To the editor,

One of the things that drew me to River Falls over 30 years ago was the amazing tree canopy that we have the good fortune to live beneath. With the departure of Mike Noreen, who held dual roles as the city forester and sustainability coordinator, I want to encourage the city administrator and council to consider creating a separate job position for a permanent, full-time city forester.

We need to ensure that there is an expert on staff to protect this beautiful and vital natural resource. Urban forestry is challenging right now with Emerald Ash Borer, and we need to make sure that we make investments that encourage new tree growth and minimize the effects of harmful insects and other culprits threatening our natural environment.

A full-time permanent position and reinstatement of the currently defunct Tree Advisory Committee would ensure that we follow the terms of Department of Natural Resources grants that include transparency, community input, and plan follow through.

Robin Boles

Town of Martell