Montreat Minute 02/28/2020

The recognition plaque of our first Tree City designation in 2015.

Montreat Did It Again!

Earlier this week we learned that Montreat was once again awarded “Tree City USA” designation. The award is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Montreat earned the award due to its commitment to effective urban forest management and “doing its part to help address these challenges for Montreat residents now and in the future.” This is the fifth year in a row we have earned Tree City USA designation.

Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation, stated, “If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Montreat is stepping up to do its part. As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you are helping to provide a solution to these challenges.”

Only 3,600 communities, less than 20% of all towns and cities across the US, receive Tree City designation. We are grateful to the Tree Board led by Ann Vinson, our public works staff, and concerned citizens for helping Montreat earn this designation.

Greybeard Trail Project Update

The contractor did not make significant progress on the Greybeard Trail reconstruction this week. Part of the reason was due to the weather. But the other reason was that the boulders on the upper portion of the project site were so large, existing equipment was unable to handle their size. The contractor is renting a rock hammer to break them into manageable pieces for removal. The big progress for the week was completion of the stream diversion barriers on the upper portion. As mentioned previously, the lower portion has been completed.

Update on Tree Board Meeting with Duke Power

As you may recall from last week’s Montreat Minute, we shared about this week’s scheduled meeting with Duke Power to discuss alternatives to the widescale clearing in the right of ways. Unfortunately, the Duke Power representative was ill and unable to attend the meeting. The Tree Board will reschedule this important discussion in the spring. Please watch for the new date, as we would like to have concerned citizens voice their opinions at the meeting.

Reminder of Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

As mentioned two weeks ago, as part of their review of Town Ordinances, the Planning & Zoning Commission will be reviewing sign and parking ordinances at the upcoming March 5th meeting, to be held at 10:30am in the Walkup Building. Citizens will have an opportunity to offer opinions on the topics.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Landcare Committee: Wednesday, March 4 at 9:00am; Allen Building
  • Planning & Zoning Commission: Thursday, March 5 at 10:30am; Walkup Building

Burning Questions?

Do you have Town-related questions you would like answered? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend.