Tree Advisory Board Meeting — 2025-10-17

Detailed briefing

Tree Advisory Board — October 17, 2025 ATTENDEES: The transcript identifies Molly Bailey, Dan Moulder, Carol as chair, Tom Graham, Rachel, Dana and an unnamed student; public participants included Rick Dinsky and Nancy Dwan. • The board welcomed Molly Bailey as its newest member. Bailey described prior work with Timberwolf Tree Care, familiarity with the city tree inventory and bluff vegetation plan, and past ISA arborist certification. The August 15 meeting minutes were approved; the transcript does not provide a vote count. • State Street resident Rick Dinsky asked the city to add trees after reconstruction widened the planting areas on both sides of the street from roughly two feet to five or six feet. He said he understood that landscaping was not currently planned or funded. The board discussed using species suitable for street conditions and noted that overhead or underground utility locations could limit tree size. • The board plans to discuss State Street trees and possible utility burial at its November meeting, after the street work is complete. Members discussed, but did not decide, whether some remaining trees from an earlier street-tree commitment could be redirected to State Street. • The ReLeaf community planting project was tabled while the board awaits information from Victor. ReLeaf requires at least 10 trees on public property and a 50% city contribution. Harborview Park was identified as the only park currently able to accommodate that number, but members expressed interest in using higher-grade nursery stock if trees already budgeted for the Highway 119 area are available. • For 2026 vegetation work, the board prioritized the city-owned triangle at East Bluff and State Street and cleanup of western West Bluff city property and right-of-way. Members discussed retaining useful vegetation, adding low plantings for stability and appearance, and clearing invasive or scrub growth where appropriate. • The abandoned Spring Street viewing area and the area below Tourist Park were placed in a tentative 2027 tier. Shade Drain was put in a later or on-hold tier because two trimming permits remain active. The board also supported creating a three-sector cycle for assessing, trimming or removing, and replacing city trees. Worth watching: 1. Whether funding and suitable trees are identified for State Street or Harborview Park. 2. Cost estimates and City Council consideration of the 2026 bluff priorities. 3. How the proposed three-sector maintenance cycle addresses hazardous trees, staffing, training and public input. Upcoming: November discussion of State Street trees, utility burial, ReLeaf options and a revised vegetation management plan. Why it matters: The plan could determine how Harbor Springs funds tree safety, bluff stability, public views and long-term canopy replacement.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.