Tree Advisory Committee

The Benefits of Trees

This resolution recognized the wide array of values that trees bring to our community.

Street trees in Bethlehem annually remove more than 1,800 lbs of air pollution from neighborhoods and absorb 783,000 gallons of stormwater which helps reduce flooding and protect creeks and wetlands.
Trees lower heating and cooling expenses by providing shade and acting as windbreaks, and help reduce neighborhood noise levels.
Large trees in yards and neighborhoods increase residential property values by an average of 3-15% nationally, and commercial property rental rates are 7% higher nationally when trees are on a property.
Tree-lined streets typically have lower traffic speeds, making them safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Due to the many benefits that trees provide, the U.S. Forest Service has estimated that for every $1 spent on trees, a return of $2.70 in benefits is received.

Past Town Initiatives and Plans Supporting Tree Conservation and Planting

The resolution builds on past efforts.

The Bethlehem Street Tree Program, launched by the Town Board in 2014 (Resolution #2014-10), committed the Town to planting and maintaining street trees throughout our community.
A Street Tree Inventory Analysis and Management Plan completed by the Town in 2020 described the Town’s aspirations for street trees, identified actions for maintaining existing trees and planting new street trees, and recognized the many benefits that street trees yield for our community’s aesthetic value, air quality, and public health.
The Bethlehem Forward Comprehensive Plan Update, completed in 2024, recognized the value of street trees and encouraged the creation of a Tree Advisory Committee.

Bethlehem’s Commitment to Maintaining and Replanting Trees on Town Properties

The more mature a tree, the greater the benefits it delivers, so it is critical to preserve existing trees on Town properties, easements, and rights-of-way wherever possible, to plant new trees with mature establishment in mind, and to encourage property owners to keep and care for their trees.

With this in mind, the Town of Bethlehem has committed to the following principles:

Preserving and planting healthy trees is a priority for the Town of Bethlehem in its easements, rights-of-way, and the properties it owns.
When trees are removed from Town properties, easements, or rights-of-way, replacing them is always the preferred approach.
Appropriately managing trees is a priority.

Tree Advisory Committee

The Town has established a Tree Advisory Committee whose initial duties are to:

Prepare a list of appropriate and predominantly native trees for planting by Town departments, and periodically update the list as new information becomes available about climate change, invasive species, etc.
Translate professionally accepted standards for tree planting and maintenance into resources that can be easily used by Town staff, including ideal tree sizes for planting and stump removal.
Facilitate training for Town staff who will be involved with planting, maintaining, and pruning trees.
For Town infrastructure projects, develop a process that departments can easily use for tracking (a) which landowners were contacted (and how and when) regarding their preferences for removing trees or planting new trees, (b) where trees were taken down (and why and which species), and (c) where new trees were planted (and why and which species).
Develop educational materials about trees for the Town website and for distribution to property owners, including info about the benefits of protecting trees, guidance for selecting trees for planting, guidance on planting new trees, guidance on maintaining and pruning trees, and handouts highlighting the value of planting replacement trees.
Undertake additional projects as directed by the Town Supervisor.

Regular Meetings

Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month (unless that date falls on a holiday) at 5:30 pm in Town Hall, Room 101. The Committee may modify the dates or schedule additional meetings as necessary with appropriate public notification.

2026 Meetings
- January 8
- February 4, WEDNESDAY, at 6:45 pm
- March 5
- April 2
- May 7
- June 4
- July 2
- August 6
- September 3
- October 1
- November 5
- December 3

Meeting Agendas and Summaries

The most recent agenda is posted in advance of each meeting. Meeting summaries are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda | View Archived Meeting Summaries

Members

The Tree Advisory Committee consists of five members appointed by the Town Board. Contact the Committee at TreeCommittee@bethlehemny.gov.

Bruce Bushart	term ends December 31, 2027	Biography
Judith Fetterley	term ends December 31, 2028	Biography
Justine Heilner	term ends December 31, 2028	Biography
Meagan Mazzarino	term ends December 31, 2027	Biography
David Plummer	term ends December 31, 2027	Biography