Fryeburg committee to help draft town tree-protection ordinance, eyes Project Canopy grant

The Fryeburg Conservation Committee agreed April 6 to help the Fryeburg Tree Advisory Committee draft a town ordinance to protect trees, with Greg HuangDale designated to represent the Tree Advisory Committee in the effort.

Committee members outlined core elements they want the ordinance to address: a permit process for removing trees, clear assignment of responsibility for trees on private versus public land, designation and protection of significant or heritage trees (an elm was cited as an example), requirements for replacement plantings, and creation of a small fund to pay for care and restoration. Members said the Tree Warden is focused on identifying trees that need removal and is not providing broader management planning support.

The committee also discussed seeking outside expertise. Members recommended an arborist-led inventory and an assessment of town-owned forested parcels to inform a long-term management plan rather than relying solely on ad hoc removals. The committee flagged Project Canopy — a grant opportunity with applications due in October — as a possible source of funding for an assessment and for replanting work.

No formal vote on ordinance language was recorded at the meeting; committee members agreed to coordinate with the Tree Advisory Committee and to begin drafting language and work plans ahead of the grant deadline. The Fryeburg Conservation Committee said it will consider timeline and staffing needs at a future meeting.