Shade Tree Board

,'/ '~/ TREECfIYUSK City of Cleveland Shade Tree Board Meeting Date: February 23, 2016..@_12.-00_p.m. Members: Amy Banks, Dale Hughes, Dennis Epperso n, George Poe, Jr., Jo Benjamin, Ken Webb, Matt Coleman, Milan Blake, and Will Jones and Ex.Officio member John Thomason. Ple.i.se Sign·ln: (Ple.i.se Print Cle.uly) Name: Emall Address: Phone: Lf] ~- L/5$ 1 ,;; · <hm S-f:J'-_)'??; ?.. eo -9G :,-8 s- J'~ s~ ~a 7 I:, - (.J °5? j' - 7 ~2->6 ~~~..__~~~~~~--t -!-J~~~.Ja~~~~~~~~~~~~~4-----.!~:....L.; ~-S"'%'~~  Cleveland Shade Tree Board Agenda Tuesday February 23, 2016 • Call to Order • Minutes from last meeting • Urban Forester's report Old Business • Orchard Grant news • Utility insert/ March • Newspaper Article/ March: Milan st th *Due March 1 I runs March 6 • Parker Street Tree Yard Crepes/removal/replacement New Business • Worth Street Trees • Tree City Recognition/Arbor Day celebration • Crepe Myrtle information hangers? • Possible co-chair/committees • Report from members/new planting sites  TREE cm USA" Shade Tree Board Meeting Tuesday, January 26, 2016 @ 12:00 p.m. Municipal Annex Conference Room Members Present (7): Amy Banks, George Poe Jr, Ken Webb, Dale Hughes, Milan Blake, Dennis Epperson, Will Jones. Members Absent (1): Matt Coleman Others In Attendance (4): Dan Hartman, John Thomason, Dana Teasley and Beverley Lindsey. Called Meeting to Order: Amy Banks called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Waive Reading of Minutes: Jo Benjamin made the motion to approve the minutes for the October 27, 2015 meeting. Dennis Epperson seconded the motion. All in favor. None Opposed. Amy welcomed everyone. Urban Forestry 2015 Annual Report and the December 2015 Monthly Report: Dan stated that 2015 was a good year. A very productive year. • Planted 29 trees on city R.O.W and in Parks. • Planted trees from 20th Street to 17th Street. • Planted/Replaced dying trees on North Lee Highway from the Driving Range to Anatole. • Planted 24 trees at Stuart School on 22 nd Street (Kyker Bonner area). • Planted 179 in nursery. th • Planted 57 Crepe Murtles, 400 Abelia shrubs, 500 Indian Hawthorne shrubs from 25 Street median from Peerless Road to 1-75. • Distributed 300 tree seedlings to CSCC Environmental Fair. • Designated 20 Honor/Memorial trees. Also in the annual report was a list of other miscellan eous duties accomplished in 2015. Dan stated that the Forestry Division plans to plant more trees (March, 2016) the week of Spring Break. Dan also stated the Forestry Division has installed reflectors around the ash tree on Ash Drive. Dale Hughes asked Dan about the trees on North Lee Highway from Cleveland Tire to King Den on the east side. He stated they didn't look like they were doing too good. Dan stated that he is replacing the trees as they die. The west side looks better because it doesn't have powerlines, so he can plant large shade trees there. The east side has powerlines so as a rule he tries to stay with smaller trees. OLD BUSINESS: Orchard Grant Update: Dana Teasley that she has not heard anything regarding the Orchard grant. There has been no indication of yes or no. She plans to call and ask if they have made a decision on the grant. John Thomason stated that we need to know soon or we will miss prime planting season. The grant will provide approximately 50-60 seedling trees that are about 2' - 4' tall. Insert for Cleveland Utilities Utility Bill: After the meeting today, Dan and Amy will meet to discuss and choose what Arbor Day article they would like to add to the February utility bill which will go out to over 350,000 homes city/county wide. Newspaper Article Assignments: February, 2016 Dennis Epperson March, 2016 Milan Blake April, 2016 John Thomason May, 2016 George Poe June, 2016 Amy Banks July, 2016 Jo Benjamin Kyker Bonner/Westside Drive Status: Completed. Letter to Chamber/Matt - Status update: Matt Coleman was absent today. Tabled until next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Tree/yard planting on Parker - Add tree, move Crepes: Dan will take a look at this and talk to Larry Barry and report at the next meeting. Tinsley Park: A plaque has been placed at Tinsley Park to honor Mary Ruth Younger who has been credited for saving the trees at the Dog Park. Chair Nomination: Jo Benjamin and Will Jones nominated Matt Coleman. (no vote taken) George Poe and Dale Hughes nominated Amy Banks. (no vote taken) Amy stated that she would like for Matt to take the position for 2016 but since he was not here today, we will table the discussion until the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS: Milan Blake stated that he would like to thank Dan for looking at some Sycamore trees in his neighborhood on Blythe Ferry Road. Dennis Epperson will be hiring his daughter to write the article for next month titled "Crepe Murders". The article will include information about the value of the trees, the correct procedure for removing suckers from the side of the trees and what not to do ... Never top them. No further business, meeting was adjourned. Respectfully Submitted by: Beverley Lindsey The preceding minutes was made .from a taped recording and is generally an accurate account of the meeting. The audio tape recording of the minutes should be reviewed to resolve any questions concerning the accuracy ofany statement or minwes.  