Public forum scheduled for proposed Conway Bradford Pear Tree Bounty Program

The Conway Tree Board invites you to be part of an important conversation about a proposed Bradford Pear Tree Bounty Program.

WHO: Conway Tree Board
WHAT: Conway Tree Board Meeting
WHEN: Monday, May 5 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Council Chambers • Conway City Hall • 1111 Main Street, Conway

Proposed Conway Bradford Pear Tree Bounty Program

Introduction

The City of Conway and the Conway Tree Board are committed to promoting native tree species and protecting our local ecosystem. Invasive species, such as the Bradford Pear Tree, spread aggressively and displace native trees, shrubs, and flowers. To address this issue, the City of Conway is proud to introduce the Conway Bradford Pear Tree Bounty program.

Program Objective

The purpose of this program is to encourage residents to remove Bradford Pear Trees from their properties and replace them with native species that are more beneficial to the environment and wildlife. By participating in this program, residents will contribute to the overall health and diversity of Conway’s urban forest.

Program Details

• The City of Conway is offering a bounty in the form of one native tree for each resident who removes a Bradford pear tree from their property within city limits.
• Property owners are responsible for cutting down their tree or hiring a company to do so. The City is unable to provide removal services.
• To qualify, residents must submit a photo of their Bradford Pear Tree before removal and a photo after the tree has been cut down. Both photos must be taken and submitted buy July 31st.
• Photos, along with the resident’s name, address, and phone number, should be emailed to treeboard@conwayarkansas.gov.
• The limit is one native tree per household while supplies last.
• A total of 25 native trees will be given out to the first 25 people in the order they were received.
• The trees provided will be 3-gallon potted native species, to be determined at a later date.
• Residents who qualify will be able to pick up their replacement tree during the Arbor Day Celebration, held on the first Saturday in November.

Expected Impact

By implementing this bounty program, the City of Conway aims to:

• Reduce the prevalence of invasive Bradford Pear Trees.
• Increase awareness of the harm invasive species cause to the local ecosystem.
• Encourage the planting of native trees that support biodiversity.
• Foster community participation in environmental conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The Conway Bradford Pear Tree Bounty is a proactive step towards preserving our natural environment and promoting native species. By working together, we can enhance the health and beauty of our community for generations to come. We encourage residents to participate and help us make Conway a greener, healthier place.

For more information, please contact the Conway Tree Board at treeboard@conwayarkansas.gov.