Tree Board Meeting 1/23/24

Tree Board Meeting Recap – January 23, 2024

The Montreat Tree Board convened its monthly meeting on January 23rd, focusing on several important initiatives related to the town's trees and green spaces. The meeting began with a slight delay as the board waited for all members to arrive, but ultimately covered topics ranging from potential partnerships to ongoing tree management and future leadership roles within the board itself. This recap aims to provide a clear overview of these discussions and decisions for Montreat residents.

A major point of discussion centered around a potential partnership with the Swannanoa Valley Tree Association (SVTA). The SVTA program identifies and celebrates significant trees within the Swannanoo Valley, creating a publicly accessible map highlighting these "treasure trees." Joining this association would provide Montreat with valuable educational opportunities, potential access to grant funding for tree-related projects, and positive recognition for our town's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The board agreed that before fully joining, they would need to secure permission from property owners like the Montreat MRA and College. Ultimately, the board voted to recommend that the Town Commissioners approve Montreat’s participation in the SVTA program, with Board Member Ed Kramer slated to present this proposal at the February Town Commissioners meeting.

Beyond potential partnerships, the board also reviewed ongoing efforts to manage trees within town rights-of-way. Town Manager Savannah Parrish confirmed that work is underway, beginning with the area along Great Rear and progressing from there. A discussion also arose regarding a 20-year-old tree inventory, and the possibility of investing in software to modernize data management. A resident, Mary, voiced concerns about how town rights-of-way are defined and managed, particularly when trees on private property are involved. The board acknowledged the need for clearer guidance regarding these rights-of-way, a topic they plan to revisit in future discussions.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Mary’s concerns about rights-of-way highlighted a key area for clarification. Several board members, including Mary herself, emphasized the importance of defining “public interest” when considering requests to vacate these rights-of-way. Board Member Brad expressed a desire to educate board members and foster greater collaboration within the community, while Town Manager Parrish underscored the importance of coordinating tree management efforts with other town departments.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Board Member Kramer will present the SVTA proposal to the Town Commissioners in February. The Tree Board will dedicate time at their next meeting to discuss their budget, and further explore options for providing clearer guidance on the management of town rights-of-way. Finally, Tyler will prepare draft minutes from this meeting for review and distribution. The election of board officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary) will also be held at the next meeting. This ongoing work ensures that Montreat continues to prioritize responsible tree management and preservation for years to come.