A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to refining the Community Forest Management Plan. Bill Sullivan initiated the discussion by voicing concerns about the current list of objectives, which he referred to as “milestones.” He noted that the state’s format for outlining elements and objectives did not align with these items. The debate centered around whether these items should be termed as milestones or if they represented ongoing goals. The consensus was to reconsider the term “milestones,” with one member suggesting “principles” as more appropriate, emphasizing the benefits of trees like improving air quality. This dialogue underscored the importance of accurately defining objectives within the CFMP, focusing on the overarching principles rather than concrete milestones.

The commission further explored the structural aspects of the CFMP, debating the removal of certain titles while preserving essential content about community engagement and tree benefits. There was contention about whether to retain historical context within the document, with some members advocating for its removal to streamline the plan, while others emphasized its value in understanding changes over time. Clarity on the involvement of shade tree commissioners in municipal projects was deemed critical, particularly in relation to recent landscaping initiatives at municipal buildings and the role of native trees. This conversation highlighted the collaborative nature of the commission, with members working to refine the CFMP to accurately reflect the community’s values and objectives.

Another major focus was on the borough’s tree removal and replacement practices. The commission discussed the challenges residents face when trying to plant trees in rights-of-way, noting the complications arising from unclear property lines and minimal sidewalks. The commission clarified that residents could request tree assessments, but any removal of trees larger than six inches in diameter required a permit and a replacement plan. The enforcement of replacement obligations, including ensuring new trees remain healthy for a year, sparked a discussion about accountability. Concerns were raised that developers often opt to pay fines instead of complying with tree replacement obligations due to the perceived financial burden.

The meeting also addressed the need for a rigorous maintenance schedule for newly planted trees, focusing on proper watering and protection measures. The commission recognized the challenges posed by the physical landscape of Fair Haven, which lacks sidewalks and adequate planting space. To combat these issues, they proposed maintaining a continuous priority planting list to be updated annually. They emphasized the necessity of a dependable watering schedule, recommending 15 gallons per week for trees with a specific caliper during the growing season. This led to discussions about infrastructure improvements, such as acquiring a new water truck and possibly hiring seasonal workers for watering tasks, given the inefficiencies of the current system.

Concerns about deer protection for newly planted trees were also raised, with two trees at the police station already sustaining damage. The commission suggested formalizing a recommendation to ensure all newly planted trees receive adequate deer protection, highlighting the need for proactive measures to preserve tree health.

In terms of community engagement, the commission discussed enhancing educational initiatives and exploring web-based platforms to make information more accessible to residents. A suggestion was made to create a dedicated website for the Shade Tree Commission to provide clear information on tree offerings, characteristics, and care requirements. The feasibility of involving high school students or hiring someone to manage this platform was briefly debated.

The discussion also touched on the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration of the town, with a suggestion to plant a commemorative tree. This initiative was seen as an opportunity to integrate the celebration with the commission’s broader planting strategy, potentially coinciding with holiday celebrations.