by Rick Steffen and Jan Bahr
A new committee has been added to our growing list of community volunteers. The Village of Tower Lakes Tree Commission was recently formed and designed to help with the health, protection, and maintenance and of the trees in our beautiful community. They have divided themselves into two working groups: Policy and Planning, which will review current ordinances regarding trees on private property, and develop a permit system to insure that protected trees are not arbitrarily removed on public or private property. The other, Procurement and Planting, will develop and share with TL homeowners, a list of desirable trees to be protected, and a list of recommended trees for purchase on private property.
They also look to fulfill the role of leaders in the community regarding the education of our residents on the value and benefits we receive from our “urban forest” through demonstrations and celebrations such as an Arbor Day tree planting event, April 29, 2016 at noon, Eco Day and Fourth of July.
Members include Hugh Davis, Pat McKillen, Bill O’Mahoney, Tom Spicer, Rick Steffen, Ken Stevens and John Yancey.