Tree management plan aims to save as many trees as possible
SATISH MOHAN Amherst Supervisor
Imet an arborist, Jeremy Sayers, last week in a news conference called by Paul Maurer, leader of Re-Tree WNY, where he was asked, "What is the probability that the damaged trees will survive?" He said, "Trees are tough; they can't go to the doctor, so they find other ways to survive." He further added that in a storm in Rochester, 75 percent of the damaged trees revived themselves. My plan is to follow Sayers' observation and give our trees a chance.

Out of 65,000 trees that we have along our roads, 10,839 trees were damaged in the October storm. A county appointed arborist evaluated each of the damaged trees and made the following recommendations:

+ 1,097 of the damaged trees are in the high to severe risk category and are either dead or in critical condition, and

+ The remaining 9,742 trees are in no risk to moderate risk category and are in poor, fair, good or very good condition.

My plan that I will send to the Town Board and to the highway superintendent is to fell 1,097 trees that pose a safety risk and are in either dead or in critical condition, and give the rest of the 9,742 trees a chance to survive for one year or more.

I have written to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Office to extend their payment deadline from Oct. 24, 2007 to Oct. 24, 2008. Both of our U.S. senators have also written to FEMA to extend the deadline. In the next 16 months, each single tree will be evaluated for further action, and no tree will be felled just to meet FEMA's or SEMO's payment deadline.

While these 1,097 trees are being felled, we are planning the replanting of trees as soon as possible. Paul Maurer of Re-Tree WNY estimates a donation of 1,000 trees by his organization, and I will make a provision of another 1,000 trees in the 2008 budget. I have met many residents and received several phone calls, e-mails, and letters expressing concern on the felling of trees on their streets. I want to assure you that I will do all within my power as your supervisor to protect each of the trees that has the minimal chance of survival for as long as the neighbors desire. I fully realize you have grown and lived with your trees for many years, you love your trees, and they add to your property value.

I had proposed a resolution on Jan. 2, 2007 that the town's Tree Advisory Committee meet with the concerned neighbors and mail back their comments on each tree to the Highway Department. That resolution was forwarded to the highway superintendent for incorporating into his tree management policy. It has not yet been done, but my resolve to pursue your participation at every stage is stronger than it was. We will publish the trees to be felled on the town's Web site and wait for your comments.