[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Clifton
Park 11-8-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The intent of this chapter is to preserve, protect, and enhance
the Town of Clifton Park's natural environment through tree protection
and sustainable tree planting. The Town Board shall delegate responsibility
for the management of the Town's community forest to the Tree
Committee, for the benefit of Clifton Park's current residents
and for those of the generations to come.
The presence of trees, shrubs and related vegetation in populated
areas correlates with the health and well-being of community residents.
Trees mitigate noise pollution, remove carbon dioxide in the air,
prevent soil erosion, and add charm and beauty to their surroundings.
Trees provide critical protection and a natural habitat for precious
wildlife as well as contribute to biodiversity of the environment.
A.
The Town Board shall create an advisory body known as the Clifton
Park Tree Committee. This committee shall consist of between seven
and 15 members, all of whom are residents of the Town. A Town Board
member shall serve as chairperson and an ex-officio member of this
body. The Tree Committee shall endeavor to recruit at least one member
who is professionally educated or experienced in a field such as horticulture,
botany, forestry, or related area. In addition, a technical adviser
(non-voting) member may serve by virtue of his/her special expertise.
B.
The members shall be appointed by the Town Board and will serve two-year
terms. Members may be reappointed every two years. If a committee
member does not serve a full term, the chairperson will appoint a
successor.
C.
Meetings of the Tree Committee shall be held at least once per month
at a time and day convenient for members. Minutes of all meetings
shall be maintained and available to the community.
D.
Members of the Tree Committee shall serve without compensation.
The charge of this Committee includes but is not limited to:
A.
The Tree Committee shall serve as an advisory body to the Town Board
and other Town boards and committees. The Tree Committee shall oversee
the development of a written plan, updated as necessary, for the planting,
caring, preserving, pruning, removal, or disposal of trees and shrubs
along Town streets, in parks and preserves, and other public areas.
When requested by the Town Board, the Tree Committee will investigate,
research, and present findings and recommendations regarding any matter
within the framework of its purpose.
B.
The Tree Committee shall help build and maintain an inventory of
the location of trees on Town property; determine areas where trees
could thrive but are absent; and research and develop an official
list of street tree species to be planted on Town property.
C.
The Tree Committee shall sponsor educational events, provide support
for tree inventory surveys, and serve as a resource for residents
on the planting, care, and pruning of trees on private land.
D.
The Tree Committee shall educate the community about laws and legislation
pertaining to the protection of trees.
The Tree Committee will strive to stay informed about proposed
residential, commercial, and other new developments in Town and may
request to visit the property to identify any heritage trees that
have exceptional historical, cultural, or aesthetic value and to note
any other rare, endangered, or protected plants. The Tree Committee
will work with the Town to attempt to maintain any tree identified
as heritage.
The Tree Committee will advise and support the Town on tree
planting, maintenance, and removal on municipal property and rights-of-way.
The Tree Committee will support Town efforts to address and
help prevent threats to trees, such as diseases and pest infestations.
The Tree Committee will report any identified nuisance trees
that could pose a threat to free passage of pedestrians or vehicles
on roads within the Town of Clifton Park.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Trees that have been formally recognized by the Town of Clifton
Park as unique or irreplaceable. Criteria for heritage tree designation
may include age, rarity, size, and/or aesthetic, botanical, cultural,
ecological, social, historical, or horticultural significance.
Any thing or act that annoys or disturbs unreasonably, hurts
a person's use of their property, or violates the public health,
safety, and welfare.
Includes land designated as a park pursuant to New York State
statutes as well as areas such as playgrounds, pools, or other recreational
facilities within the Town of Clifton Park.
The placing of a tree or shrub into soil that will encourage
growth and maximum health and vigor.
To keep a tree or shrub from harm, damage or danger; to protect
and save a tree or shrub.
To remove dead or living parts from a tree or shrub to increase
health, vigor, and maintain a desired shape or size or form.
Includes all grounds and/or property, including public streets
and rights-of-way, owned, leased, or controlled by the Town of Clifton
Park for public use.
To take away and remove a tree or shrub, including the stump,
to below ground level.
A woody plan with more than one main stem emerging from the
ground.
The application of any pesticide, fertilizer, or other substance
to a tree or shrub.
Any tree or shrub planted or growing within the right-of-way
of a public street.
The Town of Clifton Park, New York.
A woody plant with a single central axis (trunk) emerging
from ground and acquiring a minimum height of 10 feet at maturity.
To remove parts of a shrub to maintain a desired shape or
size.
