Tree Board
Overview
Abilene has been a Tree City USA community for 30 years due to the efforts of the Abilene Tree Board. The Tree Board consists of 5 members who are appointed to 3-year terms. The Board is charged with the following:
- Educating the public on the value and maintenance of trees,
- Promote plantings on public lands and rights-of-way,
- Assist the City Forester with the administration of the tree maintenance ordinance,
- Hold Arbor Day programs, and
- Assist in the administration of the Tree Cost Share Program.
Duties of the Tree Board
Fall Cost Share Program - The City will pay 50% of the cost of a tree planting up to $75 per tree, provided the tree is planted in the right-of-way.
Arbor Day Program - The Tree Board conducts an Arbor Day presentation and tree planting at the local elementary schools to teach children about the benefits of trees, tree planting and tree care. Since 2010, the Tree Board has given a Norway Spruce seedling to local 4th Grade students during the 4th Grade Forester Program to take home and plant. Since 2016, the Tree Board has promoted the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest. The Kansas Forest Service contest is for 5th Grade Students only. Abilene has had district winners in 2017, 2018 and 2022.
Arbor Day Proclamation - The Mayor reads and signs an annual Arbor Day Proclamation to recognize recognition of the Tree Board’s efforts and the value of trees.
Tree Maintenance Ordinance - The City tree maintenance ordinance is part of the City Code and is enforced by the City Forester.
City Code, Chapter 6, Article 7 - Trees
City Forestry Standards and Specifications (PDF)
Current Members and Term
- Steven Flynn (Chair) 2026
- Corey Jones (Vice-Chair) 2024
- Tim Strunk 2025
- Hayley Whitehair 2026
- Drew Snitker 2026
Meeting and Contact Information
The Tree Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of every other month or as scheduled at 5:30 pm at the Abilene Public Library - Malott Room 209 NW 4th Street.
Find Agenda and Minutes
For more information or questions regarding the Tree Board, please get in touch with Jennie Hiatt at (785) 263-3510.