# Tree Board 07/14/26

**Body:** Town of Montreat — Tree Board
**Date:** July 13, 2026 8:00 PM EDT (2026-07-13T20:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2967

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Town of Montreat Tree Board convened on July 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 9:40 AM for a brief administrative session. The meeting focused on operational updates, financial status, and ongoing environmental projects. The Board began by reviewing and approving the minutes from the previous meeting, with Commissioner Blake noting that Tom Widmer is handling the Tree Board’s contributions to *The Montreat Minute* and will provide further updates on content and frequency.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The primary action taken during this meeting was the unanimous approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. Additionally, the Board passed a motion, moved by Speaker 5 and seconded by another member, to continue working with the American Chestnut Foundation on planting chestnut trees in Montreat, including at previously established sites. This decision was made after Speaker 6 reported that two residents who had previously objected to the project have withdrawn their opposition, thereby removing the need for Town Council intervention and allowing the Board to proceed with its authority.

**Discussion Highlights**
Several operational and environmental topics were discussed. Regarding public outreach, the Board debated setting up a literature table at the local post office. Speaker 1 raised concerns about federal regulations, stating, "I'm not certain we can put anything in the post office physically because it's a federal building... I think we have to have permission from the postmaster." The Board agreed to verify specific days and hours with the postmaster, Jordan.

On environmental matters, Speaker 6 provided an update on 15 identified hemlock trees. Fourteen have budded and are being monitored, while one high-risk tree was treated and subsequently cut down by the Mountain Resources Association (MRA) on July 4th. Speaker 6 clarified that the remaining trees are stable. Financially, Commissioner Blake reported a general balance of $400 and an earmarked balance of $817 for hemlock treatments. Blake noted that state-imposed limits restrict how much the Town can commit to future projects, emphasizing that "There are some really hard limits that they're just there. There's no moving." Speaker 1 also emphasized the importance of maintaining memberships in the Arbor Day Foundation and the Chestnut Foundation to qualify for grant money, noting, "If we're part of this, then that means we stand a better chance than people who are not."

**Community Input**
Public commenters engaged with the Board on three main issues. One commenter suggested placing a static display board at the post office after the Cottagers Meeting, prompting Speaker 1 to reiterate the need for explicit postmaster permission due to federal building regulations. Another commenter asked about procedures for fallen trees, specifically those falling into roads or on private property. Speaker 7 clarified that the county is not responsible for removing trees from private property, though Public Works may assist if a tree blocks a road. A third commenter asked for clarification on what it means for a tree to "budded." Speaker 6 explained that budding indicates the tree is alive and showing signs of life, whereas the single non-budding tree was treated and removed.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
Several members agreed to specific tasks to be completed by the next meeting:
*   **Speaker 3 (Chair)** will check with Nova and Jordan regarding specific days and hours for the post office table setup and will look for existing brochures or flyers regarding fallen trees to distribute if found.
*   **Speaker 3** will also contact Tom Widler by Thursday noon to submit the first Tree Board article for *The Montreat Minute*.
*   **Speaker 5 and Speaker 1** will review the Tree Management Guide and Rules of Procedure together, providing a draft with edits (red-line version) for Board review.
*   **Speaker 1** will distribute PDF or Word copies of the Tree Management Guide and Rules of Procedure to all Board members.
*   **Commissioner Blake** will inquire with Rachel in Town Finance regarding the location of the Tree Board’s funds in the town budget and whether there are membership dues for organizations that help secure grant money.

**Impact on Residents**
This meeting confirms that the Tree Board has the authority to proceed with the American Chestnut planting project, as prior objections have been resolved. Residents interested in tree emergencies now have clearer guidance on county responsibilities, particularly regarding private property versus public roads. The Board’s focus on maintaining organizational memberships and securing grant funding highlights ongoing efforts to support local tree health, while the review of management guides aims to ensure consistent and transparent operations for the community.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48mXFm3ayDE
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2018/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48mXFm3ayDE)