[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Winchester 8-17-1992 (§ 160
of the prior compilation). Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a mechanism by which
the Town of Winsted may protect and replenish its street trees in
a sensible, economically viable and appropriate way. This chapter
shall also establish a Shade Tree Committee.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any tree with a diameter of two or more inches which lies
within designated property lines on either side of all streets, avenues
or ways within the Town of Winchester.
Includes the Tree Inventory Maps, establishes the goals,
objectives and guidelines of the planting and maintenance program
of the Winsted Shade Tree Committee, a subcommittee of the Conservation
Commission, and shall be updated annually.
The Conservation Commission shall establish a Shade Tree Committee
composed of five citizens of the Town appointed by the Commission,
including two members of the Conservation Commission, who shall serve
for a term of two years.
The Shade Tree Committee shall prepare for the Conservation
Commission, and shall be responsible for, the annual update of the
Street Tree Management Plan. The plan shall be annually approved by
the Town Tree Warden.
Any street trees removed by the Public Works Department must
be replaced by the Shade Tree Committee on a one-for-one basis. The
trees do not have to be replanted at the site of the removed tree
nor at the time of the removal. The replacement street tree should
be planted at the site and time of the next planting, which will be
designated in the Street Tree Management Plan.
The Shade Tree Committee shall provide information on any changes
in the Tree Inventory to the Conservation Commission and the Public
Works Department. Conversely, the Public Works Department shall inform
the Shade Tree Committee of any planned street tree removals. The
Town shall retain the right to prune, plant and remove all trees,
plants and shrubs within the lines of all public grounds, as may be
necessary to ensure public safety.
No species other than those included in the Street Tree Management
Plan shall be planted as street trees without written permission of
the Shade Tree Committee, unless the planting is approved by the Tree
Warden.
The spacing of street trees shall be in accordance with the
guidelines set forth in the Street Tree Management Plan, unless the
Tree Warden has approved an alternate planting arrangement.
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall
be assessed a fine not to exceed $100. Each tree in violation of this
chapter shall constitute a separate offense.
