Removing trees, amending code

Trees and fires were the hot topics discussed, though not together, during the October 17 meeting of the Riverside Town Council.

Members of the governing body discussed how and when to remove aging cottonwood trees in Rick Martin Memorial Park and whether to plant new trees before or after the older trees were removed. They also discussed changes to Ordinance No. 106, which covers the burning of waste within town limits.

Tree Removal

The discussion of the cottonwood trees in Rick Martin Memorial Park—which houses playground equipment and one of two permanent disc golf courses in the area—was started by Councilmember Ed Golden.

“I had a chance to walk around, look at the park and look at the trees,” said Golden. “I’m no forester, but you’ve got a hell a lot of old trees there that are going to be coming down.”

Within the eastern cottonwood, there are approximately three subspecies which includes the plains cottonwood which is also the state tree of Wyoming. Cottonwood trees are a common sight in Wyoming near bodies of water such as rivers and streams and have a lifespan of 70 to 100 years. As the name implies, cottonwood trees are known for the cotton-like seeds which are produced by the female of the species in the early summer months.

According to the Great Plains Nature Center, the heartwood—the supportive part of a tree—rots from the larger limbs and trunk of the tree. If the windstorm breaks one of the hollow branches off, it can provide access to the interior of the tree and homes for squirrels, racoons or possums.

“I think we need to put money in parks for the spring to have someone come in and trim and take out trees that are in danger of falling on equipment,” said Councilmember Lisa Lorenz. “Right now, what I see when I’m walking in the park is little trees trying to come up that cannot because of the big trees in the way. They’re not going to flourish as long as the big dead trees are blocking all of their sunlight.”

According to information from the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Office, cottonwood trees can reproduce through seeds but also through vegetative means such as sprouting from roots, stumps or branches. The information from the OSU Extension Office went on to read, “It often is associated with disturbance stress caused by fire, beaver, ice scouring, animal browsing, or the burial or toppling of saplings during floods.”

Mayor Leroy Stephenson said he was “an advocate” for taking care of the trees in Rick Martin Memorial Park, suggesting the Town of Riverside reach out to Gonzales Tree Service of Walden, Colorado. According to Stephenson, the company had removed a number of older cottonwoods at Lazy Acres Campground in the past.

Golden asked if there was a district forester for the Wyoming State Forestry Division who could come and examine the cottonwood trees at the park.

“The last time I contacted one, the nearest one was in Cheyenne,” said Mayor Stephenson.

Lee Ann Stephenson said Gonzales Tree Service had two arborists in his company who could determine the age and health of the cottonwood trees in Rick Martin Memorial Park.

While there was some discussion on whether to remove the trees before winter or in the spring—and plant other trees in the park—Mayor Stephenson said he would start by contacting Gonzales Tree Service and ask about their availability.

Burning Discussion

During the September 19 meeting of the Riverside Town Council, it was discussed that other residents had expressed concern about a Riverside resident burning grass and leaves on his property. Town Clerk Jan Cook found Ordinance No. 106—which was passed in 1972—regarding the burning of garbage and waste in municipal limits.

Under the current language of the ordinance, a resident cannot burn “garbage, waste, packing material, trash, discarded boxes or other material” without having first obtained written permission from a member of the town council.

The ordinance goes on to read that a council member must grant permission if they believe the burning of the materials listed in the ordinance can be done so “without danger to adjoining property or undo contamination to the air in the vicinity.”

Additionally, the ordinance dictates that the Town of Riverside will not be held liable if granting permission to burn materials would lead to damage to other people’s property. The permission would only be valid for a 48 hour period from the time it was granted.

The second section of the ordinance reads that any person violating the ordinance would be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined $100.00.

A third section or the ordinance declares an emergency that “this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.”

“I pretty much removed most of the old ordinance,” says Mayor Stephenson.

As the council members discussed the ordinance, they appeared to agree on removing parts of the document which dealt with a member of the council granting permission and the liability of the Town of Riverside in granting permission. They also appeared to agree on removing the third section, but adding a new section.

“I added burning of yard waste, which is limbs and leaves, and firepits will be allowed,” said Mayor Stephenson. “Carbon County Sheriff’s dispatch must be notified and the fire will be attended at all times.”

“I added that we would follow any burning ban issued by Carbon County,” said Lorenz.

Under Wyoming State Statute, the ordinance will need to be read three times before it is effective.

The next meeting of the Riverside Town Council will be at 5 p.m. on November 14 at Riverside Town Hall.