January 2016 Parks, Recreation & Forestry Activity Report Received citizen calls: Trees- 5 Weeds-0 Plan review -3 Parks - 2 Memorial Trees - 2 Removed - 0 trees Trimmed-4 Planted - 101 On-site inspections- 8 Storm calls - 0 Removed all leaves and debris from all pavilion gutters and roofs in Tinsley Park Installed 8 new trash containers at Mouse Creek Soccer Fields and 5 at Greenway Park Repainted Deer Park, Fletcher Park, Greenway Trailhead restrooms Urban Forester attended : Tree Board Spoke at the Chattanooga Area Landscape Professional Association conference  How to Grow a TREE CITY USK Great Tree Board BULLETIN Tree boards are an essential component of the Tree City USA program. They can be a great asset to any community that values its trees. An effective tree board can assist professional arborists and city foresters, serve as an advocate for trees, and N,54 Dr. James R. f'azio, Editor • $3.00 help residents and businesses in the community understand and appreciate the benefits of maintaining trees. A well-organized tree board provides immeasurable service to the community today and its citizens of the future. T he rising number of American communities that receive a Tree City USA award each year is a good indication of the interest that citizens and city officials h ave in the trees that grace th eir streets, parks and yards. In these progressive communities, tree planting and care is recognized as essential for protecting and enhancing investments in the green infrastructure. In all cases, tree boards play an important role. 'free boards go by many names, including commis- sions, councils and committees, but their potential for service is universal and they are needed in communities of aH sizes. Their activities range from simply conducting an Arbor Day program once a year to serving regularly as a quasi-judicial body for tree-related disputes. Importantly, . when a community is large enough to have employees to look after its tree resource, the role of a b·ee board is to compliment, not replace professional leadership. From his association with tree boards over the years, reti red community forestry administrator Roger Blanchard of Moscow, Idaho says there were many ways the board contributed to success of the urban forestry pro- gram in his city. "In my case, where I was pretty much the only staff, the board provided a great support group. If I had an issue, I cou]d take it to the board members to help me work through it. They also helped complete an inventory, develop a management plan, and develop a tree guide. There is no way I could have done these things by myself." Roger cites other functions provided by the board such as: providing advice on the general di- rection of the program; conducting outreach projects and developing good public r elations; and giving citizen 'feed- back' on what is working or what needs to be changed. An active tree board is the keystone between the citizenry on one side and elected officials and city employ- ees on the other. If you are part of a board, we hope this issue of the bulletin will help you find ways to make your group the best it can be in serving your community. If you do not have a t ree board, we hope th ese pages inspire you to become the spark that ignites act.ion. The end result of a grea.t tree boa.rd is a. great community forest. Published by @ArborDayFoundatio1r 100 Arbor Avenue • Nebraska City, NE _6841 O  Benefits of Trees Most trees and shrubs in cities or communities are planted to provide bea11tJ1 or sh11de. \Vhile these are excellent benefits, 111ood;1 plants serve many other purposes. The benefits oftrees can be grouped into social, coJJmwnll!, ent1ironmenta/, and economic categories. Social Benefits Human response to trees goes well beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, rest- ful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. We are "at home" d1ere. The calming effect or nearby m:cs and urban greening can significantly reduce workplace srress levels and farigue, calm rraflic, and even decrease the recovery time needed afrer surgery. Trees can also reduce crime. Apartmenc buildings with high levels of greenspace have lower crime rates than nearby aparc- mencs without trees. TI1e stature, strength, and endurance of trees give them a cathedral-like qualiry. Bec1use of their pocen- tial fo r long life, rrees are frequently planted as living memorials. We often become personally attached co trees thar we, or those we love, have planted. TI1e strong 1ie berwee11 people and trees is ofren evide111 whe11 community residents speak out against the removal or trees to widen streets or rally to save a particularly large or historic tree. Comnmnttl Benefits Even when located 011 a privare lot, the benefits provided by trees can reach well our into rhe surrounding comm uniry. Likewise, large- growing trees can come in conflict with utilitie.