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Historic preservation commission weighs tree plan, 'Tree City' recertification and deer impacts
Summary
Commission members proposed re‑establishing Tree City status, creating an urban tree plan, promoting sapling distributions and using fencing to protect new plantings from deer; volunteers and partnerships with USU Extension were discussed.
Members discussed urban forestry as part of preservation and resiliency work, noting that trees are long‑term infrastructure that create value beyond aesthetics. Committee member (S1) framed the idea: "Aren't trees? Trees are often left out as being a vital infrastructure." The group discussed re‑establishing Tree City status, recruiting volunteers, and coordinating with the USU Extension agent (mentioned in the meeting) to provide guidance on drought‑tolerant, deer‑resistant plantings.
Practical steps included a proposed sapling sale to encourage planting and a tree‑protection program (fencing) to address deer browsing. Members cautioned that any Tree City requirements be citizen‑friendly and non‑punitive; the commission discussed whether tree work could be combined with other commission duties or reconstituted as a separate, enduring volunteer committee.
