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47 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, January 24, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Opportunities Moving to Southern Oregon? MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 11, 2004 Philip Will bikes through the leaves on Medford�s Minnesota Street, known for its large, colorful trees. The city has hired a certified arborist to help manage Medford�s urban forest. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Medford signs up urban forester By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Medford has hired its first certified arborist to oversee the city’s trees. Bill Harrington, 49, a certified arborist for 12 years, started work on Wednesday. He said his philosophy begins with planting the right tree at the right site. Some of Medford’s neighborhoods have chestnuts, oaks, silver maples or large varieties that are not suited to the narrow strip between the street and sidewalk. "We want to plant something that’s going to be long-lasting and flourish," he said. And a flourishing urban forest is what the parks department wants. Advertisement "Our No. 1 goal is to save trees and preserve them," said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Brian Sjothun, adding that public safety also has to be considered. He said Harrington’s responsibilities will include planning, planting, maintaining and replacing trees within the city, especially those in parks and in public rights of way. Harrington also will issue permits for people who want to cut trees that are planted in the public right of way. Beth Hallett, a member of Medford’s Tree Committee who served on the arborist selection committee, was pleased with Harrington’s appointment. "I think he’s very passionate about the urban forest and preservation," she said. Harrington’s work includes 10 years as a forester with Pacific Power, eight years as a tree expert for the Asplundh company in Washington, and 10 years with the U.S. Forest Service in Durango, Colo. Harrington, who was one of 15 applicants, will be paid $36,210 annually plus benefits for the full-time position. His salary will be paid by the Parks and Recreation Department’s park maintenance fund. The parks department’s tree program coordinator was upgraded to certified arborist after Gwendolyn Scott left the post in July. Harrington also will be asked to work with developers to ensure appropriate trees are planted and that new trees survive. For example, said Sjothun, the city recently learned that 25 trees planted along the new East McAndrews extension died. The trees were planted by developer Chris Galpin in the public right of way and will be the city’s responsibility once the development is complete. Sjothun said the problem was lack of proper nutrients for the trees. Galpin said he would replace them. Harrington said the first thing he’ll do is become familiar with the city’s trees and the details of the new position. "I’m just excited to be on board and work with residents and city staff to really enhance the urban forest," he said. Tree-protection ordinance sought by some in city Among Bill Harrington’s top projects may be developing a new ordinance governing the cutting of trees on private property. Beth Hallett, a member of Medford’s Tree Committee, said the group has been developing an inventory of trees within the city and would like to see an ordinance to protect them. "We just need more canopy in the city of Medford," she said, adding there are many cases in which healthy trees are being removed when they should be kept. The tree committee would like to regulate the cutting of trees on private property for development and redevelopment and impose fines for violations. Under city code, property owners can cut whatever trees they want. The city may require owners to trim or remove trees that are diseased or extend over public right of way, however. A tree-protection ordinance may encounter resistance from the City Council. A year ago Norm Nelson, representing the tree committee, received a lukewarm reception when he brought up the idea at a council study session. Three other cities in Jackson County — Ashland, Jacksonville and Central Point — have tree ordinances. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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