~, views, and structures char are beyond the bounds of the owner's property. With proper selection and maincenance, trees can enhance and funcrion on one property without infringing on the rights and privileges of neighbors. Cicy trees often serve several architectural and engineering function s. TI1ey provide privacy, emphasize views, or screen ouc objectionable views. They reduce glare and reAection. They direct pedestrian craflic. Trees also provide background co and soften, complement, or enhance archiccccurc. Trees bring natural elements and wildlife habicacs into urban surroundings, all of which increase che quality of life for residents or the community. Envfronmental Benefits Trees airer the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and harboring wildlife. Local climares are moderated from extreme sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deAected by leaves on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filrered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. ll1e larger the tree, ~\~·-· ,, !J.. ..:, ·~'· the greater the cooling effect. By using trees in che cities, we can moderate rhe heat-island effect caused by pave- t ,s.i!, ,. .. f ' t., 4 ..., r.~~ ~ ~,-l ·'i:,·" I · . menc and buildings in commercial areas. \'<!ind speed and direction is affected by trees. TI1e more compact the foliage on the tree or group of trees, the .,,A : more effective the windbreak. Rainfall, sleet, and hail arc absorbed or slowed by crees, providing some prorecrion ,r---,...· ~.~· 1;·~.. . -• ;1-...·· .. , for people, pets, and buildings. Trees imercepc water, sto re some of it, and reduce storm water runoff ... ../ ;- •:!; ~ Air quality is improved through the use or trees, shrubs, and curf Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates. Ra.in then washes me pollurancs to du: ground. Leaves absorb che green- house gas carbo n dioxide during photosynthesis and score carbon as growth. Leaves also absorb other air pollutants - such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide - and release oxygen. By planting trees and shrubs, we return developed areas to a more natural environment chat is attractive to birds and wildlife. Ecological cycles of plant growth, reproduction, and decom- position arc again present, born above and below ground. Natural harmony is restored to the urban environment. Economic Benefits Properry values of landscaped homes are 5 ro 20 pem:nt higher than chose of non-landscaped homes. I• Individual trees and shrubs have value, but the variabiliry of species, size, condition, and functio n makes determining their economic value difficult. 111c ccono1nic benefits of trees arc both direct and ind irect. Direct econo mic benefits are usually associated with energy costs. Air-condirio11ing costs are lower in a ~· ,..1 tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak. Trees increase in value as chey grow. Trees, as pare of a well maintained landscape, can add value to your home. ll1e indirect economic benefits of rrees within a comnrnnity are even greater. Customers pay lower elec- criciry bills when power companies build fewer new facilities to meet peak demands, use reduced amounts of fossil fuel in their fu rnaces, and use fewer measures to control air pollution. Communities can also save money if fewe r facilities must be built to control sto rmwater in the region. To the individual, these savings may seem small, but to the community as a whole, reductions in these expenses are often substantial. Trees Require an Investment Trees provide numerous aesthetic and economic benefits, but also incur some costs. Investing in a tree's maintenance will help to return che benefits you desire. ' n1c costs associated with large tree removal and replacement can be significant. In addi tion, the economic and environmental benefits produced by a young replace- mem tree are minimal when compared to those of a mature specimen. Extending the functional lifespan oflarge, mature trees with routine mainrenance can delay these expenses and maximize returns. An info rmed home owner can be responsible fo r many tree maintenance practices. Correcti ve pruning and mulching gives yo ung trees a good start. Shade trees, how- ever, quickly grow to a size that may require the services of a professional arborist. Arborists have the knowledge and equipment needed to prune, treat, fe rcilize, and otherwise maintain a large tree. Your garden center owner, universiry extension agent, community foreseer, or consulting arborist can answer questions about tree maintenance, suggest treannents, or recommend qualified arboriscs. This message is sponsored by your Cleveland Shade Tree Board The mission of the Cleveland Shade Tree Board is to promote the health, safety and public welfare in the City of Cleveland, by encouraging the planting of trees, the maintenance and protection of existing trees, and removal of dead, hazardous or diseased t rees. Cleveland 0 / 'l '-6-Utilities" Your Hometown Con11ec1io11 0201 1 ( 1998, 2004 ) International Society of Arboricuh urc. Dcvdopcd by 1hc l111crna1ional Society of Arboria,ltu rc (ISA). • no 11 · profi1 ort;on it:nion supporting tree core research •round 1hc wo rld a nd d ed icated to the care a nd preservation of sh• dc and ornamental trees. For further inform3tion , cont3C1: ISA. 1\0. Box 3 129, Champaign, IL 61826-3 129. USA. E-m• il inquiries: isa@iso-arbo r.com w,vw.is.a•arbor.com • \V\\'\v.trccsa