Tree Advisory Committee Meeting – February 12, 2026

The Tree Advisory Committee met on February 12, 2026 at 4:06 PM with a quorum of four members. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes and the agenda, a public hearing and vote on a property use agreement for the Kyle Stegert Greenway (Resolution R2726), planning for Arbor Day 2026, a public hearing on the Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan, and a departmental report.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the previous meeting by voice vote (all ayes).
• Approved the agenda for the current meeting by voice vote (all ayes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kyle Stegert Greenway (Resolution R2726): Dawn Stegert, widow of Kyle Stegert and board member of Friends of the Kyle Stegert Greenway Inc., reported that the organization has received 501(c)(3) status, raised an additional $16,000 via a virtual fundraiser (bringing total funds to over $30,000), and expanded its board to seven members. She stated that invasive vegetation on the site has been largely cleared and emphasized the group's commitment to collaborating with the city. Steve Arnold, treasurer of the organization, noted discrepancies in the resolution's documentation (misspelling of "Stegert" and mismatch between "property use agreement" and "property improvement agreement") and explained that the plans have been refined from conceptual to construction-ready without substantive changes. He identified that only 8 box elder trees and a dead crab apple tree would be removed. The group expressed confidence that the project would be privately maintained with minimal burden on city staff.
• Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan Public Hearing: Elizabeth Thompson (Greenfield Neighborhood) spoke in support of a citywide woodlot management policy and urged inclusion of fire risk assessment, dead debris removal, and invasive species control. She asked that the plan apply to the entire city, not just the urban service area. Written comments from Dennis Moore and Patrick Cheney asked that all survey responses and past resolution R 1718 be included and published in the plan. Consultant Rich responded that the plan summarizes comments, but full verbatim comments are available; committee member Micah offered to discuss editorial choices further.

Discussion Items

• Resolution R2726 – Kyle Stegert Greenway: Anna (City Forester) expressed concerns about maintenance burdens on city staff but acknowledged that the agreement makes the applicant responsible for most maintenance. She noted that path mowing would be added to an existing park maintenance route and that outside contractors would be used instead of volunteers, easing staff involvement. Committee members discussed funding sufficiency; Steve Arnold confirmed that the agreement maintains a minimum deposit of $2,500, with any shortfall falling on the applicant. The committee approved the resolution as amended by the Parks Commission, with a further amendment to reference "construction plan" rather than "conceptual design."
• Arbor Day 2026: Anna proposed holding Arbor Day at Western Hills Park in the Hugo Jamestown neighborhood on April 24 or 25, 2026. Trees would be fully funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, with support from the Urban Tree Alliance for watering. After committee approval, Anna will proceed with planning. A separate grant for tree planting at Chicory Meadows was also received for an Earth Day event.
• Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan – Draft Review: Consultant Rich presented the draft plan, reporting that Fitchburg’s tree diversity is "exceptional," canopy cover increased from 18% to 24% over the past decade (a 30% relative increase), and the city is understaffed compared to peers. The plan outlines five strategic goals aligned with the comprehensive plan. Committee member Linda requested stronger integration of tree preservation in new development; Anna and Rich agreed to add a new objective (2.5) on best management practices for trees and construction. The Chair noted that language should clarify that the plan applies citywide.
• Department Report: Anna reported that spring tree planting for 263 street trees has been put out to bid; the city received the Gold Leaf Award for Arbor Day activities; a Million Trees grant was awarded for Chicory Meadows; the city forester is now part of the Public Works department, improving collaboration on construction-related tree preservation; emerald ash borer removals are under contract, with all replacement trees included in spring planting; and volunteer groups are active, including support from the Ripple Effects plant program.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R2726 (Kyle Stegert Greenway) was approved by voice vote (all ayes) with the Parks Commission amendment and an additional committee amendment changing "conceptual design" to "construction plan."
• Arbor Day 2026 concept endorsed; Anna will coordinate with the Urban Tree Alliance for a tree planting event at Western Hills Park in April 2026.
• Public hearing on the Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan closed with requests for several revisions, including a new objective on tree preservation during construction and citywide applicability. Consultant Rich will incorporate feedback and produce a revised draft by the end of February 2026.
• The committee adjourned at 5:11 PM (motion by Micah, seconded, all in favor).