Local News

Mayville Tree Advisory Committee quits in protest

MAYVILLE - All the members of a committee that helps planting trees in the village have resigned, apparently because of how the village board operates.

Laura Marsala, who had been the Mayville Tree Advisory Committee chairperson, sent a letter to the Mayville Village Board announcing her resignation.

"It's with regret that I am announcing, effective today (Oct. 13), that the Mayville Tree Advisory Committee is stepping back until conditions are more conducive to accomplish our goals. We have waited three years for a formal tree board to be written into law, and it's time to put our energy into projects that can be completed," she said in a letter that was sent to the village board.

In the letter, Marsala noted the members have a lot of experience.

"I would like the public to know what we feel is a lost opportunity and the impact this decision has on our community in the way of free services:

• Loss of volunteer hours, knowledge, and experience of a certified arborist;

• Of federal EPA research biologist;

• Of two master gardeners and a professional gardener;

• Of a high school field and environmental sciences teacher;

• Of a 30-year nurseryman;

• Loss of volunteer hours of 7 other enthusiastic individuals who were willing to do the hard work;

• The dedication and passion it takes to accomplish goals."

Marsala said she feels the board has had a lot of success.

"We are proud of our work over the last three years that included:

• Securing a grant for 68 trees in Lakeside Park;

• Ensuring that waterbags were hung and kept filled during hot summer days to increase survival chances for those trees;

• Holding annual education sessions and hands-on demonstrations at the library during the month of April;

• Organizing Arbor Day ceremonies;

• Planting trees at the cemetery;

• Collaborating with third grade teachers for a "Tree Day" day of learning and planting;

• Creating a matching fund incentive to encourage residents to plant trees and support plantings in public places;

• Watching more than 100 additional trees added to Mayville's landscape."

Mayor Rick Syper previously stated that he intended to make the Board of Trustees the Tree Board.

Marsala noted the goals and responsibilities of the Tree Board, according to the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, include things like:

• Develop and implement an annual community forestry work plan;

• Implement a Tree Care Ordinance and provide a framework for managing public trees;

• Hold an annual Arbor Day Ceremony and Proclamation;

• Conduct a tree inventory and canopy assessment;

• Set measurable goals to increase canopy coverage by a specific percent over 10 years;

• Prioritize planting in areas with less shade, higher stormwater runoff, or vulnerable populations;

• Encourage tree planting on private, residential, and commercial lots through budgeted or grant funded giveaways or matching funds;

• Provide input on zoning and building issues.

Marsala questioned if elected officials will be able to do this.

"Will a tree board comprising the trustees have the knowledge, time, experience, and willingness to perform this important work effectively? The Mayville Tree Advisory Committee had the knowledge and experience. We had the time. We were capable. And we were freely willing. Now the work is on the Board of Trustees' shoulders," she said.

Marsala read her letter to the village board at its October meeting. No board members responded, other than thanking her for her comments.