Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin noted this morning’s “06880” story on trees with interest. She writes:
Westport does not have regulations protecting mature trees. However, the P&Z — via its Regulations Revision Subcommittee — is working to change this.
The Subcommittee met on this issue in early December. They’re drafting a regulation to protect mature trees in the setbacks, stop the wholesale clear cutting of properties, and ensure that when mature trees are removed, new trees are planted.
Provisions will be made for immediate removal of a tree if there is a safety issue.
The Regulations Revision Subcommittee will take this up again in January. I hope interested residents, and builders, will join the conversation
Click here for a Westport News story about the early December meeting.
Trees cut on Prospect Road, in preparation for a new house.
In other tree news, Westport Journal reports that tree warden Bruce Lindsay will be replaced on January 1 by Ben Sykas. Click here for the full story.
Over the years, “06880” has reported on too many tree removal stories.
This is not one of those.
Over the past months, there’s been an effort in town to improve the intersections and cross streets on Myrtle Avenue.
One victim of this modernization project was to be the island in front of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, by Sconset Square. The plan was to remove everything, to form a “T” intersection.
The site is lovely. It’s also historic.
It’s where the Disbrow Tavern was located, back in the 1700s. George Washington is said to have had some ale there, and maybe even a room for the night.
The original Myrtle Avenue traffic island was much larger. (Photo courtesy of Morley Boyd)
A tree sat on the island for centuries, until the 1960s. It was removed in an earlier modernization project.
Church members took it upon themselves to inform the town of the site’s history and beauty, and the utility of the island and tree.
In the mid-’60s, parishioners planted what they called the new “Trinity tree.”
Fifty years later, that history has been forgotten by — or is unknown to — many Westporters. Construction has decreased the size of the island, and damaged the roots. All of that endangered the Trinity tree.
Some area residents and members of the Planning & Zoning Commission worked through a variety of town agencies to save the tree, and the island.
Over the last couple of weeks, a contractor hired by the town has loosened the soil, injected it with mulch and nutrients, trimmed the branches — and removed campaign signs.
The tree, after trimming last week. (Photo/Chip Stephens)
Thanks to tree warden Bruce Lindsay and others, the Trinity tree now has a good chance of adorning, and shading, the island for another 50 years.
That is, if people don’t tramp on the island and its roots, while putting up signs.
Lindsay placed 4 small signs on the island, asking people to stay off and give the tree a chance.
A campaign sign appeared this morning. Town officials say they’ll remove them, as long as the tree is convalescing.
This is not about politics. It’s just about common sense.
And the history and beauty of a downtown tree we all love, admire and respect.
The weather may not scream “outdoors!” But today is Arbor Day — the annual celebration of tree planting.
The Westport Tree Board celebrates today — and Green Day this Saturday — with 2 events.
This afternoon (Wednesday, April 25, 2 to 5 p.m.), saplings will be distributed in front of Town Hall. (The location may shift to the rear, due to Myrtle Avenue construction). They’ll be handed out rain or shine (right now, it looks like rain).
More saplings this Saturday (April 28), in conjunction with festivities at Earthplace. The Tree Board will be at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum (2 Woodside Lane), from 10 am to 1 p.m. It’s a chance too to walk the trails, and learn about trees on the 12 acre open space property.
This is the 5th consecutive tree sapling giveaway by Westport tree warden Bruce Lindsay, and the Tree Board. It’s first-come, first-serve basis. Species include sweetgums, sugar maples, lilacs, and Norway and white spruce. All contain planting, and are provided through a donation by Eversource.
A tree grows at Town Hall. Saplings will be given away there today.
There are 3 subjects I know will always generate huge “06880” reader reactions:
Parking. Dogs. And trees.
The first 2 are predictable parts of Westport life. The 3rd may be less intuitive.
But as regularly as power goes out when the wind blows, any time I post a tree story we get comments from readers who mourn the loss of every tree. And from others who say hey, easy come, easy go.
Yet — until the other day — I had no idea that both tree huggers and Paul Bunyans could find common purpose.
That’s when alert — and arboreal-minded — reader Johanna Rossi told me about the Friends of Parks & Recreation’s Arbor Program.
Full disclosure: I didn’t even know the Friends group existed, either. They’re a public-private partnership that finances worthwhile projects and services, beyond those paid for by tax dollars.
The website of the Friends of Parks & Recreation website includes a photo of the Longshore entrance — before the removal of several trees lining the entrance way. New trees have taken their place.
One of those programs can be found on the Friends’ website under the heading “Trees, Trees, Trees.” Launched last year, it’s a way to honor “the lives and achievements of friends and families.”
Working with Parks and Rec, tree warden Bruce Lindsay identifies locations where he’d like to plant trees. He notes the specimens and species that thrive there.
Donors can choose their location and tree. The price is based on the cost of planting, as well as a fund to support maintenance — fertilizing, watering, pruning, etc. — for 5 years.
Planting takes place in the spring and fall. Photos and biographical info can be displayed alongside the tree.
It’s a “living legacy” for people to celebrate those who, most probably, are no longer living.
There’s even a GPS locator to help identify locations and tree types. Right now, there are 2 sites: Winslow Park and Compo Beach.
Tree warden Bruce Lindsay has a plan to remove dead trees at Winslow Park — and replace them.
So the next time I post a story about tree removal, don’t click “Comments.”
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