Dan Stone makes a point during his presentation on Monday, May 10
Did you know there are 331 different varieties of trees in Jamestown? Or that Jamestown is a “Sterling City” because it has met or exceeded its goals for tree planting and care for 10 consecutive years? Or that the root system of the oak trees on 3rd Street were damaged during road improvements many years ago? These are just a few of the interesting facts Dan Stone shared with members on May 10.
Dan Stone was introduced by Tory Irgang with a delightful poem.He is a certified arborist who was hired by the City of Jamestown 16 years ago as a tree trimmer. Then, when Doug Hoisington retired, he became the City Arborist and when John Williams retired in February, Dan became Parks Manager and City Arborist.
The City plants about 300 trees a year-but also cuts down the same number. It has been a designated Tree City USA for 40 years which is the 2nd longest tenure in New York. There are 4 standards. Jamestown has a Tree Care ordinance and took a tree inventory in 1986, assisted by such luminaries as Bob Sundell, Randy Sweeney, and Doug Hoisington. Jamestown has a Community Forestry program which spends at least $2 per capita annually, including 4 tree trimming arborists. Finally, the City holds Arbor Days formally celebrating plantings at entrance ways and neighborhoods around the schools.
For 16 years the City has partnered with Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to meet or exceed the Tree City USA program. Thanks to this, 2 years ago it became a “Sterling City” for ten consecutive years of meeting the standards. Through this partnership, Dan has been able to increase the number of planted trees by 1/3 and make an impact around schools, in neighborhoods and at the gateways to the City.
In the City, Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday in May. This year, they will be replacing a line of spruce trees in Allen Park. New York State Urban Forestry Council is funding 4 of the trees.
A question was asked about the West 3rd Street oak trees. First of all, Dan pointed out that the City kept the wood that was 6” or more in diameter, allowing residents get some. 35 people showed up. People took older wood to grow mushrooms, better wood for making bar tops. Wood carvers and local artists may use the wood. Dan talked about the reason the trees needed to be taken down. Some were diseased. Even though they were treated 8 years ago, they continued to decline. Also, the root systems had been compromised, there was a gas line under the trees on the south side that accelerated the decline. Dan said it was the hardest decision of his career.
The City is in no rush for replacing the trees, wanting to think it through and develop a plan. There will be multiple species planted. Your input is welcomed.