Harpers Ferry council defers tree plan, agrees to study replacement at Columbia and Washington intersection

Harpers Ferry Town Council on June 9 postponed decisions on the town's 2024 tree plan and agreed to delay action on replacing a tree removed during a waterline upgrade at Columbia and Washington streets until its July meeting, asking staff and commissions for more technical information.

The action followed public comment from residents and a report from the town’s public works staff recommending against replanting at the exact footprint where the tree had stood because multiple water mains, valves and future service connections run under the right of way. "Any work on the water infrastructure that may be required in the future would likely require the subsequent removal of a tree there," the report said, and noted a 10-inch main, an 8-inch line and a 6-inch line in the immediate area.

Council members and residents said they want more information before approving removals or replacements. Several council members requested arborist assessments, photographs of listed trees, and cost and prioritization details before acting on the broader tree plan. "I did drive around. I don't think I ever saw one today…I'd like to see maybe an arborist report to see what the condition of these trees are," a councilmember said during deliberations.

Public commenters urged care in removing healthy trees and asked for replanting plans when removals are necessary. The Tree Commission told the council its work plan had been evaluated by three tree companies and that grant funding remains uncertain; the commission noted it typically prioritizes removals by risk and available funding.

Town staff recommended that the specific decision about replanting at Columbia and Washington be discussed in the context of the broader tree plan, now moved to the July meeting so the Planning Commission and Tree Commission can review the site constraints and recommend alternatives. The council voted to defer the 5f tree item and the separate 6a replacement discussion to July; the motion to postpone 5f passed and the motion to defer discussion of the Columbia/Washington replacement carried 7–0.

Council members and staff said long-term work should include a master tree plan tied to subsurface infrastructure to avoid future conflicts between trees and utilities. "A master tree plan needs to be done to say, where do we need to then take more out because it's causing problems with the pipes, or where can we replant to make sure we have the shade and urban forest that we'd love to see here," a councilmember said.

The council did not authorize planting at the Columbia and Washington spot at the June meeting; staff and the Tree Commission were directed to provide more specific information at the July meeting, including arborist assessments, photographs, and cost estimates for removal and replanting options.