Tree Board 11/10/25
November 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sources
Links back to the originating government site. Useful for confirming whether materials have been posted yet and for finding related documents we don't have here.
Event Recap
Montreat Tree Board Meeting Recap – November 10, 2025
The Montreat Tree Board convened on November 10, 2025, with all board members present for a productive meeting lasting from approximately 9:00 AM to 11:05 AM. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and upcoming actions for Montreat residents interested in learning more about our town's tree management efforts.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning and preparation for upcoming events and initiatives. The board formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting on October 14th, ensuring accurate records of past discussions. They finalized details for the annual Treasure Tree Walk, scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th at 3:30 PM, starting from the Nature Center. Led by Nancy Midget and Jason Nance, this walk offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Montreat’s treasured trees. The board also discussed ways to celebrate Arbor Day, potentially collaborating with the Town Council to formally proclaim it.
Several important ongoing projects were also highlighted. Elizabeth Hamilton provided an update on the hemlock restoration project, noting that Appalachian Tree Care has treated 15 at-risk trees thanks to a generous $177 donation from a resident. Discussions centered around the Tree City USA application, with Ashley Manson taking on the responsibility of coordinating efforts to gather necessary information and prepare it for review at the next meeting, with a December 31st deadline. Commissioner Blake provided an update on the SMART program, a FEMA-funded initiative focused on clearing trees from streams, and shared progress related to the Crete project and tree removal along Chapman Road.
Beyond ongoing projects, the board explored exciting potential partnerships. A promising collaboration with the American Chestnut Foundation was discussed, with Montreat potentially serving as a research site. A meeting is planned in the coming weeks to explore this opportunity further. The board also considered a partnership with the Swannanoa Valley Wild chapter to plant trees utilizing grant funding, and Ann Chesky will invite Luke from Swannanoa Valley Wild to a future meeting to discuss this possibility. Finally, the board considered participating in "Beyond the Liberty Tree," a North Carolina-wide initiative identifying landmark trees to commemorate the 250th anniversary of North Carolina.
What's Next?
Several key action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents and our town’s natural environment:
- Tree City USA Application: Ashley Manson will lead the preparation of this important application, ensuring Montreat remains recognized for its commitment to urban forestry.
- Arbor Day Celebration: Elizabeth Hamilton will investigate options for formally proclaiming Arbor Day with the Town Council.
- Partnership Discussions: Ann Chesky will invite representatives from Swannanoa Valley Wild to discuss potential tree planting opportunities.
- American Chestnut Foundation Meeting: The board will schedule a meeting to explore the potential research partnership.
- Continued Project Work: Barry will continue work on the Crete project, and Commissioner Blake will provide ongoing updates on the SMART program.
The Montreat Tree Board’s work directly contributes to preserving and enhancing our town's natural beauty, protecting vital ecosystems, and ensuring a healthy environment for all residents. Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives as they progress!