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Tree Preservation Committee
Mission Statement
This committee will serve as the working group for supporting the Planning Board on Tree Preservation education and bylaw needs in Dover.
The Tree Preservation Committee was established by vote of the Planning Board on November 21, 2022.
Responsibilities
This committee will have up to eight (8) members appointed by the Planning Board for a two year term. The committee aims to have expert representation from land-management affiliated committees or boards, interested community residents, a high-school student, and an industry expert in tree management.
It will liaise with Town staff on an as-needed basis and will not be assigned administrative staff. It will also collaborate with outside consulting support when directed by the Planning Board.
The Tree Preservation Committee will provide support to the Planning Board by performing research, drafting tree preservation bylaws, conducting community outreach, and developing community education programs. This committee will collaborate with other land-use related departments, boards, and Town staff, such as the Tree Warden, on tree preservation concerns, initiatives, planning, and care throughout the Dover community. The committee will ensure that resident voices are heard throughout the committee initiatives. The committee will submit recommendations to the Planning Board for action related to educating the community about existing and future tree-related bylaw development, and will provide an annual report summarizing the completed and ongoing initiatives and activities.
This committee does not have a budget.
Meetings
- Check the Town Calendar for meeting dates and times.
- View Minutes and Agendas for past meetings in the Agenda Center.
Members
| Name | Position | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| Valerie Lin | Chair | June 30, 2026 |
| Janet Bowser | Member | June 30, 2026 |
| Jay Crocker | Member | June 30, 2026 |
| Shobha Frey | Member | June 30, 2027 |
| Shannon Crotty | Member | June 30, 2026 |
| Boynton Glidden | Member | June 30, 2026 |
| Jeanne Lukenda | Member | June 30, 2026 |
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Valerie Lin
Tree Preservation Committee Member
- Is there anything I need to do before I cut down trees on my property?
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The Town does not have jurisdiction over trees on private property unless they are within a municipal right of way, public easement, or the buffer zone of wetlands or a perennial stream. Before removing trees residents are encouraged to first determine whether the tree(s) you wish to remove fall within one of the above-mentioned areas on your property or outside your properties boundaries. For the latter a survey of your property lines is encouraged. For additional guidance please reach out to one of the following town agencies:
If a tree is on the town’s right-of-way you must contact the Tree Warden and/or the Planning Board if your street is a designated scenic road.
A plan to remove trees along a scenic road may require a Scenic Road Hearing before the Planning Board. Click here for a list of scenic roads in Dover: https://ecode360.com/10428309.
The applicant must complete a Determination of Need for a Scenic Road Hearing form (PDF). The Planning Board office then determines whether the hearing is needed.
If a tree might be in a wetland, wetland buffer zone, or perennial stream, contact the Conservation Commission to determine any approvals needed.
- Will removing the trees help control bugs, ticks, and other critters?
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Ticks prefer long grass in shady areas; however, they can also live on tree branches and shrubs. The following link provides tick prevention strategies https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention.
For additional information please consult the Dover Board of Health.
- How do I know if I have wetlands on my property?
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To learn more about wetland locations related to your property please contact the Conservation Commission for further guidance.
- I think my tree has a disease. Who should I call?
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Residents may wish to contact a certified arborist for assistance in the care and maintenance of private trees located on their property. Lists of arborists certified by either the Massachusetts Arborists Association (MCA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) can be located via the following links:
MCA: https://massarbor.org/page-18123
ISA: https://www.isa-arbor.com/
- Can I plant trees on my septic field or next to my wellhead?
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For questions related to planting near or on septic fields or wells please consult the Dover Board of Health.
As an additional resource regarding planting on septic fields please review the following link from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/septicsmart-week-landscaping-final.pdf
For a quick reference related to planting near wellheads please see the following: https://www.grecoandhaines.com/landscaping-wellhead/#:~:text=DO%20NOT%20plant%20anything%20within,choosing%20plants%20with%20short%20roots.
- Is there a resource that can help me identify the types of trees I currently have on my property?
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There are a few Apps available to assist in identifying trees, such as LeafSnap, PictureThis – Plant Identifier, and Forest Tree Identification to name a few. Some apps may require a subscription fee. Other resources such as The Arbor Day Foundation’s tree database and Eversource’s “Planting a Tree Guide,” are also helpful tools.
- Can trees protect my yard from flooding?
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Trees are an important component of stormwater management. To see how trees assist with stormwater runoff see the following article from the Arbor Day Foundation.