City Hall·Bangor Tree Board
Bangor Tree Board reviews staffing gaps, red pine scale plan, and spring planting
The Bangor Tree Board reviewed fourth-quarter forestry operations, noting a high volume of storm debris requests and significant staffing vacancies in the Forestry Division. Staff presented a new response plan for red pine scale, an invasive insect threatening local red pine stands, and discussed upcoming spring planting projects on Main Street. The board also addressed public concerns regarding tree removal on DOT projects and the need for better communication with engineering departments.
Key points
- Forestry Division reported 101 storm-related requests in Q4, significantly higher than the typical 60 to 70, with many still pending due to snow cover.
- The division is currently understaffed, with vacancies in Arborist 1 and Heavy Equipment Operator positions, though a new full-time forestry technician has been hired.
- Staff presented a response plan for red pine scale, an invasive insect that has eliminated red pines on Mount Desert Island and is spreading via wind.
- A three-year wildfire mitigation project in the city forest is underway, with the first year of road thinning completed to create fire breaks.
- Public commenters raised concerns about tree removal on Central Street as part of a DOT project, noting the Tree Board had no prior say in the decision.
- The board discussed the need for better coordination with engineering and DOT to protect trees during infrastructure projects and sidewalk renovations.
Next steps
- Post job openings for Arborist 1 and Heavy Equipment Operator positions to fill current vacancies.
- Finalize the urban forest management plan website and survey, aiming to go live by the end of the month.
- Implement the red pine scale response plan, including mechanical removal of invasives and monitoring of red pine stands.
- Prepare for spring planting of 500 trees, including sourcing larger trees for Main Street and coordinating with the new public works director.
- Discuss tree protection and right-of-way dimensions with the engineering department at the upcoming Monday meeting.
Where this came from
City of Bangor YouTube
The summary and transcript were made by software from the public meeting video, with names checked against the official roster, then reviewed before publishing.
Watch the meeting ↗The summary and transcript were made by software from the public meeting video, with names checked against the official roster, then reviewed before publishing.