Trees will be periodically inspected for health and vitality and
for any hazard that they might impose due to damage and/or disease
as determined by a certified arborist. This arborist will make recommendations
to the Village of Red Hook that may include trimming, cabling or removal.
As much as possible, courses of action will be chosen to maximize
tree life and minimize financial expenditure.
When it becomes necessary for the Village of Red Hook to remove trees
that are located within the Village of Red Hook right-of-way, these
trees shall be replaced in accordance with the following guidelines:
The replacement location may be adjusted in a fashion parallel to
the edge of pavement as necessary to avoid the remains of the existing
stump or an underground structure or utility, or as appropriate based
on surroundings above ground, e.g., corner lots.
The replacement shall be made within one month of the removal. If
the replacement time frame occurs within a season generally not accepted
as adequate for planting, then the tree replacement shall be performed
as soon as possible after the beginning of the next growing season.
Species selected must ensure sufficient biodiversity, both Village-wide
and with respect to the particular site's surroundings, in order
to maximize the resilience of the Village's tree population.
The previous guidelines apply to all trees removed by the Village
of Red Hook from June 2001 forward.
The Village of Red Hook will set aside a budget of at least
$2 per capita, based on Village population, for the implementation
of the Community Forestry Program.
The Village of Red Hook will institute an annual Arbor Day observance
and proclamation. They may be coordinated with state and/or national
Arbor Day celebrations, the annual Red Hook Apple Blossom Day event,
the Red Hook Community Forestry Program, or any other factors deemed
appropriate in any given year.
The observance should attempt to educate the public about the many
environmental and social benefits of biodiverse and ecologically appropriate
tree, plant and animal populations.
Each year, during the month of December, the Red Hook Village Board
will appoint three officers to the Red Hook Village Green Committee.
The officers are charged with:
Each appointment will be for a term of one year, and the appointments
will not be subject to any term limits. The Red Hook Village Board
should strive to appoint people with appropriate knowledge and background,
though professional forester or arborist experience should not be
deemed necessary for service.
Aside from the board-appointed officers, the Red Hook Village Green
Committee will be open to any and all members of the community who
wish to provide assistance to the Committee's officers in carrying
out their charge of developing and administering the Community Forestry
Program.