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State urban forester urges early involvement, training as Huber Heights weighs tree commission
Summary
Catherine, regional urban forester for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, briefed the board on tree boards, the Tree City USA recognition, and recommended early urban-forestry input in development planning and training through a Tree Commission Academy.
Catherine, the regional urban forester with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources assigned to Huber Heights, told the parks board that trees are municipal infrastructure and recommended either a proactive tree board or continued integration of tree oversight into the parks board. "They're right next to our gray infrastructure, and they are green infrastructure," she said, arguing for focused planning and management.
Catherine outlined common tree-board practices — monthly meetings, seasonal planting plans, and advisory roles — and described the Tree Commission Academy, a four-part training program that two Huber Heights residents are registered to attend. She also cautioned that late involvement in development decisions can lead to lost planting opportunities and narrow tree lawns, and she recommended including urban-forestry expertise early in planning discussions.