resood.orr;  The 'Right' Board Members It has b een said that th e best way to fire someone is to not hire him or h er in t h e first place. Th e m essage in this i s that m any problems would be pre vented by takin g th e time to carefully screen candidates for any position. This is just as tru e for tree board members, especially in larger comm unities. What Expertise is Needed? I Position Description The key critei;a for being a contributing tTee board member are en thusiasm and dedication, not technical expertise. It always helps to have at least on e member Volunteer Tree Board Member who is involved in a green in dustry such as a local nursery or tree-care company, but it is even more Pleasantville, Anyplace important to have members who are willing to dedicate time and energy to attending meetings and events, sharing the work load, and compatibly interacting Gen eral Responsibilities: Serve in an advisory capacity with other members. Connection with the community to city council, assist the city forester in educational is also important. It helps if board membe1·s are effon s, plan and conduct annual Arbor Day activities , and involved in business organizations, the Garden Club, participate in special projects such as tree plantings. fraternal organizations, and others . This expands the board's networking opportunities and chances to enlist Q ua lifications: help with projects. 'l\vo ex-officio members round out the ideal board: a person from the city department • U.S. citizen and resident of t11e City of Pleasantville responsible for tree care and a member of cit-y council to • AL least some knowledge of cormnon tree species and serve as liaison. tree care Age is clearly not a criterion. Active board members • An interest in trees and how they benefit the have ranged from 16 to 86. Older members can community ?rovide perspective and inspiration. Young people are • The ability to work as a team member and actively important for new ideas and building leadership for the participate in scheduled events future. If a college is located near by, h aving a student • Willingness to commit approximately 6 hours monthly member enhances the opportunity for that institution to including one evening meeting per mont11, usually on qualify for a Tree Campus USA award. Tuesdays Diversity is another consideration. A span of backgrounds and interests enriches a tree board and helps build broad support. "\;ilhile 'quotas' ar e usually Activities: a bad idea, it does help to make sure that eth11icities Activities are variable and some depend on t11e interests of represented in the community have a place on the board members. Those of a routine nature include: board. In all cases, a sincere in terest in trees a nd how they • Assisting the city forester in developing and/or benefit the community is th e primary requirement for being a contributing board member. reviewing annually and updating as necessary a long- range plan for tl1e city's urban forest • Reviewing with the c ity forester ann ual work plans related to the urban forestry program AVolunteer's Job Description? • Advising the mayor, city council and city departments on matters concerning trees and related resources, No one would be recruited for or accept a job without a clear description of what is exp ected. A including revisions of the city tree ordinance volunteer position on a tree board is no differen t. A • Serving on an appeals panel regarding decisions to written description of the responsibilities, meeting remove or allow the rcmovaJ of trees in the city attendance and time commitment can help candidates right-of-way decide if board membership is really what they • Helping to plan and conduct an annual Arbor Day want. The description can b e very brief and needs to celebration on the last Friday of April ;', be tailored to the nature of t h e community, but the • Participating in educational campaigns that may ,• accompanying iUustration suggests one way to write include occasional school and civic organization ;,' tis helpful document. presentations , interviews with mass media, and creation of printed materials • Serving as liaison with organizations planning and conducting tree-related events or projects 2 • TREC Cm' W BlnUTlN No. H • Arbo, Oa)' Fuund:ltl<111  What ASmall Group Can Do Geraldine told us, "It a ll comes down to people with a passion for their environment and trees. People need to U rban forestry coorclinators nationwide report the envision the future and see what needs to be done to enhance same thing about tree boards - all it takes is one their community." Citing the creation of a Nature Explore 'spark plug' to get it started and get things done. So Classroom in the heart of New York City that she read it was in 1992 when a University of Maine Extension special- about in the A rbor Day newsletter, Geraldine said, "That is ist and the director of parks & cemeteries in Bath, Maine a wonderful example of what can be done when people have suggested to the city council that a tr ee board be established. enthusiasm and vision." The city officials agreed and an ad was placed in the local Enthusiasm and vision seem like the hallmarks of Bath's paper asking for volunteers. Nume1·ous citizens stepped Community Forestry Committee. And it all began with nine forward and nine were chosen to form the Bath Community volunteers. Their service has inspired community-wide Forestry Committee. app1·eciation for trees and gained the support of citizens and One of the founding members was Geralcline Coombs businesses throughout the city. who at the date of this publication was 86 years old and still very active promoting good urban forestry. "I do things other people don't have time for, and I have fun," said Geralcline in an interview. Fun is definitely part of an effective tree board, but in Bath, Maine, Geraldine and her group have worked wonders for their community. 