Wilson County stormwater staff approve outreach and tree-planting plans; schedule workshop and local expo outreach

Wilson County stormwater staff reported on education and tree-planting efforts and the board approved the stormwater report by voice vote during the Jan. 9 meeting.

Staff reported attending a stormwater ordinance and operating-procedures class hosted by Henry Field and CDC. They said green-energy changes would add more trees in planning for the Central Pike welcome area and announced a free-tree distribution planned for March 15; staff stated, "we'll have about 25100 available." The transcript text for the quantity is unclear and is noted as "25100" in the meeting record.

Stormwater staff also described upcoming outreach: a booth and educational materials at the Wilson Bank and Trust Builders Expo on the 7th and 8th of the month and a new streamside neighbor mailer to educate landowners on riparian management. A workshop titled "Maximizing stormwater benefits of trees" was scheduled for Jan. 15 from about 11 a.m. to noon in the courthouse conference room; staff expect the class to last roughly 45 minutes to an hour and said attendees could receive educational hours.

After the presentation, a motion to approve the stormwater report was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they would follow up on neighborhood targeting for the streamside mailer (the specific priority areas were not specified in the meeting). No regulatory changes or budget amendments were made during the meeting.

The report emphasized education and low-cost green infrastructure (tree plantings) as ways to address drainage complaints in the county, with staff noting outreach and a volunteer-oriented workshop to build local capacity.