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Forester to assess city ash trees

By MARCIA NELESEN ( Contact ) Tuesday, November 13, 2012 - 6:12 a.m.

JANESVILLE--A city forester could tell residents whether to remove trees on private property after a unanimous vote Monday from Janesville City Council members.

The city does not have the power to do that now.

The forester would be able to inspect for dead or dying trees and order them removed before they become a public hazard.

City Manager Eric Levitt said some might residents assume the provision encroaches on private rights, but the council determined public health and safety was most important.

The changes were written to deal with advancement of the emerald ash borer.

The forester position was eliminated years ago when the city’s elm trees were removed because Dutch elm disease devastated that species. The current ordinance has been on the books since then.

The council will contract with a forester.

For a full story, read Tuesday’s Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com.

reader COMMENTS

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(4)

theone
Nov 13, 2012 at 8:02 p.m.
Suggest removal

Beloit surpassed Janesville long ago when it comes to all aspects of maintaining the infrastructure and landscaping of the city.

And the gap continues to widen.

woody
Nov 13, 2012 at 7:22 p.m.
Suggest removal

In Beloit, the city will plant, trim, and cut trees in the terrace for FREE. Janesville will charge the homeowner for terrace work, then they come on your property and tell you what you can do with your tree in the backyard. Who are they protecting? Income for the tree service companies?

woody
Nov 13, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sounds like the council has some buddies that are tree service people that need work. Who says government doesn't create jobs!

batmanb4robin
Nov 13, 2012 at 1:09 p.m.
Suggest removal

I wonder if the Council members properties will be first. "Lead by example". Something not adhered to anymore in Politics.. Local, State, or Federal. If they had "lead by example (say, when it comes to writing checks), & we followed their examples.. we'd be in prison.

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