Tree Board

Montpelier Tree Board Minutes for November 7th, 2013 Meeting: 5:30pm Memorial Room, City Hall In attendance: Geoff Beyer, Stephanie Olsen, Ken Libertoff, John Akielaszek, Jeff Schumann, and Sarah Hoffmeier With apologies: John Snell Approved October minutes John A and Stephanie reported on the 2nd annual Tree Stewards meeting that was well attended (an estimated 50‐70 people). Bill DeVos of TreeWorks spoke about an interesting technique used to estimate the amount of internal rot of a tree using resistence while injecting a long needle through the trunk. He also demonstrated using an air spade with an air compressor to expose roots without injuring them. Another guest speaker was Andrew Pleninger of Urban Forestry, LLC. Andrew went over pruning techniques and pointed out the importance of checking bud scars before pruning – 3” or more is needed to show good growth/health of the tree John A. gave an update on the Emerald Ash Borer. He, along with other volunteers, have tagged 576 ash street trees in addition to the 600 ash trees in Hubbard Park. John estimates that 20‐25 of the street trees may be misidentified (because the leaves were gone) and are box elder instead. John took his EAB info to the Tree Stewards meeting and connected with others interested in knowing more. John proposed having ash tree community walks possibly in the spring to better inform private property owners of the threat to the ash trees on their property and in their neighborhoods. John also had the idea of involving schools – getting invasive species like EAB as part of the curriculum, so young generations can take the info home to their families and be involved. John will contact schools and see about working with them. The purple insect collection trap (seen in various locations across the state) have all come up empty for EAB, but John is still confident that the pest will eventually arrive here. A question of how far the bug could travel came up and whether an experiment of creating an island of ash has been done. If we were to clear an area 2 miles around a clump of ash trees would they be protected? We discussed this concept but decided that although the maps generated by Bob Troster and John A. could be of use, there were other details such as ash trees on private property within the “removal zone” which would present legal hurdles to implementing such an experiment. It would be unlikely that a landowner would allow the removal of an otherwise healthy shade tree on their property to try to establish these “islands.” Ken gave an update on his fundraising efforts. He met with TD Bank and listed off various individuals/families that he plans to contact for soliciting funds. The group discussed setting a goal and an amount to aim for from each contributor. Geoff said grates are roughly $1200‐$1400 and guards are $400‐$600, so a goal of $5000 would cover 2 full sets of grates/guards and plantings. Ken requested letterhead, which Stephanie and Geoff said they would work on. Ideas also mentioned were to put a “thank you” on our website to those who contribute, a photo op for papers, assign givers levels, such as seen by other organizations who have ‘gold members’. We discussed using tree analogies, such as a ‘strong oak’ for a great contribution. Ken will send out an email for folks interested in helping with his efforts and will have an update at the next meeting. Geoff is checking to see if the TB is still eligible for the Global ReLEAF grant. Sarah will contact Danielle Fitzko and Kate Forrer to see if there are any other grants available. WORK DAY scheduled for Wednesday November 13 at 10am – 2pm. Meet at the bike path behind the Montpelier High School. We will have lots of help from VYCC and Youth Build to do beaver fencing. Sarah will touch base with John S to see what supplies we have and what we need to order. Volunteers should bring gloves and pliers/wire cutters if possible. Ideas to check old fencing, put up new fencing, and remove invasives during the work day along the bike path and near the Peace Park. 3 groups will likely be set up to do this. Geoff estimated that we will need 200’+ of wire fencing. Tree Board approved a $200 donation to North Branch Nature Center for nursery use. The board would like to make this an annual contribution. Jeff Shumann did not vote and pointed out that since he serves on the NBNC board that it was a conflict of interest for him to offer his opinion. He did thank the TB for the donation though saying that it is most welcomed. Sarah will take care of making sure the NBNC gets the check. Stephanie updated attendees on the nursery. She mentioned a need for taking out trees that had gone by (grown too large, dead, etc.), re‐mulching, and possibly reestablishing row 1. 9 trees which were removed recently had their holes filled in. A reminder to folks to update the Google doc spreadsheet with volunteer hours was mentioned by Sarah. She will send an email reminder with a link and try to see about removing the 2012 spreadsheet. Sarah will also set up 2014 spreadsheet before the new year. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5th, 2013 at 5:30pm.