2. Introduction

A. Mission Statement

The Borough of Somerville plans to work to achieve an urban forest that is well-stocked, safe, healthy, diverse, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. The Borough will provide for the pleasure and safety of residents and visitors by maintaining the tradition of tree-lined streets and by acting as stewards of the urban forest. With the planning proposed within this Community Forestry Management Plan and guided by our Street Tree Inventory, Somerville will continue to address the street tree vacancies that currently exist within the Borough while also replacing storm damaged trees in parklands.

B. Goals and Objectives

Goal
  • Maximize borough tree care within budgetary constraints and community benefits.
Objectives
  • Maintain effective municipal tree care through training, planning, and scheduling.
  • Increase communication with borough council, municipal administrator and department heads to assure proper tree installations, care, and replacements.
  • Provide public programs and information regarding tree care and maintenance through workshops and events that focus on tree care, planting needs, benefits, and pruning.
  • Mitigate borough tree hazards as related to tree age, conditions, and disease.
Goal
  • Support the training of volunteers and employees in the management and maintenance of borough trees.
Objectives
  • Meet the annual Community Forestry training requirements.
  • Seek on site or regional trainings in subject relevant to issues in town.
  • Target community groups for volunteer participation and training options.
Goal
  • Increase public awareness regarding the benefits of trees and solicit participation in their care and planting.
Objectives
  • Foster interest and education among the citizens of Somerville regarding trees and the urban forest through programs and events.
  • Continue development of educational outreach programs and collaborative programs with other agencies.
  • Continue volunteer tree planting programs and maintenance of the town tree arbor.
Goal
  • Establish and fulfill a borough street tree planting plan.
Objectives
  • Obtain new funding and sources for trees, planting, and maintenance.
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