New Pine Plains law is made in the shade

So many of us strive to be “green� these days, and in the town of Pine Plains the CAC (Conservation Advisory Council) is taking that literally, creating a proposed tree ordinance that will help protect the town’s street trees for years to come.

The law will prevent otherwise healthy trees along its roads from being cut down or removed by highway crew members when they have downed branches or other superficial damage; it states the town must notify property owners when trees are to be removed; and it also strives to encourage the town to seek training for the Highway Department about basic tree care.

The hope is that after such training, and certainly with such a law in place, no longer will homeowners have to worry about their beloved trees being felled at the hands of possibly inexperienced town workers. Undoubtedly the town workers do their best regarding tree care, but additional education can’t hurt. Even pruning procedures need reviewing, according to the CAC, which will help ensure the safety of many trees that could otherwise be left open to disease or worse.

As the law states, it sets out to “provide a mechanism for the removal, and pruning of trees on public and private lands ... � Having such a law has been a long time coming, especially for a town like Pine Plains, which values its rural character and connection to nature so highly. Trees are essential for our survival. They are life-giving, producing oxygen for humans as well as habitats for animals big and small. They are critical to our environment and just plain beautiful to boot.

It’s wonderful the CAC took the initiative to create such an ordinance to protect the town’s trees — it’s those trees that add to the character and aesthetics of Pine Plains. Without them, the town would be bare and somehow less welcoming. And once they’re gone, it’s too late to protest; therefore it was essential a proactive law be created, just like in the towns of Red Hook and Rhinebeck. Both of those towns are known for their charm and beauty — putting Pine Plains in good company — company that is clearly concerned about the future of its surroundings.

A draft of the proposed local law can be found at Town Hall, for review (for details read this week’s story on page A5). A public hearing on the proposed tree ordinance is scheduled for next Thursday, June 17, at 8 p.m. at Town Hall. Anyone who wants to weigh in on the subject, or simply listen to the discussion, is encouraged to attend.

This tree law will be a great tool for the town. It will help prevent the senseless cutting and removal of healthy trees and also help protect heritage trees (for which an inventory is being made to guide workers so they can identify and care for them). It’s important the town respects and nurtures its trees — they’re so much a part of Pine Plains’ identity — and this law will help do exactly that. Let’s hope the public hearing is met with support and that Local Law No. 2 is adopted forthwith come next week.

Following that, an immediate “thank you� should be conveyed to the CAC for its work on getting this law drafted and (hopefully) passed, as well as the heritage trees inventory completed; its volunteer work is key to keeping Pine Plains green and shady, just what one would hope for in a small, charming, country town.