FBCC designates January 2022 as Heritage Tree Month

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
January 5, 2022

 

City Arborist David Nevill looks on as Vice Mayor Len Kreger reads Heritage Tree Proclamation.

At their first meeting of 2022 held on January 4, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) designated January 2022 as Heritage Tree Month. Planning and Conservation Department Arborist David Neville accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the City.

A heritage tree is typically a large, individual tree with unique value, which is considered irreplaceable. The major criteria for heritage tree designation are age, rarity, and size, as well as aesthetic, botanical, ecological, and historical value; In Fernandina Beach, the first sponsored Heritage tree was designated in 2006.

The City of Fernandina Beach recognizes the significance of planting, designating, maintaining, and preserving individual trees as they aid in sustaining and renewing the unique maritime forest.

In accepting the Proclamation, Neville thanked the City Commission and said that currently the City has 36 designated Heritage Trees, with the possibility of many more. According to the 2009 tree survey, the City has over 900 trees with a diameter of at least 32 inches. Heritage Tree designation requires a diameter of 36 inches.

The City will hold a workshop on January 14 at 9:00 a.m. in City Commission Chambers to discuss ways to nominate more Heritage Trees in the City.

Vice Mayor Len Kreger added his thanks to the local individuals and organizations that have worked diligently on the Heritage Tree program.

Commissioner Chip Ross acknowledged that Neville has received the designation of arborist from the International Society of Arborists. “He worked hard to get that,” Ross Said, “and we appreciate it.”