# Tree Board 6/9/26

**Body:** Town of Montreat — Tree Board
**Date:** June 8, 2026 8:00 PM EDT (2026-06-08T20:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2875

## Summary

The Montreat Tree Board held its regular meeting on June 9, 2026, focusing primarily on outreach efforts and ongoing projects. While the meeting was conducted in a relaxed, conversational style, several key decisions were made that will impact how the Tree Board engages with the community and manages its initiatives. This recap summarizes those key points for Montreat residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning for the Tree Board's presence at the upcoming Cottagers Meeting on July 18th. Recognizing this event draws a large crowd (estimated at 250-300 attendees), the board agreed to actively participate, bringing informational materials like their "Treasured Tree Walk" guide and brochures on tree care and restoration. They also discussed engaging with the Summer Club programs, specifically exploring options for a display table to share information and resources. Elizabeth volunteered to connect with Jason, the program coordinator, to explore these possibilities further.

Beyond outreach, the board addressed several ongoing projects and potential collaborations. A brief update was provided on Public Works activities, including tree removal related to bridge construction, prompting a discussion about the potential impact of creek cleanup efforts on trees and vegetation. Concerns were raised regarding this, highlighting a need for careful management to protect existing flora. The board also revisited the tree planting project, which is currently awaiting approval from Town Council – a topic previously met with some neighborly disagreements. Finally, the board considered ways to connect with the "Kids in Parks" program, exploring options for displaying Tree Board information and promoting tree identification apps.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The board unanimously approved purchasing a banner featuring the words "Montreat Tree Board" to enhance their visibility at community events. Tyler will be responsible for designing the banner.  Furthermore, they decided to explore contributing an article to the *Montreat Minute*, the town's newsletter. Elizabeth will contact Commissioner Widmer to gauge his interest in publishing their content. The board also agreed to leave brochures at the post office for public access, ensuring information is readily available.

While no formal public comments were received during the meeting, discussions surrounding the tree planting project highlighted ongoing concerns from some residents. The Tree Board acknowledged these concerns and will likely address them as the project progresses through the approval process.

**Looking Ahead:** Several action items were assigned to ensure these initiatives move forward:

*   **Tyler:** Design and create the Tree Board banner.
*   **Elizabeth:** Connect with Jason (Summer Club coordinator) and Commissioner Widmer to explore outreach opportunities.
*   **Elizabeth:** Check with Savannah regarding available funds for printing and other expenses.
*   **All Board Members:** Prepare to staff the Tree Board table at the Cottagers Meeting.



The Tree Board's focus on community engagement and proactive communication demonstrates their commitment to preserving Montreat’s natural beauty. Residents can expect to see increased visibility of the Tree Board at upcoming events, and their efforts will contribute to educating our community about tree care and conservation.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSBP83jRKss
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1945/segments
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1946/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSBP83jRKss)