'I\vo years after being organized, the committee arranged for a trust agreement with the city to facilitate receiving private donations and guaranteeing con- tinuous tree care into the future . A direct mail campaign is conducted every other year and residents have been generous in donating to the fund. Interest-only is used from the fund and the money helps support a full-time city arborist. Between Geraldine's committee and city arborist Thomas Hoerth, Bath developed an exemplary urban forestry pro- gram. Its activities have included: • Passage of a tree ordinance, completion of an inventory, and development of a management pla n \. • Tree planting and regular tree care, such as pruning and hazard removals • A sawmill that produces lumber for the Rotary Club that in turn sponsors the constTuction of houses by vocational education students • Receiving Tree City USA and Growth Awards Geraldine ('Gerry') Coombs, a founding member of the Bath, • A city tree nursery Maine Forestry Committee, plants an Arbor Day tree donated by the community in her honor. • Landscaping the city's beautiful parks and cemeteries, inclucling restoration of a neglected, historic park • Managing several coastal natural areas • Presenting educational programs for children and adults • Publishing a newsletter twice a year Bath, Maine is !mown as 'The City of Ships' and has a long maritime history. Worli by the local arborist and community forestry committee in recent years suggests it should be called 'The City of Ships and Trees.' 'ffiEE CITI' USA BULLETIN Ne,. 54 • Arbor Day Foundation • 3  Making it Clear - The Legal Authority Leg<1,l autfiprity for"tree boar4.s, is by charter, generally ordinf!,1J,ce, or statute, but . . ·-occasionall;Y by,executive order or other adininistrative action. However chartered, tree boards mlfSt have 're;ponsibility and authority. They must also have continuity: - Gene W. Grey A Handbook for Tree.Board Members egaJ recognition ofa tree board as part ofmunicipaJ L government helps assure that t rees will have sLanding in the community. The actions of the tree board will be taken more seriously. The most common source of this Sometimes it is helpful to also list officers r equired for any standing committees believed to be essential in the community: recognition comes as an ordinance, either a 'stand a lone' Arbor Day Committee Chair ordinance that creates the tree board, or as part of a broader Memorial Tree Committee Chair tree or community forestry ordinance. Either way, the ordinance should be written to clarify the role of the tree board, define its composition, and provide guidelines for its 0 How appointments are made and terms of office. operation. Staggered terms help ass ure continuity and term Regardless of the mechanism used t:o create a tree board, limits help provide 'new blood' on the board. An here are some provisions that should be included: example ordinance provision might state: Tree board members shall be appointed by the mayor with 0 The general purpose. An example might be: the approval of city council. Members will serve three years except that the term of two of the members appointed to the To help assure the maintenance and expansion of the city's fi rst board shall be for only one yea,: In the event that a tree canopy and the health and safe condition of trees in the vacancy shall occur during the term of any membe,; his or her community, the Pleasantville Tree Board shall advise the successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the mayor and city council regarding preservation, protection and term. Re-appointments may be made for no more than two management of the community forest, act as an appellate body consecutive terms. for licensing and/or certification pursuant lo the Community Forestry Ordinance and shall coordinate the ordinance's activities regarding public trees. 0 If t h ere ar e official qualifications for m embership, such as reside n cy, it should b e stated in the ordinance. 0 The number of members. This will vary depending on the s ize of the community, but 5 - 9 members is 0 Duties should be listed more specifically than commonly used. An odd number helps prevent tie in t h e statement of general purpose. This not only votes. The various offices within the board m ay also clarifies what t he board should do, but it. a lso limits be listed. For example : t h e extent of its official activities by what is not listed. Chair Vice Chair 0 Operational provisions include how many S ecretary, meetings are normally expected, how officers are selected, w hat constitutes a quorum, w h at records ar e required, what. ci ty staff m ay b e a ppointed for liaison or support (administrative duties), and s imilar details for g uiding the s mooth operation of the board. 