Municipalities now have the option to adopt a shade tree preservation plan written by and for local staff, volunteers, and interested residents. A shade tree preservation plan describes a municipal shade tree program and can extend the jurisdiction of the tree warden beyond the core duties now specified in the law. Outlined in the 2020 amendments of the Vermont Tree Warden Statutes, these plans are new in Vermont and have no precise precedent, although some municipalities may adapt their existing tree ordinances or policies to incorporate required and optional elements of shade tree preservation plans.
Why create a shade tree preservation plan?
For more information on the amended Tree Warden Statutes and Shade Tree Preservation Plans, visit the Vermont League of Cities and Town's Tree Law webpage.
Example Plans
VT UCF has wrapped up its 2021-2022 technical assistance project that parntered with 10 municipalities to draft shade tree preservation plans. Presently, participating muncipalities have collectively contributed over 700 hours of volunteer and staff time towards researching, drafting, and sharing draft shade tree preservation plans in their communitie. At present, there are no final accepted municipal shade tree plans to share; however, several communities are holding public information sessions and fielding suggestions from selectboard members. This webpage will be updated with accepted municipal shade tree preservation plans as they become available.
A big thank you to the following municipalities for their important and pioneering work in this new area of public polciy: Charlotte, East Montpelier, Hartford, Johnson, Middlebury, Monkton, Mount Holly, Shrewbury, Saint Albans, and West Windsor. Examples of plans will be available in the spring of 2022.
For specific questions about drafting your municipality's shade tree preservaiton plan, contact Joanne Garton at joanne.garton@vermont.gov.
Shade Tree Preservation Plans
In accordance with statute 24 V.S.A. § 2502, if a community would like to expand the role of the tree warden, (beyond caring for municipally-planted and designated shade trees) a Shade Tree Preservation Plan may be adopted. The plan must include:
- Description of any program for the planting of new trees and shrubs;
- Provide for the maintenance of shade trees through feeding, pruning, and protection from noxious insect and disease pests;
- Determine the apportionment of costs for tree warden services provided to other municipal corporations;
- Determine whether tree maintenance or removal on specific municipal property shall require the approval of another municipal officer or legislative body; and
- Determine the process, not inconsistent with this chapter, for the removal of:
(A) diseased, dying, or dead shade trees; and
(B) any shade trees that create a hazard to public safety, impact a disease or insect control program, or must be removed to comply with State or federal law or permitting requirements.
Additionally, plans may include:
- Map locations or zones within the municipality where all trees in whole or in part within a public way or place shall be designated as shade trees; and
- Designate as a shade tree any tree in whole or in part within a public way, provided that the tree warden and legislative body of the municipality find that the tree is critical to the cultural, historical, or aesthetic character of the municipality.