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Commission to meet with mayor about tree protection ordinance; members warn of uncertain state and federal funding
Summary
Commission leaders expect to bring draft Significant Tree Ordinance (STO)/Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) to the mayor after the new fiscal year and noted potential cuts to US Forest Service and DCR grant funding that could affect local programs.
The Urban Forestry Commission said staff will refine draft language for a local Significant Tree Ordinance (STO), confirm references in the zoning code, and seek a meeting with the mayor after the start of the new fiscal year to introduce the proposal. "My goal would be to try to meet with the mayor after July, after the new fiscal year," the Tree Warden said.
Commissioners said planning staff member Carolyn will help locate all references to the STO in the zoning ordinance and that, if introduced, the proposal would be submitted as a resolution to the City Council for referral.
Separately, members reported concern about shrinking state and federal grant support for urban forestry. The Tree Warden said the U.S. Forest Service liaison for the Northeast had resigned and that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been notified that federal grant funding could be reduced, leaving some awarded grants and future solicitations in question. "There is definitely gonna be... a different playing field this coming year," the Tree Warden said.
The commission also noted it will accept a Tree City USA award at a ceremony in Malden and that the city’s planted program benefits from a built‑in municipal budget even as state and federal grants become less certain.
No ordinance was voted on at the June 4 meeting; staff will follow up with the mayor's office and report back to the commission at a future meeting.
