[Adopted 2-11-2009; amended in its entirety 3-8-2023]
It is the purpose of this chapter to recognize and promote the importance of trees in the community and the many benefits they provide, including property value enhancement, home heating and cooling cost reduction, noise and light pollution abatement, wildlife habitat and food source, water purification and soil erosion prevention and atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction on public property within the Town of Branford.
A. 
The Community Forest Commission, with the advice of and in collaboration with the Tree Warden, may initiate long-term monitoring and management activities focused on trees located on public properties, except for those located on the Town Green. These activities may include but are not limited to tree inventories and surveys; lists of trees appropriate for planting in the Town; and long-term management plans.
B. 
The Commission may develop an educational program for residents, property owners, and developers concerning recommendations for plantings and maintenance of existing trees.
C. 
The Commission may organize an annual Arbor Day celebration to promote and educate the community about the importance of trees and the many benefits that trees bring to our community. The celebration's funding by the Town through tax dollars shall be restricted to administrative expenses.
D. 
If requested by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Commission may act in an advisory capacity to the Planning and Zoning Commission with respect to landscape design and principles, locally suitable plant species and protection of natural resources.
E. 
The Commission may advise and consult with the Tree Warden on any matter pertaining to this chapter and its enforcement. The topics under which this advice and consultation may be given may include, but are not limited to, amendments to this chapter; policies concerning selection, planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, and other plants within the Town; and vegetation management requests from utilities.
A. 
Said Commission shall consist of five members, all of whom shall be residents of the Town of Branford. In addition, the Tree Warden shall be a nonvoting member of the Commission.
B. 
All members of said Commission shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen and shall serve for terms of three years; provided, however, that initially, in January 2009, two members shall be appointed for terms of three years, two members shall be appointed for two years, and one member shall be appointed for a term of one year. The Commission shall elect a Chairman. Thereafter, in the month of January of each succeeding year, members shall be appointed for terms of three years.
C. 
In the event of a vacancy in the term of any member, the Board of Selectmen shall appoint a successor to serve for the balance of the term vacated. Any member may be removed for cause by said Board of Selectmen.
D. 
Members shall serve without compensation, but the Commission members shall be compensated for expenses which are incurred in the performance of their official duties within available appropriations.
The Community Forest Commission shall submit an annual report to the Town summarizing its activities for the year.
The Community Forest Commission shall utilize the Town website to communicate to the public any relevant plans, policies, and actions of the Commission.