Town Seeks Funds for Tree Management

Continuing the ambitious tree preservation program that began a couple of years ago, town officials are seeking a NC Forestry Service grant that would finance a professional tree management and preservation program throughout Clayton.

Some of the money would also go to plant new trees.

"This is a continuation of the work that's been going on for quite a while," said Planning Director James L. "Skip" Browder. "We're going to replace trees that we've discovered need replacing, as well as providing proper maintenance in various locations around town."

The town is seeking a grant of up to $10,000 through the Forestry Service's Urban Forestry Program. If the grant proposal is approved, Browder said he hopes to begin work in the Spring.

The tree preservation program is part of an effort by town officials to help Clayton keep its small town charm as it grows. Already, the town's subdivision regulations have been tightened to require greater saving of trees in new developments, and new rules are in place requiring more bushes and shrubs on the US 70 corridor through town.

Over the last couple of years, scores of new trees have been planted, and town planners have compiled a database of trees all over town, documenting kind, size, age and condition so that a professional management program can be implemented.