterated
the official reason for a tag on each tree is for tracking of the trees. See b) above for more
information about tagging.
Dave's successor
e). Stressing the importance of hiring a replacement for Dave as soon as
possible, advocating with the Selectmen is very important to do at this time.
Tree Bylaw. Warrant Article 31
f). Warrant Article 31 is submitted for Town Meeting.
Dave usually does the presentation at Town Meeting. Gerry is willing to prepare a
defense if needed. Anne is to speak with Dave about this topic. At the same time she
speaks with Dave she will inquire about the list
of off berm plantings including the species, date planted along with name/address of
homeowner. Jewel would like to have this information for the LFGC Native Tree
Contest.
Battle Green Master Plan: discussion with Selectmen
g). Dave's input not available on
this date. Commemorative trees for veterans is in the Battle Green Master Plan. John
would like to see “veterans and significant citizens, as approved by the Selectman”.
After more discussion, a sense of the Committee is the auuthority for selection of trees
on the Battle Green is with the Selectmen with the Tree Committee advising the
Selectmen. No vote taken.
Call from Ms. Amy Brakeman to proposed Wellesley tree bylaw.
h)John reported
that he received a phone call from Any Brakeman. Wellesley does not currently have a
tree bylaw, a surprise since this town has so many other excellent policies and
procedures. Jewel also reported that she received a phone call from Corinna Vanderspek
from the Arlington Tree Committee. She said Arlington is in the process of establishing
an off berm program. Jewel agreed to remain in contact with Corinna and send her a
copy of the letter developed for homeowners about the care of trees newly planted as well
as a copy of the “Setback Planting Agreement” in March as approved by the Selectmen.
Friends of Trees
Jane Beswick announed that Dave will be speaking to the two evening groups of the
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Lexington Field and Garden Club on February 28 at 7pm at the DPW Building, 201
Bedford St.,second floor. He will speak about “The Trees of Lexington”. All welcome.
Jewel suggested this is an opportunity to seek volunteers for planting at the Tree Nursery
this spring.
There was no remote participation or additional documentation.
Respectfully submitted,
Jewel Kuljian
Next regular scheduled meeting is March 10, 2011 at 7:30 AM at 201 Bedford St.,
Rm. 125