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Commission explores incentives, outreach to remove invasive Callery (Bradford) pear trees
Summary
Members discussed a citizen request to organize removal of invasive Callery pear trees, including the possibility of a bounty program modeled on a Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District initiative, outreach and loanable invasive‑removal tool kits.
The Athens Shade Tree Commission discussed citizen outreach and possible incentives to remove invasive Callery (commonly sold as Bradford) pear trees from city and county properties.
Commissioners described contact from Keith Robinson, identified in the meeting as a local land manager and wildlife‑habitat manager, urging coordinated action to remove Callery pears across the city and county. Commissioners said one model is a Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District program that offers private landowners a cash payment after they remove a Callery pear and replace it with a suitable native tree, rather than supplying trees directly.
Commissioners raised practical questions about funding and jurisdiction — the Soil and Water Conservation District is a county entity while the Shade Tree Commission is a city body — and suggested possible supports such as a city tree bank or partnership to provide match funding. One commissioner recommended public education in spring when the pears are most visible and suggested a workshop on safe removal and a possible library‑style tool kit loan program for invasive removal.
Discussion only: commissioners did not adopt a formal incentive program at the meeting. Direction: commissioners said they would explore contacting the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District, investigate tree‑bank funding and consider outreach and education campaigns.
