Subject:
Title
Request recognition of donation and approval of Nutley Median Tree Project
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Mayor was approached by a citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, with a concern about the Bradford/Callery pear trees along the Nutley Street median. Bradford/Callery pear trees are considered a non-native tree species in Northern Virginia and the spread of their seeds in parks and right of ways has led to a reduction in tree diversity and an overabundance of Bradford/Callery pear trees. The citizen proposed to donate $20,000 to pay for the replacement of 27 Bradford/Callery pear trees in the Nutley Street median with the following Virginia native trees: Black Gum, Honey Locust, and Willow Oak. Tree selection and installation of replacement trees shall be overseen by the Town Arborist and Park Maintenance Superintendent.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Natural Heritage Program ranks the Bradford pear as having medium invasiveness throughout Virginia. “Invasive plant species are an underappreciated threat to our native plants and wildlife. Bradford pear is one that was introduced intentionally, but has shown to have undesirable traits horticulturally and ecologically. It should be abandoned in favor of native species.” (Kevin Heffenan, DCR Natural Stewardship Biologist). The Bradford/Callery pear’s spread throughout the commonwealth represents the shrinking biodiversity of Virginia’s urban forest. The South Carolina Forestry Commission and Clemson University have partnered to pioneer the “Bradford Pear Bounty Program”, motivating citizens to take down their Bradfords in exchange for native tree replacements. Prince George’s county in Maryland once hailed the Bradford pear as the official county tree but as of 2011 has focused efforts on removing and replacing the Bradford pear.
The Town of Vienna will use Parks and Recreation maintenance staff to dismantle and remove the existing Bradford/Callery pear trees that are currently located on the Nutley Street median. The donation will then be used for stump grinding, purchase, delivery, and installation of native trees.
If any portion of the donation remains after the replacement of the Bradford/Callery pear trees, the money will be used first to replace the Chinese Pistache trees on Nutley Street with Virginia native trees and, if any funds still remain, the balance may be used to replace any of the Linden trees on Nutley that are in poor health.
All funds available to support the Nutley Median Tree Project will be used to replace the 27 Bradford/Callery Pear trees by the end of fiscal year 2023. The trees and replanting will become the property of the Town. There are currently 76 trees on the Nutley Street median.
The Town will notify residents of what is to come as there will be a time gap between tree removal and tree replanting.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna as an environmentally sustainable community. Vienna as an engaged community.
Board or Commission of Interest: Conservation & Sustainability Commission
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend recognition of donation and approval of Nutley Median Tree Project
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval of donation.
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town may accept the proposed donation for the stated purpose in the discretion of the Town Council.
Town Manager's Recommendation: The Town Manager recommends approval of the donation.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: Dec. 6, 2021
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to recognize the donation of $20,000 and approve the Nutley Median Tree Project."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.