0 Funding. This may range from a terse s tatement that all participan ts are volunteers and no funding will be provided, to something more h elpf~u1 s uch as t his example: ~ :,; 0 Board members serve without compensation except for ~ allowable expenses as approved by the city administrator ~ in advance. The board shall recommend an annual budget ~ to the mayor and council for operational expenses and , §. edu,cational activities. The board is authorized lo seek outside -c funding for its projects as may be approved by the council in - i -'-'--'.;:__;_c- - - - ' accordance with city policies. 4 • TR.f.E CJ1'' USA HULI.ET11" No. S4 • Arbor Oar Founcl::ition Keeping Meetings Productive Half tongue-in-cheek it has been said that the best meetings are those that don't occur. However, if tree boards are made up of enthusiastic individuals, they will have the desire to meet in order to g et things done in the community. It is important to tap this source of energy and keep it going rather than suffocate it through poorly run board meetings. Ten Commandments for Better Tree Board Meetings In the interest of keeping meetings productive and interest levels high, try these techniques. 1. Send reminders. Nothing kills productivity like 9. Summarize. At the end of the meeting, review any missing members or unfilled assignments. The a ssignments given to members and m ake certain chair or secretary shouJd email or phone member s that each h as a clear due da te. (Note: Members a few days ahead of each meeting to serve as a who habitually forget or miss deadlines are usu ally reminder. Members that are consistently absent the ones who do not take notes. If this is the case, s houJd be replaced. watch for an oppor tune time in private and suggest that it wouJd h elp if they would at least make 2. Start on time - and stay on time. Time is a notations on their agenda sheets.) person's most valuable possession. The board chair needs to respect this and clearly ask members to d o 10. End on time. Remember th e 'precious possession' like\vise. concept and recognize that board members h ave other obligations and will appreciate being sure 3. Provide for comfort. The meeting room, including they can depend on leaving at a specific tiine. chair s and room tempera ture, a re important. A pleasant, dignified m eeting room wi11 add a n ambience of importance to the t ree board's work. Beverages and treats h elp, too. 4. Have a purpose. If there is nothing to meet about, cancel the meeting! But there usually arc matters for an a ctive t ree board to address. The chair should think in advance about what specifically n eeds to be accomplished at every meeting. 5. Use an agenda. Always have a printed agenda ready at the meeting- a nd use it. Begin by asking if th ere are additional i terns and add any tha t need attention th at day. Ei th er forma lly or informally assign a time liinit to each item and us e that to comply with number 2 a bove . 6. Leaders should lead, not tahe minutes. It is th e secreta ry's job to keep the minutes. This frees the chair to conduct the meet ing and focu s on the discussions. 7. Ma.nage discussion. The chajr needs to be sensitive to the fact that some people tend to dominate discussions . It is the chair's responsibility not only to keep discussion of any item from dragging on beyond the poin t of usefulness, but to also draw out those who are more reluctant to speak up on th eir own. 8. Add variety. Board meetings will remain appealing to members if they ar c not the sa me time after time. Include in your meetings guest, speakers Good leadership is reflected in conducting meetings occasionally a nd training materia ls - especi ally in a way that tree board m embers will want to good a udio-visuals. attend. 11tE£ cm USA EUUETlNNo. S• • Arbor 0:<)' Foundation • 5  Projects Keep Interest High Productive tree boards are busy tree boards. No one wants to be part of a volunteer organization that does little or nothing. Members of tree boards are usuaUy highly motivated individuals who care about their community and their environment. And while Arbor Day - the main annual e vent for most tree boards - takes energy and creative thinking, here are some examples of other beneficial projects conducted by active tree boards. Educational Booths and Displays It is a rare tree board that does not want to educate residents about the benefits and care of trees. One way to do this is to sponsor booths at community events. The key to a good clisplay is having something large and eye-catching and then providing something of value. The 'give-away' may be )jterature about trees (See page 8), free trees, tickets for a drawing, or promotional products like sun visors, fa ns, tote bags and other useful items. C) g .,;. ":.. ;:,- ~ t::, ..