Development News for Evansville, Indiana

Tree Advisory Board Reviews Urban Forestry Plans, Addresses Sidewalk Conflicts, and Adopts New Ash Tree Policy

The Tree Advisory Board discussed updates to the urban forestry master plan and management plan, receiving assistance from a grant through the IU Environmental Resilience Institute. Bia Burton, from IU, is working with a task force of community members to gather perspectives on current and future urban forestry in Evansville, aiming to create a comprehensive master plan. Jessica Head is updating the city's tree inventory, collecting data on species, DBH, canopy width, tree height, and health, and inputting it into an ArcGIS database. Both are working from the urban forestry office, and a seasonal watering person is also employed. The board also addressed tree and sidewalk conflicts, specifically a case on Lincoln Avenue where tree roots have lifted the sidewalk, creating an ADA compliance issue for a wheelchair user. Various solutions were discussed, including using chatrock, rerouting sidewalks, and tree removal, with a consensus to explore options that preserve trees where possible and to potentially close the affected sidewalk temporarily. Additionally, the board approved the removal of a sycamore and ash tree clump at Goostown Park and two Linden trees along Van Avenue due to damage and poor condition, with plans for replanting. A policy was also adopted allowing the arborist to remove hazardous ash trees without prior board approval, with subsequent ratification, due to the rapid spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.