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Commission orders transplant of Elm planted without approval, leaves Ginkgo in place

Williamstown Cemetery Commission · May 28, 2026
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Summary

After the Town Tree Warden planted an Elm and a Ginkgo in East Hill without prior notice, the commission voted to have the Elm moved to the cremation garden back corner and permitted the Ginkgo to remain.

Commissioners addressed an unauthorized planting in East Hill after Town Tree Warden Rich Turner placed a bare-root Elm and a Ginkgo in cemetery planting areas without prior board approval. Commissioner Daphne Herwig moved that Turner remove the Elm near the stone wall and transplant it to the back corner of the cremation garden while allowing the Ginkgo to remain; the motion, seconded by Commissioner Matt Walker, passed unanimously.

Commissioners expressed concern about the Elm's proximity to an old stone wall and its potential mature size. Turner had apologized and indicated the trees could be moved; the board's action formalized the transplant plan and removed uncertainty about the Elm's placement. Susan Lyons said she would notify Turner of the decision and follow up on timing.