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Tree Board hears concerns about large utility crew clearing vegetation; staff cite new clearance standards
Summary
Board members reported heavy clearing by a contractor ('Arbor Works') and damage to private land; town staff said utility clearance distances have increased for safety and fire risk and that the town had some prior notice.
Carbondale Tree Board members told the meeting they have observed extensive vegetation clearing by a contractor identified as Arbor Works, including damage to private property and heavy cutting near public areas. Board members urged better town outreach and liaison with utilities.
"It is intense. And those guys, have destroyed kind of a lot of things that I see on a regular basis," board member Joanne Tipple said, describing recent clearing work. Members said crews appeared large and were operating on private and public lands in several parts of town.
Town staff and other board members explained the broader context: state utility standards for clearance have increased in some cases (examples cited in the meeting: a move from about 8 feet to 10 feet clearance, and 15 feet near transformers) as utilities seek to reduce fire risk. Staff said the company contacted town staff to coordinate in some areas and that the town has a franchise agreement with the power companies; that agreement and trustee-level oversight are the appropriate channels for more forceful town requests about scope and technique.
Board members asked staff to prepare talking points and consider an informational notice to residents explaining why clearing is more intensive now and giving a contact for questions or complaints. They also discussed whether the board should ask the Board of Trustees to raise the town’s concerns directly with the utilities.
