Several Plumstead residents from the Windtree neighborhood off of Curly Hill Road described an unsightly view created by the township on open space bordering their properties. Last summer resident Don Mikes phoned the township to report dead ash trees on township open space, which they cut down, but left a “mess of downed, mangled trees right behind our home that resembles a disaster zone,” according to Mikes. In January 2019 he contacted the township about the mess with no remedy.
Another Windtree resident, Joan Summers expressed her grievances about the downed tree mess at last week’s supervisors meeting and related the research she did on emerald ash borer management. She cited the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 2013 documents on the state plan to manage the insect infestation. Summers said that tree removal could include wood utilization according to state or county recommendations. “This could have been a break even or even positive revenue event for the township by bringing in professionals and selling the lumber,” said Summers.
Supervisor Brian Trymbiski said that the township is required by ordinance to cut dead trees down to the ground but not to remove them. He also said the township cannot take on that substantial expense. Trymbiski said because of the emerald ash borer infestation these residents are some of many with similar complaints. The township will look into the safety and clean up of the Windtree site.
The supervisors also appointed Rishi Vaioyanatha to the Environmental Advisory Council. He has been attending the meetings for several years. As a 17-year-old senior at Central Bucks East, he is the youngest member ever appointed to a Plumstead council.
Supervisor Nick Lykon said, “As EAC liason I saw his enthusiasm as he researched environmental issues and had an opinion. Rishi will be a valuable asset to our EAC.”
