Tree Board 04/14/26

Tree Board Meeting Recap: April 14, 2026 – Protecting Montreat's Urban Forest

The Town of Montreat’s Tree Board convened on April 14, 2026, for a productive meeting focused on ongoing projects and future initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing our community's valuable trees. The meeting included a review of recent activities, discussions on key projects, and consideration of how to better engage with Montreat residents.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on planning for a potential Chestnut Project Planning Program, sparked by a letter from Peggy McDonald. The board agreed to share this proposal with the Town Council to ensure alignment and manage community expectations effectively, a point strongly emphasized by Chairman Mason. Discussions also touched on the possibility of partnering with the Chestnut Foundation to offer educational programs, demonstrating a desire to expand knowledge and appreciation for these important trees within Montreat.

Beyond the Chestnut Project, the board dedicated time to reviewing the success of their recent Land Care event. Participants noted positive feedback from vendors and community members, despite some logistical challenges related to a concurrent race impacting parking. The Treasure Tree Walk was particularly well-received, and discussions are underway to explore opportunities for increased participation in future events. The board also discussed the Tree City USA application process, with Mason committing to submit it before the May 12th meeting.

Community voices were heard during the public comment portion of the meeting, with residents raising concerns about trees obstructing views and highlighting a need for better communication regarding tree board activities. A suggestion to advertise Tree Board initiatives in the Montreat Minute was well-received, reflecting a shared desire to improve transparency and engagement. The board also acknowledged the importance of addressing individual resident concerns about tree health and management, emphasizing a commitment to open dialogue.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Mason will connect with Savannah to discuss the Chestnut Project Planning Program and coordinate involvement with Town Council. Elizabeth and Mason will begin a preliminary review of the Tree Management Guide, which hasn’t been updated in years, with an eye toward presenting a report at the May 12th meeting. Kathy and Elizabeth will investigate opportunities for the Tree Board to participate in the Cottagers meeting later this summer, potentially offering educational programs. Finally, all board members were asked to be on the lookout for potential tree nominations and relay them to Savannah. Barry and Daniel are continuing their work on the hemlock restoration inventory, identifying trees needing critical treatment.

This meeting underscored the Tree Board's dedication to maintaining Montreat’s beautiful and healthy urban forest. By actively engaging with residents, collaborating with town officials, and pursuing strategic planning initiatives like the Chestnut Project and guide review, the Tree Board is working to ensure that Montreat’s trees continue to thrive for generations to come.