~- C 1, ?o· Educational displays benefit the community and can keep board ,nembers active throughout the year planning and serving as exhibit staff. In Spoliane, Washington ae{f.), the Urban Forestry 1}·ee Committee and Urban Forestry Citizen's Advisory Committee are joined by over a dozen other orga,iizations at the Fall Leaf Festival in Finch Arboretum. The Moscow, Idaho Tree Commission (right) displays at the county fair and the summer/fall farmer's market. A popular feature at the fair is a raffle for several potted trees that are also on display. Publications and PSA's Many tree boards produce publications such as heritage tree-related needs. Other communities sometimes propagate tree maps, planting guides, and leaflets used to explain a nursery stock. prune young trees, spread mulch, and place tree orclinance, planting and pruning correctly, and s imilar in formative door knob hangers in neighborhoods . information. In Lewiston, Idaho the board went even further and created public service announcements for TV on the benefits and care of trees - including playing acting roles in Unlimited Opportunities the productions. Year-round projects a re limited only by the imagi nation and interests of the t ree board members. An annual 'brain- storming' session can produce a list of potential projects. Hands-on Projects Sometimes projects come in the form of emergencies. When Tiny LeVeta, Color ado with a population of 834, has a a tornado destroyed large numbers of trees in Windsor, Colo- :et of a tree board "that gets things done." Members not rado, the tree board took the leadership for raising money owy plant trees, they have: restored greenways and added to restore the city's tree canopy. The board then marshaled flower beds; supervised contract pruning; helped the main- volunteers fo r planting in parks and along the streets, and tenance crew chip tree br anches; sprayed a dormancy oil to eYCD helped make planting on private property easier for control elm scale; a nd shouldered the manual labor fo r other victims of the storm. 6 • nw: cm•US.I Blll.lETlN No. Si • Arbo< 0>)' Fouod:mon  Building Capacity 'Capacity' is a term h eard often these d ays in organizations of all kinds. In its social context, building capacity m eans 'maximizing possible output.' It b egins with providing the knowledge n eeded to develop competence. When competence is combined with enthusiasm it can lead to the kind of leadership that makes great tree board m embers. The Arbor Day Foundation h as long recognized the Service and developed in cooperation with the Oregon importance of developing the skills of tree board members. In Department of Forestry and Texas Agri-Life E,..-tension. 1997, under the authorship of pioneering urban forester Gene Ttee Board University is an excellent way to provide high W. Grey, A Handbook for Tree Board Members was published. quality training for both new and experienced tree board mem- In 2010, this popular publication was supplemented with a bers. The course is free and can be taken at one's own pace and new online educational opportunity - Tree Board University. with all learning materials - including helpful visual aids - This interactive course was funded by the USDA Forest provided via internet. To enroll, go to \vww.treeboardu.org. Tree Board University- Overviewof Onfine-Course -lJontenf· --...--~-~·-- -= Module 1: Tree Board 101. A discussion of the basics of what effective tree boards do and how to attain greatness through better organization and understanding of group dynamics. Module 2: Partnerships and Collaboration. This section oftbc course emphasizes the importance of partnerships, recommends those that have proven successful, and provides insights on how to make them work. Module 3: Engaging in the Political Process. The basics about local government, the role of urban forestry in the broader contex1; of state and national roles, and 'how-to'infonuatiou for promoting trees · in 'the co.rurounity. ( Module 4: Community Forestry Planning. From visioning to written plans and final evaluations, what every tree board needs to know in order to bring improvement to the community and stay on track. Module 5: Communication and Marketing. How to effectively advocate for trees, work with the mass media. and educate citizens about the important benefits provided by trees. Module 6: Financing, Budgeting, Grants, Fundraising. Great suggestions for providing the money necessary to support urban forestry. Module 7: Getting Things Done: This section ties much oftbe course content together to assure a stronger tree board, better events and successful projects. · Module 8: Moving Fonvard: The concluding module provides helpful resources and direction for 'where to go from here.' The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and National Association of Tree City USA Growth Award Stat~ Foresters. To a,chicvc_the national recogn~tion lllEE CIIT USA' ofbemg named as a l'ree City USA, a town or city Initiating training must meet four standards: for volunteers and/or Standard 1: A Tree Board or Depa1·t.ment city staff through Standard 2: A Tree Care Ordinance pnrticipat.ion in Standard 3: An Annual Community Forestry Program Standard 4: An Arbor Day Observa nce and Prnclarnation Tree Board University Each recognized community receives a Tree City USA flag, can help qualify for a \. plaque, and community ent rance s igns. 