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Mount Vernon commission formalizes invasive-removal program, pursues grants to help homeowners
Summary
The Shade Tree and Beautification Commission voted to make its invasive-species removal work an official program to earn Tree City USA growth-award points and to pursue grants (including an International Paper application) that could fund homeowner assistance; staff reported planting about 480 trees annually and removing around 40.
The Mount Vernon Shade Tree and Beautification Commission voted to formalize its invasive-species removal activities into an official commission program to qualify for the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA "growth award" and to better position the commission to obtain outside funding.
City forester Zane Michael told the commission staff track plantings and removals and that "we plant about 480 trees a year and have removed around 40," and that the city's current canopy coverage is roughly 19% with a long-range goal of 40%. Staff said the city has applied for a grant with International Paper to assist removal of invasive Callery pear trees and to provide incentives for private homeowners, such as vouchers or low-cost replacement trees, if the homeowner commits to removing invasives.
During discussion members clarified the city's current authority: staff can remove invasives on city-owned properties and rights of way with existing funds, but private-property removals would require additional funding or grants. Staff stated a targeted commitment to remove 80 Callery pear trees a year from public property over the next 10 years and cited an inventory of about 791 such trees on city-owned property or within rights of way.
Following a motion and second, a roll-call vote was held and the chair announced the motion carried. The commission directed staff to continue pursuing grant funding and to report back with application outcomes and program details; if funding is secured, staff will develop an implementation plan for homeowner incentives and public-property removal scheduling.
