Ad Hoc Tree Master Plan Committee

In accordance with Section 3-2 of the Town Charter, the Select Board is empowered to make appointments to temporary committees they make for a special purpose. Therefore, the Board recommends the following Committee: “Ad Hoc Tree Master Plan Committee”

Purpose

As part of its goals for FY23, the Select Board identified a Tree Master Plan as one of its infrastructure priorities. In Spring 2023, Town Meeting approved funds for the development of a Tree Master Plan. The purpose was to identify specimen trees for targeted preservation; develop a planting and maintenance plan for future resilience; and identify areas of future planting. In addition, the Plan will inventory existing trees and promote Bedford’s tree canopy. Funds were appropriated in part to hire a consultant specializing in tree master planning.

As the conclusion of its work, the Committee shall present a draft Tree Master Plan to the Select Board and provide a recommendation regarding adoption of the Tree Master Plan as a planning document for the Town.

Membership

The Ad Hoc Tree Master Plan Committee consists of the following members:

• David Manugian, DPW, Chair (non-voting)
• Dan Churella, Vice Chair, Arbor Resources Committee
• John McClain, Secretary, At-large
• Bopha Malone, Select Board
• Amy Lloyd, Planning Board
• Karen Kalil-Brown, Historic District Commission
• Deb Edinger, Conservation Commission
• Randi Currier, At-large

Each referenced Board or Committee shall recommend a member that the Select Board shall appoint. The Committee shall be supported directly by staff, including but not limited to staff from the Public Works Department. Staff members will be non-voting members of the Committee. 

Term

Members shall be appointed to the Committee for one year terms, with the ability to be reappointed for additional terms as long as the committee’s work is ongoing.

Tentative Meeting Dates

The following meeting dates for the Committee are tentative and are not confirmed until the meeting is posted with the Town Clerk.

• March 19,2024
• April 2, 2024
• May 7, 2024
• June 4, 2024
• July 2, 2024 (virtual)
• September 3, 2024
• October 1, 2024
• December 3, 2024
• January 21, 2025
• January 22, 2025
• February 3, 2025 meeting with Select Board (tentative)

Fall Community Forums

The following forum dates for the Committee are tentative and are not confirmed until the meeting is posted with the Town Clerk.  The project team will be discussing the results of its research and preliminary recommendations for the Master Plan.

• October 15, 2024 - Town Hall Reed Room
• October 17, 2024 - Virtual

Spring Community Forums

The Town of Bedford has kicked-off the development of the town’s first Community Forest Master Plan. The Plan will serve as a road map to proactively manage the town’s tree canopy and provide a shared vision for the future of Bedford’s trees.

• June 4, 2024 - Town Hall Reed Room
• June 6, 2024 - Virtual