Evansville Tree Advisory Board Meeting - June 4, 2026

The City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board met on June 4, 2026, to discuss urban forestry initiatives, tree and sidewalk conflicts, tree removal requests, and policy updates. The meeting featured presentations from grant-funded staff working on the Urban Forestry Master Plan and tree inventory updates, as well as a detailed discussion on ADA compliance and tree preservation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the May meeting (motion by Mike, seconded by Chris).

Discussion Items

• Evansville Forest Task Force Grant & IU Environmental Resilience Institute Cohort Program: Bia Burton (IU grant recipient) presented her work to create a community task force and update the Urban Forestry Master Plan and Management Plan, with meetings through July 31, 2026. Jessica Head (Wesselman Woods grant) is updating the city's tree inventory by collecting species, DBH, canopy width, height, and health data in urban areas and parks. The board discussed geographic coverage (city limits only, need for north/south/west side representation) and ensuring board members participate in the task force to facilitate adoption of recommendations. Sarah (board member) was suggested as a representative.
• Tree and Sidewalk Conflict on Lincoln Avenue (400-500 block): New City Engineer Brian Mundy reported a complaint from a handicapped individual in a wheelchair about a sidewalk lifted by tree roots, forcing her into the street during wet weather. Discussion covered potential solutions: removing the tree, rerouting the sidewalk (requiring easements), using asphalt ramps, or installing rubber sidewalk (citing Newburgh example). Board members emphasized preserving the mature oak tree where possible due to low canopy in the area. It was decided that Sean (city arborist) and Brian will investigate alternatives (rubber sidewalks, rerouting) and report back at the next meeting. The sidewalk was recommended to be closed temporarily for safety. No immediate vote on removal; the issue was tabled.
• Request to Remove or Plant Park Trees:
  • Goose Town Park: A two-trunked sycamore (one trunk dead) and an adjacent dying ash tree near the sidewalk were recommended for removal and replacement with a 2-for-1 ratio. Motion by Sean, seconded by Chris, approved unanimously. The board noted adequate canopy elsewhere in the park.
  • Van Avenue Trail: Several linden trees damaged by construction and likely failing were noted; Sean will assess and bring a count to the next meeting.
• Request to Remove Street Trees (five trees): A motion to approve removal was made by Sarah, seconded by Mike, and unanimously approved. The board noted the neighborhood association would be contacted.
• Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Sean reported that the fire department planned to expand a parking lot and initially wanted to remove two trees. After meeting, they agreed to pave around the trees using compactable asphalt, saving the trees. The board commended the coordination.
• INDOT Coordination Updates: Mike reported that INDOT will assist this winter with removing ash trees along state highways, improving coordination. INDOT has also been seeking board consent on projects (not legally required), showing improved collaboration.
• Invasive Plant, Pest, and Disease Update: Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to cause rapid tree decline. Paul Bowsman recommended adopting a policy allowing the arborist (Sean) to remove dead ash trees without prior board approval, with subsequent ratification. The board unanimously approved this policy change (motion by Paul, seconded by Mike). The policy will be communicated to affected partners (parks, schools, levee authority).

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Approved minutes from May meeting.
  • Approved removal of park trees at Goose Town Park with 2-for-1 replacement.
  • Approved removal of five street trees (neighborhood association to be notified).
  • Adopted policy allowing arborist to remove dead ash trees without prior board approval (with later reporting).
• Directives:
  • Sean and Brian Mundy to investigate alternatives (rubber sidewalks, rerouting) for the Lincoln Avenue tree/sidewalk conflict and report back at the next meeting; interim sidewalk closure recommended.
  • Sean to assess linden trees along Van Avenue trail and report tree count next month.
  • Committee to be formed to develop a formal policy on tree/sidewalk conflicts (volunteers: Aaron, Sarah, and possibly Chris, depending on availability).
• Other Business: The board honored outgoing member Paul Bowsman for his extensive service and tree expertise, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the parks department and urban forestry.