Mountain Lakes Shade Tree Commission

Minutes of Meeting

March 10, 2011

Commissioners in attendance: S. Marshall, J. Best, M. Vyff, C. Murtagh and H. Carr

1. There were no comments from the public.

2. February minutes were approved with one correction.

3. Joan distributed our Shade Tree Federation membership cards for 2011.

4. Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 29^th at Wildwood School. Marnie presented a copy of the advertisement for us to see. It was well received. She will send it out to local email blasts and newspapers. Marnie also had with her speeches and the agenda for Arbor Day, to be reviewed. Consuelo will be helping Marnie to organize the event. Speeches need to be written for Joan who will announce this year’s honoree, the start of “100 Trees for 100 Years” and the centennial contest’s winning “Largest Tree”. Marianne Wilson will accept the Arbor Day honorary tree for the 1915 Committee on Tree Planting and Landscape. Sue and Heather will write speeches on the historical committee and on the tree planting initiative. Someone will need to write a short talk about the largest tree winner. There was a discussion on the possible future planting of Chestnut trees in Mountain Lakes. Tony believes that American Chestnuts that can thrive in this area are a generation away from being viable. He also noted that the shaded environment of Mountain Lakes today may not be sunny enough for the needs of the Chestnut. This is the second year that we will have to buy a tree for Arbor Day since the state is no longer providing them. The tree will be purchased from Tony as the first of the “100 Trees” planting. It may be located across from Borough Hall and will be planted in June.

5. Sue and Heather meet with Tony to finalize the details for “100 Trees for 100 Years,” the Shade Tree Commission’s centennial celebration planting initiative. It will be possible for Mountain Lake’s homeowners to plant a selection of trees on their own property at the municipality’s discounted price through Cerbo’s Parsippany Nursery & Greenhouses. Sue presented the flier concept which Marnie will reformat. A procedure page needs to be composed to help explain the process of ordering and planting the trees. It should be posted on the STC website as a reference for those wishing to participate. “100 Trees” orders will be taken beginning April 30, thru October 15^th. Planting will be in June and November. Judy at Cerbo’s will be the contact person for purchasing trees.

6. There are centennial activities scheduled to be held at the Esplanade this year. A regional award was given to the Garden Club for its new design. The STC decided that it will fund the planting of perennials, bulbs, and low growing shrubs that are needed to finish the job of rejuvenating the Esplanade.

7. Tree King has finished removing invasive plants in designated Borough lots paid for by a business stimulus grant. Joan and Consuelo inspected the job but noticed that the stumps were not ground as contracted for. Joan will contact Tree King in an attempt to have the work completed.

8. Prune and Remove is in progress and we are pleased with the contractor’s work so far. Limbs and trees removed in wooded areas are being stacked neatly and those along streets are being taken away.

9. The Cove Project has been presented to council. Laura will give us an update next month.

10. Joan found an article describing procedures for spotting hazardous trees. She believes the information might make a good future article for publication. She passed it on to Marnie who will create an article using the material.

Next meeting will be held on April 14th