'Ibwns and cities of every Tree City USA Growth size can qualify. Tree City USA applicat ion informat ion is avail- Award. TREE CI'IY USS able from your state forester or t h e Arbor Day Foundation. TilEE COY~\ BIIUF.l'IN No. S• • Arbor D:ly Founduion • 7 More Help is Available Tree City USA Bulletin ORDER FORM Name _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ __ ontinuing education is one of the best investments C that can be made to help individuals or entire tree boards expand their knowledge and their effective- ness. Fortunately, many opportunities are available. These Organization _________ _ __ _ __ __ Address City _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ State_ _ Zip _ _ _ __ areas of improvement fall generally into two categories: (1) Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ t Issue technical knowledge about trees and their management, a nd S3.00ea (2) the social aspects of working with board members, city I. How to Prune Young Shnde Trees 1. s officials and others. 2. When a Stonn Strikes 2. Technical training about trees can come from attending 3. Resolving Tree-Sidewalk Conflicts 3. conferences and workshops. Annual regional t raining confer- 4. The Right Tree for the Right Place 4. 5. Living With Urban Soils 5. ences and a national conference sponsored by the Interna- (i. How to Hire an Arborist 6. tionaJ Society of Arboriculture (ISA) are c.xcellent ways for lay 7. How to Save Trees During Construction 7. people to join with professionals in learning more about tr ees. 8. Don't Top Trees! 8. Obtaining a preparation manual and talcing the ISA arborist 9. Writing a Municipal Tree Ordinance 9. 10. Plant Trees for America! 10. certification exam is another way t,o gain a deeper under- Jl. How to Prevent Tree/Sif,'11 Conflicts 11. standing about the technical s ide of urban forestry. Confer- 12. What City Foresters Do 12. ences such as the Arbor Day Foundation's annual Partners 13. Trees for Wildlife 13. in Community Forestry National Conference provide the best 14. How to Kill a Tree 14. way to learn about the social dimension of urba n forestry. 15. How to Recognize/Prevent Hazard 1'rccs 15. 16. How to Recycle Shade Tree Materials 16. Current information is always available at a1·borday.org. 17. How to Landscape to Save Water 17. Past issues of Tree City USA bulletins delve into both 18. Tree City USA Growth Award 18. spheres of knowledge. A binder with all issues can be an 19. How to Select and Plant a Tree 19. especially good reference and can be shared among board 20. A Systematic Approach to Building with Trees 20. 21. How Trees Can Save Energy 21. members. Reprints of each issue are a lso available at nomi- 22. 'l'ree City USA: Foundation for Better M,;t 22. nal cost. A pa rticularly helpful issue is Bulletin No. 36, How 23. How to Conduct a Street Tree Inventory 23. to Worh with Volunteers - Effectively. 24. Trees and Parking Lots 24. Another way to benefit tree board members is to periodi- 25. '!Tee Linc USA 25. 26. Understanding Landscape CulWvars 26. cally schedule a guest speaker a t tree board meetings. This 27. How to Manage Community Natural Areas 27. an be someone from a city department to help better under- 28. Placing a Value on Trees 28. .tand the perspective of engineers and planners, or it might 29. How lo P lan for Management 29. be a professor from a local university to discuss some aspect 30. Ten 'Irec Myths to 'Think About 30. of tree biology. Master Gardeners, nursery operators and 31. Tree Protection Ordinances 31. 32. Let's Stop Salt Damage 32. many others can be a source of cxcelJent local speakers. 33. How lo lnlc rpret '!Tees 33. For more information about sources that can help grow a 34. How to Fund Community Forestry 34. great tree board, please visit arborday.org/bulletins and 35. Protect Trees During Underground Work 35. click on BulJetin No. 54. 36. How to Work with Volunleers Effectively 36. 37. Plant Health Care 37. 38. The Way Trees Work 38. 39. Putting 'l'l-ccs to Work 39. 40. 'l'rees in the Riparian Zone 40. 41. Reduce Wildfire Risk 41. 42. Working With Children 42. 43. Selling 'Irec Programs 43. 44. What.Ails Your Tree? 44. 45. Trees For Beuer Streets 45. 46. Oat.a to Ad\'ocacy 46. 47. How lo Bring 'Nature Explore' to Your Community 47. 48. Teamwork Strengthens Community Forestry 48. 49. 'l'rees and the Law 49. 50. Tree Campus USA 50. 51. 1'rccs and Safety 51. 52. Malcing Good Use of Small Spaces 52. 53. What Tree is That- and Why? 53. 54. How to Grow a Great 'l'ree Board 54. - 'l~·ce City USA Annual Report TOTALS: $ Annual Friends of Tree City USA Membersh ip ..................................................$15.00 $ _ _ _ __ Whether indoors at a regular meeting or outside at a special '!'rec City USA Bulletin 3-Ring Binder......... $ 6.00 $ _ _ _ __ meeting, inviting a local expert to share his or her knowledge Co mplete Bulleti n Set, in binders ................$99.00$ _ _ _ __ 1d perspectives is a good way to increase the effectiveness of TOTAL PAYMENT:$ _ _ __ . tree boa rd. Order Tree City USA Bulletins online at urborday.org or send this form and mail with your payment to: TI·ee City USA Bulletin© 2010 Arbor Day Foundation. John E. 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