Forestation Board Meeting
Prospect Forestation Board Virtual Meeting Minutes
March 8, 2022, 2:00 pm via Webex
Present: Lee Tucci, Linda Knox, Connie Kuhn, Sylvia Quaye, Herb Shulhafer, Don Gibson, John Carter, Ron Cundiff, Linda Wardell
The minutes from February 15th were approved.
The Mayor was not available for an update.
Andrea had previously submitted a spring planting proposal for 10 trees on Sutherland Farm Road. The group approved 8 trees to fit the budget and have money for watering. It was also recommended to not use any Bald Cypress due to potential “knee” problems.
There are 6 orders for the new Canopy Tree program. The program will be reintroduced and continued in the fall. There was also discussion concerning the 20 ft. clearance and location restrictions and whether they should be revised for the future.
Watering of new trees can be a challenge for City personnel, and outside contractors may need to be considered. Andrea is getting quotes. The question was asked if money from American Rescue Funds could be used. John said yes, and recommended sending a letter to Council requesting funds as they are currently working on budget revisions. John also noted that City Hall would be open once the Covid percentage was below 5%.
In remediation, the following actions were determined:
- Sutherland Farm Road: Contact Mary Lowrey advised that the hazardous oak would be trimmed.
- 6804 Gunpowder Lane: was sent a letter in November, but the wrong tree was removed.A new request will be sent.
- 7204 Fox Harbor Road: a letter will be sent.
- 7509 Hunting Creek Drive: a letter on the three trees will be sent.
- #30 The Breakers: a letter will be sent.
- 6716 Deep Creek Drive: letter sent, owner says tree belongs to a neighbor. Lojic to be checked before further action.
Sylvia said the oak tree removed without approval at 5113 Olde Creek Way was determined to be a street tree and covered by the ordinance. The owner will be sent a letter about the unauthorized removal and a request to plant a tree rather than the alternative, which is a fine.
Linda Wardell reviewed Parks and Recreation activity to remove invasive vines, which can also negatively impact trees. She is meeting with ICF on the removal project which will start on Timber Ridge Drive. Forestation agreed to have ICF include clearing vines off trees in the proposal. Future clearing is planned for Sutherland Farm Road.
Lee also reminded the board that the Annual Tree Plan is due to City Council by the last Friday in April. Several suggestions have been submitted, but not all board members have reviewed them yet so nothing was finalized.
With City Hall reopening, meetings could go back to in-person. Sylvia suggested having a combination of in-person and Webex as virtual was much easier for her, and likely others.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:49.
The next meeting will be on April 12th.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Knox