Committee proposes River Street tree program and seeks community input on replacements

The River Street Ad Hoc Committee reviewed a draft "River Street Tree Program" on June 25 that recommends replacing any tree removed or damaged by the reconstruction work and offering one professionally‑installed planter‑strip tree to River Street property owners who request one. Jim Tolt read the draft to the committee and framed the program as a way to maintain canopy, shade and neighborhood character while the project proceeds.

"The River Street Tree Program is designed to preserve and enhance urban forest along River Street while supporting the city's goals for a vibrant, pedestrian friendly, and environmentally resilient neighborhood," Tolt read from the draft. The program draft recommends planting with subsurface root barriers, using Gator bags or equivalent for early watering, and providing roughly four years of professionally contracted maintenance to support establishment.

Committee members discussed species selection, trunk caliper and supply logistics. The committee asked for a focused, project‑specific pick list (power‑line friendly small trees for the east side and medium/tall trees for the west side were suggested) and requested members email a short list of preferred species for a mock‑up. Staff and members discussed sourcing larger caliper stock (3–4‑in caliper) where budget and nursery supply permit, and noted possible subsidized options through community forestry programs.

On schedule, the committee set July 2 as the deadline for member tree suggestions, asked staff to return a short mock‑up showing how selected species would appear in a typical corridor section, and set follow‑up review for July 16. The committee emphasized that while some existing trees may be retained where the design allows, significant removals are possible in tight intersection areas; the draft program aims to assure replacement, better long‑term root management and a coordinated maintenance plan.