
fall_newsletter.pdf |
Fall 2017 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
We write to celebrate the Fall with its breathtaking presence in our trees, and to share our accomplishments since our newsletter last Spring. We are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) resource for tree-related community service in Provincetown. Protection of our community trees is the mission of Trees Provincetown. We’re thrilled with our progress, and can’t thank you enough for your enthusiasm and support for our vision and activity.
Here are the most important things we’ve done since the Spring:
We know that the simple act of caring for trees improves life on earth and in this town. It also takes a stance on climate change and what we can do about it. We’re excited about what we’re doing in our community, and thank you again for your interest and support.
With kind regards,
Margaret Murphy
Founder and President
Board Members:
Mark Collins
Zehra Khan
Tina Trudel
Board Advisors:
Tim Callis
Ken MacPhee
Barbara Rushmore
Dear Friends,
We write to celebrate the Fall with its breathtaking presence in our trees, and to share our accomplishments since our newsletter last Spring. We are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) resource for tree-related community service in Provincetown. Protection of our community trees is the mission of Trees Provincetown. We’re thrilled with our progress, and can’t thank you enough for your enthusiasm and support for our vision and activity.
Here are the most important things we’ve done since the Spring:
- Tree Bylaw. At the request of Rich Waldo, Provincetown Tree Warden, we took the lead in drafting a tree bylaw to establish standards for the planting, pruning and removal of community trees in town. The bylaw was on the April 2017 Town Warrant and passed by unanimous consent. The bylaw is now in effect. Here is a summary of the bylaw as well as its complete text. LINK. Under the bylaw It is illegal to remove certain trees in town without the Tree Warden’s approval. Please be vigilant in helping us protect against impermissible tree removals! If you see something, say something – to us or to the Tree Warden!
- Tree Advisory Group. The Tree Advisory Group has been formed at the request of Rich Waldo, Provincetown Tree Warden, to assist him in implementing the standards under the new tree bylaw. Margaret Murphy, Founder and President of Trees Provincetown, has been elected Chair of the Group. Other members include John Krajovic, representing the town’s Public Landscape Committee; Dennis Minsky, representing the town’s Open Space Committee; and Paul Kelly and Ed Dusek, community members at large.
- Tree Manual. The first order of business of the Tree Advisory Group is publication of a tree manual for trees under the Town's jurisdiction, and trees on private property whose owners wish to follow the standards we set. Trees Provincetown is taking the lead in drafting the tree manual. While this manual is intended to regulate community trees, it will contain a great deal of information about trees in general, and it can serve as a resource guide for everyone. We hope that private property owners in Provincetown find this resource as useful for trees in their yards and gardens as it will be for public shade trees and town trees. We expect to issue the manual in the Spring of 2018.
- Tree Inspection. Last summer Trees Provincetown volunteered to conduct an inspection of trees on town property that may need the attention of a certified arborist. Working with the Tree Warden, we arranged for Ken MacPhee of Bartlett Trees to accompany us on this inspection. Both Trees Provincetown and Bartlett Trees did this as a public service to Provincetown. The inspection resulted in numerous recommendations for soil care, root invigoration, pruning, pest and disease control and, in some cases, removal of trees in several high-visibility locations in town. The Town’s 2017 budget provides the funds for the work. Trees Provincetown will spend some of its own funds to enhance this effort.
- Community Center Tree Plantings. The old Community Center in Provincetown, which has been vacant for 8 years, is being converted into a shared workspace for local artists and business entrepreneurs called Provincetown Commons. In 2016 a majestic old elm on the property was removed as a hazard. To replace this beloved but bygone beauty, Trees Provincetown is planting two new Princeton elms on the property, in collaboration with the Tree Warden and the Board of Selectmen. Planting has been delayed due to the property’s redevelopment, but it will happen!
- Important New Resources On Our Website. Visit our new “Resources” page on our website to see helpful tree-related material, including lists of trees recommended for planting in Provincetown, trees that are prohibited, and trees that are salt resistant – and recommended reading for those of you interested in learning more about these awesome creatures.
We know that the simple act of caring for trees improves life on earth and in this town. It also takes a stance on climate change and what we can do about it. We’re excited about what we’re doing in our community, and thank you again for your interest and support.
With kind regards,
Margaret Murphy
Founder and President
Board Members:
Mark Collins
Zehra Khan
Tina Trudel
Board Advisors:
Tim Callis
Ken MacPhee
Barbara Rushmore