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Council authorizes application for ODNR grant to remove invasive Callery pear trees in uptown Oxford
Summary
Council authorized the city manager to apply for up to $52,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to remove and replace Callery pear trees in the uptown area; staff said the grant requires council approval because it exceeds $50,000.
Oxford City Council authorized the city manager to submit a grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for up to $52,000 to remove and replace Callery pear trees in the uptown area.
City staff said the project would remove about 40 Callery pear trees in the fall and replant with more appropriate shade trees. Staff described the pear trees as nonnative and invasive and said fall removal and replanting is preferable for survival and establishment. The grant opportunity requires council approval because it exceeds $50,000; staff said no local match is required for this particular ODNR opportunity.
A resident spoke in favor of the measure during public comment, describing the pears as “noxious” and supportive of replacement with native shade trees. Council adopted the resolution by voice vote.
If awarded, staff said removal would occur in the fall with immediate replanting. The resolution authorizes the city manager to apply for the grant and, if successful, to proceed with project implementation according to ODNR requirements.
