[Adopted 6-7-2021 ATM by Art. 34]
The Town of Sturbridge establishes the following bylaws for the protection and preservation of Town trees (trees on public land and Town parks, including shade trees as defined in bylaw, trees protected by Chapter 230, Scenic Roads, of the Town bylaws, and Chapter 87 of the General Laws).
It is the purpose of this Committee to:
A. 
Protect and maintain Town trees in order to promote environmental, aesthetic, historical and community values.
B. 
Continue renewing Town trees by replanting for the benefit of future generations in Sturbridge.
C. 
Execute projects suggested by the Tree Warden and/or the Tree Committee consistent with protecting and maintaining Town trees for the purposes described in Subsection B above.
D. 
Work towards sound policy formulation, administration, management, representation and advocacy regarding Town trees and all matters related thereto.
E. 
Assist the Tree Warden in the completion of a yearly inventory of Town trees; identifying all "heritage trees," a public shade tree specifically designated by the Department of Environmental Management, Urban Forestry Program, upon recommendation by the Town Tree Warden to be a heritage tree.
(1) 
Heritage trees may qualify for state funds for maintenance under this program.
(2) 
A tree may qualify as a heritage tree if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
(a) 
Old age, 100 years or greater; size, 32 inches diameter or greater;
(b) 
Species rarity;
(c) 
Association with a specific historical event or person;
(d) 
Healthy abnormality; e.g., shape, etc.;
(e) 
Scenic enhancement; e.g., trees around Sturbridge Common;
(f) 
Wildlife value.
A. 
It shall be the responsibility of the Committee to aid the Tree Warden to study, investigate, counsel and develop and/or update and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas.
B. 
The Committee shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter of question coming within the scope of its work.
The Committee shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep minutes of its meetings. The Committee shall meet at least four times a year. A majority of the voting members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.
It shall be unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with the Tree Committee or any of its agents while engaging in and about the gathering of information, planting, cultivating mulching, pruning, spraying or removing of any trees on public grounds, as authorized in this bylaw.