Tree Commission Agendas/

MANISTEE TREE COMMISSION Proposed MEETING AGENDA May 8, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Manistee City Council Chambers I. Call to Order a. Roll Call b. Approval of Agenda II. Citizen/Public Comment III. Approval of Minutes from meeting on April 17, 2023 IV. Unfinished Business a. City Tree Inventory Program Beta Test Discussion – Sam Coram V. New Business a. 2023 Manistee Plant a Tree Promotion Plan Review i. See attached from John Helge ii. Please provide feedback VI. Announcements VII. Adjournment – at or before 6:00 p.m.  2023 Manistee Plant a Tree Program Promotion and Publicity Plan 1. Has the Manistee DPW issued an RFP from contractors to provide trees and plant them? a. Based on 2022 we should expect at least a 10% increase in new trees. 2. Can we provide the same tree species options as we did in 2022? a. Is there any desire to change the tree species? b. The species currently offered were reviewed and approved by our consulting arborist Josh Shields. 3. Do we need to update our webpage for Manistee Plant a Tree? a. See below or use this link: https://www.manisteemi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4872/2022-Manistee--- Plant-a-Tree-Form 4. Can we kick off the promotion and publicity for this program on May 15, 2023? a. The Plant-a-Tree Form was featured in the Manistee News Advocate Arbor Day edition on April 28th. b. Please review and provide feedback on the proposed press release attached below. This would be sent to Manistee and Ludington papers. c. Is it OK to contact regional TV and radio stations to see if they will do a story to help promote Manistee – Plant-a-Tree? d. Would any of the current Commissioners be available to do on camera or radio interviews?  Manistee City Tree Commission Press Release Primary Contact: John Helge -Chairperson For immediate release johnmhelge@gmail.com May 15, 2023 616-915-2403 “Manistee - Plant a Tree!” Program Kickoff Announcement! Residents of the City of Manistee, situated between the sandy shore of Lake Michigan and the expansive National Forest, are fortunate to be able to enjoy these natural wonders year-round. Nature is also highlighted in the shady tree-lined streets that welcome residents and visitors alike. This “urban forest” ecosystem is just as critical to the quality of life for Manistee residents as the trees on the National Forest land. The City of Manistee is 154 years old and some of the trees shading our public streets have been here for that entire period of history. By their nature, trees in this urban environment have a life cycle that ultimately results in the need to remove them due to age, disease, or public safety. Over the past 10 years over 400 mature trees have been removed while less than 250 trees have been planted on city-owned property. The City of Manistee Tree Commission has resolved to change that ratio, but they will need the assistance of Manistee residents to achieve the goal of planting a tree for every tree that is removed. That is why they are announcing the “Manistee – Plant a Tree!” program. For a one-time fee of $50 Manistee residents can have a healthy young tree planted on city right of way land adjacent to their property. These young trees have been specifically selected to provide native species that have been proven to thrive in this specific urban environment and as they mature provide beautiful shade, seasonal color, and biodiversity. The hard work of digging the planting hole, delivering and positioning the young tree will be done for the property owner by the City contractor. The property owner will help the young tree establish itself by keeping the slow-release watering bag filled that will be provided for each new tree. Getting this same tree and planting service would cost a property owner at least $300! To participate in this program Manistee City residents should go to the Tree Commission webpage using this link: 2022-Manistee---Plant-a-Tree-Form (manisteemi.gov) and fill out the “Manistee – Plant a Tree!” selection form. Return the completed form with the $50/tree payment to the Manistee City Clerk, Manistee – Plant a Tree, 70 Maple St. Manistee, MI 49660. Please see the photos below. Consider using them as part of this press release. We would also appreciate it if you could publish the Replacement Tree Request Form in color to highlight the choices. Manistee DPW crew removing a mature diseased tree Example of a replacement tree on a Manistee street  Manistee Tree Commission Manistee – Plant a Tree Program $50/tree Watering Bag Included Location Requirements: • Must be located on City property/right of way. • Minimum three feet from sidewalk, street curb, driveway, or water line. • 30 feet from nearest tree in City property/right of way. • 30 feet from any street intersection. Please select from the tree species offered below: Red Maple Flowering Crabapple Autumn Blaze Maple Acer rubrum Malus “Prairifire” Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ Matures up to 50-60 feet high Matures to 15-20 feet high Fast growing to 30-40 feet high 40-50 feet wide canopy 15-20 feet wide canopy 20-30 feet wide canopy Number requested __________ Number requested __________ Number requested __________ Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: __________________________________ Date submitted: __________________________________ Total Fee submitted: ______________________________ After you stake out a location for your new tree/trees please call the Department of Public Works at (231) 723-7132 to approve the location. Please submit this application to the City Clerk’s Office 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660. Thank you for helping to keep Manistee green and beautiful!