Bangor Tree Board approves minutes, updates on EAB treatment and spring planting

The Bangor Tree Board approved the January minutes and received updates on urban forestry projects, including the expansion of emerald ash borer treatments and a spring tree planting event on Main Street. Staff reported progress on hiring two new arborists and managing timber harvesting in city-owned forests. The board discussed the status of trees on Otis Street and the potential for future planting areas in neighborhoods.

Key points

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 1 meeting.
• Staff reported that 38 sequel fix requests were completed in Q1, with 23 miles of streets pruned and 900 trees touched.
• The city is expanding emerald ash borer treatments to approximately 550 trees this year, using color-coded dots to identify groups.
• A spring tree planting event is scheduled for May 22 on Main Street, featuring 16 donated trees from Sprags Nursery.
• Staff are in final interviews for an Arborist One and an Arborist Two position, the latter being a new supervisory role.
• The board discussed the health of little leaf lindens on Otis Street, noting they may require crown reduction or removal due to overhead wires.

Next steps

• Host a public forum on April 30 at Parks and Rec to develop a vision statement for the urban forestry management plan.
• Conduct final interviews for Arborist One and Arborist Two positions next week.
• Plant 16 trees on Main Street on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Continue monitoring emerald ash borer infestation levels and tree health through July.
• Coordinate with engineering on tree preservation for the Main Avenue sidewalk project.

Read the full transcript