Dear Neighbors,

Barnaby Tree Task Force members want to inform our neighbors of recent activities involving the trees in this neighborhood and beyond.

We began our activities last October with two objectives:

1. To determine which, if any, trees on the Barnaby Tree tour (October 2, 2004) should be removed.

1. To examine the current tree policy and recommend policy by which the public, government and utilities can work together constructively in the future regarding this particular issue and related matters.

   Our progress to date regarding these two objectives:
   

   
   
   • As reported earlier, five of the 10 trees tested will be pruned only—not removed as originally proposed. UFA will schedule the pruning of these five trees and the removal of the other five diseased trees soon. UFA will make sure everyone is notified in advance.
   • UFA (under DDOT) recently initiated a citywide tree task force that includes representatives from all wards, the Casey Tree Foundation, Greenspace, representatives of the Rhode Island Petition and Barnaby Tree Task Force. The objective of this task force is to develop an effective, comprehensive tree management and maintenance policy for the entire city. On the agenda to be addressed by the citywide tree task force are several critical issues and recommendations that BTTF brought to the forefront and has advocated:
   
   
   
   
   • Notification – On November 3rd, a new notification policy prompted by the Barnaby Tree debacle was issued by DDOT. The citywide task force is reviewing this policy.
   • Permits – Work is proceeding to draft a policy requiring all parties (including utility companies) to request a permit from UFA to remove any special tree. The task force will address questions regarding lines of authority.
   • Fines – The task force is discussing fines for parties responsible for unauthorized topping and trimming of city trees that may result in the trees dying.
   • Training Standards – To ensure that all public and private personnel involved in tree management and maintenance are sufficiently trained and supervised, UFA has already hired new certified arborists; one arborist has been assigned for every two wards, and UFA will also be hiring two specialists who deal specifically with utilities and tree maintenance.
   • Tree Standards – Industry standards for tree management and maintenance are being addressed.
   • Uniformity – To ensure that the comprehensive tree policy that is finally adopted is applied uniformly, all jurisdictional entities (other city agencies, the Park Service, etc.) are being included in this process. Outdated legislation that must be removed to ensure unquestionable authorization is being identified.
   
   
   
   

   As the work of the UFA citywide tree task force progresses, we will continue to keep you informed.

   PLEASE HELP PAY THE COST OF SAVING OUR TREES
   

   In an effort to ensure that our trees were tested accurately, our Barnaby Tree Task Force hired an independent arborist. The Chevy Chase ANC voted to pay for the arborist’s time involved with the November 5, 2004 testing, which coincided with DDOT’s use of a new x-ray machine. Our arborist’s fee for the work on that day was $630.00.

   In addition, the arborist also provided the following services:

   Reviewed DDOT’s x-ray report and participated in a hearing at the offices of DDOT (5.5 hours @ $105/hr): $577.50.
   Further testing with the resistograph (the arborist’s own machine): $393.75.

   Our arborist’s added expenses of time and expertise helped us present the necessary facts that persuaded UFA not only to save five trees of the remaining 10 trees scheduled for removal in Barnaby Woods, but to serve as a scientific sample proving that PEPCO”s recommendations for tree removal last September had an error rate of at least 50%—which was key to our success in affecting citywide tree policy.

   A BTTF member, John Mueller (6415 Barnaby St. NW 20015; 202-364-1015) paid this invoice in March so that the arborist did not have to wait any longer after doing this vital work. We hope that neighbors will help us reimburse John by sending a small check payable to him (39 contributions of $25. would cover the entire amount). You may call John if you need additional information or a copy of the invoice.

   John will keep a record of contributions and will provide an accounting that he will submit to Michael Katzmann for his Barnaby tree website. If neighbors’ generosity is excessive, John will send refunds or donate the money to the Casey Tree Foundation, as the BTTF decides after consultation with the neighbors.

   Finally, we want to thank every neighbor who worked to draw attention to this important matter. This neighborhood’s collective efforts have contributed to improving our city’s tree practices. While there is still much work to do, the commitment to develop a comprehensive tree policy that reflects our community values is evident. Thank you all for making this possible.

   Sincerely yours,

   Barnaby Tree Task Force Members

   
   

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