1. How are trees and our urban forest affected by proposed changes to residential zoning related to backyard development? Come to the workshop sponsored by Community Development Department. Cambridge Tree Project participants have been involved in these proposals and critiquing them so that trees may flourish in back yards with sufficient light, soil, permeable, friable surfaces. Workshop is Wed. Jan. 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the City Hall Annex, 57 Inman St., 3rd Floor. Under consideration by the Planning Board and City Council, the proposed backyard zoning changes include reduced densities in they city low-scale residential districts; enhanced open space requirements, including a new provision that some portion be unpaved; and increased rear-yard setbacks while allowing for modest additions to existing residences. For more information, call Elaine Thorne at 349-4648 or e-mail ethorne@ci.cambridge.ma.us.
2. Tree Removal Hearing set for Thursday Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room at 57 Inman St. ( not in the Ackermann Room as originally planned.) The hearing is about the removal of a Norway Maple, 18 inches in diameter, located on Putnam Avenue behind 784 Memorial Drive. Some think a City Tree Replacement Ordinance would help set a basis for these issues should the removal be indicated. This tree does have fungus growing at its base and has many dead branches, particularly at the ends of the top branches.

3. Some think a City Tree Replacement Policy would help set a basis for these issues should the removal be indicated. A draft has been circulated to Public Planting Committee:
 Basal Area Tree Replacement Policy

Trees will be replaced by determining the number of 2 1/2” diameter trees which would fit in the area (at ground level) of the trunk of the tree to be replaced.

Where ignorance, accident, negligence and repeated acts are indicated, additional replacements or fines may be required. Definitions and penalties will be developed later.
4.  Where should a significant tree be planted in your neighborhood? Our arborist, Larry Acosta, welcomes proposals for placements. He will determine the best spot based on the needs of the tree. The City Council voted for a yearly planting of a signficant tree in each neighborhood.  Reply to this email if you have suggestions and we will forward them to Larry.
5. We are looking for tree protection devices that could be recycled to protect some of the young trees just planted this fall. Keep your eyes open and let us know where they are by replying to this email
6. Have you seen the web page lately? With the help of many folks, the page has been updated and new sections added. Currently we are working on the ordinances we have collected from other states and cities. Once again, copy this and use it to find the web page:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/DoanePerry/homepage.htm

We have begun collecting a Cambridge Tree Handbook, including some of the contract language used related to trees. We have included pruning and park contract language. If you know of any guidelines, contract language, rules or suggestions on trees, please let us know so we can incorporate them in the Handbook. We are interested in successful models from other cities and states.

7. FYI - Good urban forestry position in Worcester.  Please distribute.
Thanks, Dave Bloniarz

URBAN FORESTER CITY OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS PARKS, RECREATION, &
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Salary: $44,163.94 (Maximum Step)- Pay Grade 39 The City of Worcester
Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Department is seeking qualified applicants
for the position of Urban Forester. This position shall report directly to
the Director of maintenance Cemetery/Forestry Division and the Commissioner
and shall be responsible for the oversight and management of the City' s
Forestry Division and the urban forest. Candidates for this position must
have extensive knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices applied
in urban forestry management, including a thorough understanding of
manpower/ equipment needs, legal requirements (M.G.L. Chapter 87 Shade Tree
Law), requirements mandated by Local, State and the Federal Government,
report preparation, and related computer software applications. Minimum
requirements: A Baccalaureate Degree in Urban Forestry, Forestry, or a
closely related field and five years of progressively responsible
supervisory experience in management of a Forestry Division and an urban
forest similar in size to the City of Worcester. All applicants are
required to have current certification as an Arborist by the International
Society of Arboriculture and/ or Massachusetts Certified Arborist.  Resumes
shall be submitted and received along with a cover letter 62 three
references by 5:00 PM January 29, 1999 to: Michael V. O'Brien,
Commissioner, City of Worcester Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Department,
125 Green Hill Parkway, Worcester, MA 01605  - The City of Worcester is an
Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer
______________________________________________
David V. Bloniarz
Northeast Center for Urban & Community Forestry
Dept. of Forestry & Wildlife Management
Holdsworth Hall
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
telephone: (413) 545-3755
e-mail: bloniarz@forwild.umass.edu

Cambridge Tree Project Calendar:

Jan.  13  Cambridge Public Planting Committee: Arborist’s Agenda and Goals of Committee. 47 Hampshire St. 5:30-7 p.m.

Jan. 15-16 Mass. Municipal Association Annual Conference Contact 617-426-7272

Jan 20-22  Financing the Urban Forest National Conference, Nebraska City, NE. Contact National Arbor Day Foundation 402-474-5655.

Jan 28-30  New England Grows, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Mass. Arborists Assn. 508-653-3309.

Feb. 2-3    Tree Wardens Conference, Danvers. Contact Louis Cassasanto 508-365-2842

Feb. 2-3     Trees Utilities National Conference, Nebraska City, NE. Contact the National Arbor Foundation. 402-474-5655.

Feb 19        Trees in the Urban Landscape. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston. Contact Doug Williams, 508-869-6111 x21

Feb.26        Ecology and the Managed Landscape, Boxborough. Contact Ecological Landscaping Assn. 978-897-7490.

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