09-11-24 Urban Forestry Committee MinutesKalispell Parks & Recreation
15 Depot Park
Kalispell, Montana 59901
(406) 758-7718 Fax (406) 758-7719
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE
Minutes
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 4 - 5 p.m.
In attendance: Tree Board Members- Erin Stieber, April Vomfell, Martin Rippens, Bette
Albright, Judy Rosenfeld-Cox, Emma Merdovic, Staff- Fred B, Alison M, Colter H
Public Comment: none given
Approve Minutes:
o Review May minutes. Judy noted that she was missing from the May minutes and
was present.
o Judy Approved, Bette Seconded
Current Business:
▪ Erin did a survey and sent to teachers about Arbor Day.
▪ Bathrooms not in the back of Lawerence Park was a problem
▪ DNRC may be able to cover cost of one porta potty.
▪ Suggested we do an active activity in between wild wings and
opening ceremony for wiggly kids.
▪ Last spring 32 trees were removed in Woodland, Lions, Hawthorn by
Trees of Life. Mostly cottonwood trees.
▪ Current contract with Wisher to remove 51 Large trees.
▪ It costs $1500 to remove stump, 12inches below ground.
▪ There appears to be more mortality in the Maples within the city.
▪ Bette asked if we can help change rules for tree implantation so that
new developments have better regulations on how trees are being
planted, specifically with irrigation. It was stated that industrial parks
have different irrigation rules that will cause problems for the trees in
future years.
▪ Suggested we do a watering campion next summer to remind people
to water trees in the hot months.
▪ Colter helped with an article that was in the city newsletter, can we
put that online? On social media?
▪ Kalispell was awarded a Tree equity grant of $31,000 for tree
planting.
▪ Montana DEQ was awarded a 50 million grant for combatting climate
change. The state urban forestry program will be awarded 9.5 million
of that money for urban trees.
▪ The city will be purchasing either a new or used 40 lift for pruning
this fiscal year.
Arborist Update:
▪ Colter said in the Summer 206 trees were pruned. Lions Park and
Hawthrone are completed. Part of Woodland completed.
▪ 45 dead BLVD trees
▪ 14 cost share trees planted AFTER Arbor Day.
▪ The 3 storms we had caused over a month of new work. Lot of the
Maples are old and have decay.
o Planning for 2025
➢ Reviewed ideas for next years work plan. Listed below seemed to gain
traction with the board.
• Tree Walk
• Urban Forestry Day Camp
• Tree pruning/planting workshops
• Review tree species list
• Water campaign
Cc: City Clerk