TREE CITIZEN GROUPS

     

    What are they?

    • Formal committees that assist tree managers in relevant ways to support, encourage and improve the continuation of the urban forest.
    • These groups carry different names in different communities, and the work they perform varies greatly, depending upon local needs.

     

    Who can be included?

    • Community residents, public officials, interested clubs like a garden or Rotary, local nurseries, conservation groups, etc.
    • It is worth trying to include school-aged children, since teaching those kids now about public trees will produce more knowledgeable homeowners later.

     

    Why include one more group in the process of managing public trees?

    • With declining resources and personnel, tree managers can use extra help.
    • Also, citizens get very concerned about "their" trees. It’s better to have them working with tree managers than against them!
    • Citizen groups may help by:

    -- making decisions on appropriate tree species, and locations for planting

    -- raising funds for projects not included in traditional budgets

    -- carrying out light maintenance: pruning, watering, training, etc.

    -- educating the local community about the benefits of urban trees

    -- assisting in writing tree ordinances or making a tree inventory

    -- judging appeals from homeowners about proprosed tree removals

     

    What does the community get out of it?

    • When people see themselves involved in the management of public trees, the whole community benefits.
    • Communities with tree citizen groups find an increase in

    -- responsibility for public trees, and respect for tree managers and local government

    -- personal and group contribution to the community, and a sense of civic pride

     

    Isn’t it just a lot of extra trouble?

    • The beginning takes extra effort, it’s true, but after an informed citizen group gets started, the rewards for tree managers make the initial work more than worthwhile.

     

    Where can I get more information?

    • " A Guide to Starting and Developing Community Forestry Programs With Specific Reference to Shade Tree Committees," a bulletin created by the Idaho Cooperative Extension System. It is available from your local Cooperative Extension or DEC office, and also from the Community Forestry Education Project at 716-461-1000.