HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Summary Report - Tree Advisory Board
2010 Summary Report – Bozeman Tree Advisory Board
2/16/2011 submitted by Mary Keck, chairperson
The year started off with the approval of the Tree Advisory Board Bylaws, followed by the highlight: the
printing and distribution of the revised Tree Guide. The Tree Guide was shared with the City of
Belgrade’s tree board for use as a template. Work began in earnest on the City Tree Master Plan.
Winter kill of green ash trees was significant across the state. Due to sudden cold temperatures in October
of 2009 many trees were killed or had significant crown dieback in 2010. Some affected trees eventually
leafed out. This coming spring will reveal the full extent of the damage.
Due to this event and the economic downturn the Cost Share Tree planting program fee was reduced to
$50 to encourage continued interest and the replacement voucher coupons were increased to $100. All
program trees were planted and the tree planting budget for 2011 will be increased to respond to the ash
kill. A Free Trees for New Construction program was also trialed.
Insect and disease infestations remain at the forefront of urban forest threats. Dutch elm disease has
arrived in Livingston and city forestry has been responding to potential cases in Bozeman. The state
DNRC continues to survey for Emerald Ash borer with traps in our city parks. The Mountain Pine Beetle
has moved into some spruce trees and pheromone patches were placed to protect trees where possible.
The tree board commends and supports the city forestry department for their education efforts about these
threats which affect the entire urban forest whether on public or private land.
Tree planting took place for Arbor Day at Longfellow School and Valley Unit Park. An Arbor Day PSA
was produced by the tree board, as well as the re-airing of a PSA promoting the planting of live Christmas
trees.
Other tree board activity for 2010:
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The board submitted a letter to the city commission regarding water conservation and the current
UDO. The planning department will address these concerns in the next revision.
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One board member attended the Small Town Tree Board retreat in Townsend and gathered ideas on
volunteer recruitment, grant availability, and community involvement.
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An overview of Montana State University’s forest was given by a board member. We learned a
Landscape Master Plan is in the works, and about the various entities and budget complexities that
are involved. Over 300 trees have been removed in recent years due to insect/disease and
construction. Fewer than 75 have been newly planted. Continued coordination with MSU is a priority
with the board, as the city-campus interface is important component of our urban forest.
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A presentation was given by city forestry staff on the new tree inventory which is in progress and the
board provided input on the data being gathered.
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The board considered future fundraising capabilities, the development of a tree walk in coordination
with the Sweet Pea festival, and the planting of a new tree in front of the blast site downtown.
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The informal assignment of Tree Board liaisons to related advisory boards was established.