Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) Makes Assessment of Tornado Damaged Trees
On September 5, 2019, the City of Beavercreek worked with the Ohio Division of Forestry Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) to assess public trees affected by the Memorial Day Tornadoes. The UFST is a group of approximately 20 ISA Certified Arborists and Board Certified Master Arborists within the State of Ohio, all with advanced training and certification in Tree Risk Assessment. The mission of the UFST was to assess risk of public trees within the right-of-way and within parks that were impacted by the tornado. Due to the large area that was impacted, and for the amount of time they allocated to us, city staff identified key areas for them to assess.
While in the field assessing impacted trees, the UFST documented and gathered data points in a GIS file that has been provided to city staff. The data gathered identifies each tree that requires some form of work such as additional monitoring, pruning, or removal. Trees that were recommended for removal were marked with a green dot at the base of the trunk. Each tree poses a different level of risk and potential impact of damage to surrounding targets. Based on the data that we received, city staff has begun prioritizing tree removal and pruning. Every effort will be made to preserve and save as many damaged trees as possible in the impacted area, however, many times trees are damaged more than one may realize and pose a threat to the public resulting in the need for removal. In addition to removing and pruning trees, stumps within the right-of-way will be removed.
City staff will work with property owners and notify them of any work to be performed to right-of-way trees along their property. While many trees may need to be removed, there are plans to replace trees in the tree lawns along public right-of-ways in the impacted areas. If property owners are interested in planting trees within the right-of-way, they need to obtain a right-of-way permit from the City Engineering office at (937) 427-5513. Additionally, the City is working on obtaining grant money to assist in the replanting of public trees. Should you have any questions and would like additional information, please contact the Public Service Department at (937) 427-5540