Butler County Commissioners decide on different route for tree harvesting
It wouldn’t be going out on a limb to say the trees on county property at Alameda Park and the Sunnyview complex are safe for now, as county commissioners chose another route regarding a plan to harvest them.
A request to approve a contract with Anundson & O’Barto Consulting Foresters was amended after a discussion by the three commissioners on harvesting trees at Alameda and Sunnyview.
Commissioner Kim Geyer said she contacted a forester with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who said a plan for harvesting trees should be in place before cutting begins.
She said the forester told her different objectives should be in place for trees in different areas. For example, aquatic and wildlife habitats should be considered if trees are to be harvested near a stream, as opposed to the considerations for harvesting in an area without a waterway, Geyer said.
Geyer said in the interest of protecting the county’s natural resources, a long-term timbering plan should be put in place before the county begins harvesting trees.
She cited a recent memorandum of understanding from commissioners that ensures Alameda Park remain a park to be enjoyed by the public in perpetuity.
“We never put together a plan for timbering,” Geyer said.
Commissioner Kevin Boozel said he favors a plan with a specific timeline for timbering.
He said the issue should be brought back to the commissioners in 90 to 120 days to observe the progress and to determine the status of a DCNR grant the county parks and recreation department applied for regarding timbering.
Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said other forestry experts could be used for recommendations in forming a plan, including the county conservation district or Penn State University experts.
The commissioners approved an amended motion to develop a forestry plan in conjunction with the county parks and recreation department using recognized timbering experts, and that the issue will be brought before the commissioners within four months.
The commissioners voted in January to request proposals for a consultant to select trees in Alameda Park and the Sunnyview complex to be cut and sold.
