Steps to storm cleanup, tree removal have been numerous

(Editor's note: This is the third in a series of articles submitted by the Tree Advisory Committee to provide residents with ongoing information about removal and replacement of trees lost in the October 2006 storm.)

To provide an overview of the storm recovery process, the following summary looks back at completed phases of the project and forward to the work planned for the next six months.

It is important to note that the removal of debris, damage assessment, tree and stump removal, and trimming occurred in several overlapping phases during a 15-month period, subject to contractor schedules, funding, reassessments of damage and Town Board review and approval.

Damage assessment - Immediately following the storm, a total of 11,035 damaged trees were initially identified as eligible for reimbursement under the Federal Emergency Management Agency/ County contract; an additional 2,844 were damaged or dead prior to the storm.

Debris removal - Between November 2006 and January 2007, three separate stages of debris removal were completed by DRC; this included trees, limbs and brush from street and park trees as well as material from homeowners' property.

Public information seminars - On Dec. 13 and 20, 2006, and Jan. 10, 2007, the town Highway Department conducted tree seminars to inform residents about the damage and future plans for cleanup and replanting.

Arborists' reports - In February 2007, the town received the report of the arborist contracted by the county, identifying 7,995 trees with defects requiring removal or trimming; under a separate town contract, a second arborist reviewed trees identified for removal based on exposed heartwood damage to identify those that might be saved through additional trimming.

Spring cleanup - In April and May 2007, final yard waste and debris cleanup was completed by DRC; 25 elm trees were planted at nine locations with assistance from Home Depot and Re-Tree WNY.

Tree removal - In July 2007, approximately 1,200 trees were removed by the county contractor; in August 2007, based on earlier damage assessments and approval of the Town Board, an additional 1,200 trees were removed, and 1,200 more were identified as having heartwood damage. By September, approximately 3,500 trees had been removed; and in November, an additional 723 were removed. By April 24, a total of approximately 5,500 damaged and unsafe trees will have been removed under the county contract.

Stump grinding and removal - Between November 2007 and January 2008 a total of 668 stumps were removed and the sites prepared for planting; based on a new county contract, additional stump removal was begun in March.

Tree trimming - In January 2008, approximately 400 trees were trimmed and saved from removal.

Replanting - This May, spring replanting will begin. The next article in this series will address the replanting timetable, tree selection and site considerations.

For additional information regarding the recovery and replanting plan, visit the Treescape section of the town Web site: www. amherst. ny. us