Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
July 5, 2021 – Minutes
Present: Anne Lightburn, Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Dave Smith, Louise Stillufsen
Absent: Dennis Mallazzo, Peter Ritchings and Council Liaison Caryn Byrnes
Guest; Clem Bremer and Peter Renner
Anne opened the meeting at 7:00 pm at 307 New Jersey Avenue. The minutes from the June 7th meeting were approved as submitted.
Anne reported on her meeting with the NJ DOT last week regarding planting of new trees at the south barren traffic islands on Route 35 and the traffic island on the north, which have aging out trees. There is interest by the DOT to add trees at both locations and they might be also engaging in establishing some pollinator gardens. Louise mentioned that there had been pollinator flowers at the southern end traffic islands. Anne asked for recommendations for native tree plantings to pass on to the DOT. The holly and Cataula tree were suggested. Anne will survey the entire commission for other recommendations before sending to the DOT.
As part of any tree recommendation, Peter Renner volunteered to research some of the trees that have been planted by the commission to determine which trees are thriving in our environment. This will compliment the native tree list submitted by Clem.
The commission discussed the hazard trees identified for either pruning or removal/replacement and how to move forward with recommendations. Due to the volume of trees tagged so far, it was felt that an in person meeting with Chris Riehl is desirable to go over our recommendations. Anne will request that meeting. The commission was in agreement with all the trees tagged to far at Little Silver, Parkway center island, Laurel Court center island and the firehouse planting strip. The commission will be next evaluation trees in the downtown business district.
The issue of replacements for the Little Silver shoreline was raised and Anne will contact Bill Brash to see if he will consult with us on tree recommendations and evaluate the soil conditions for potential remediation.
The commission made some minor changes to the Memorial Tree program memo and application form. The issue of securing a reliable paver engraving program was raised and Peter Renner will research finding one.
Peter Renner brought up the concept of a “Canopy Program” to award grant trees for front and back yards. This would complement our “Nominate Your Block” grant program for street trees as a way to add canopy to the town. The commission liked the idea and will try to see if it can be put in place for the fall.
The commission voted to replace 3-4 trees that were planted last fall, that didn’t survive. MJ Gradel will be contacting local nurseries for a tree donation for raffling off at the Seafood Festival. If there is no donation, the commission voted to purchase.
Anne asked for volunteers to contact this year’s nominees for the “Nominate Your Block” program to see if they are still interested in nominating their block. Louise, Mary Ellin, Dave and Peter volunteered.
Louise shared a dedication piece from the American Elm Society that was given to the commission years ago when the Liberty Elm was planted at the high school. Besides the poem written by Thomas Paine, there was background information of the use of elm trees as gathering places for patriots during the American Revolution. Louise will contact the high school to see if they will hang it in their history department and the commission will frame.
Anne reported that Peter Ritchings has planted the two heritage tree saplings in his “Heritage Nursery” for future planting and both are doing well. He has also planted some saplings at the grove type area at Lake of the Lillies on the South Baltimore shore line and watering.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
