Township to revisit dead tree removal

Almost a year-and-a-half after a drought took its toll on Montgomery County and surrounding areas, the Woodlands Township Board of Directors is still dealing with the removal and replacement of dead trees.

Due to higher costs to address the drought damage, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will discuss possible action regarding the next steps to deal with dead tree removal in the community.

In 2012, the township spent about $2.6 million in tree removal and assessment due to the drought but also due to several storms that blew through the community prompting the emergency removal of dozens of trees. For this year, the township has budgeted $1.2 million for tree removal and forest management. An additional $170,000 is budgeted for a Integrated Forest Management Plan, a water truck and irrigation improvements for streetscapes.

Through the end of 2012, the township and its contractors removed close to 28,500 trees. Most of those trees were removed from the villages of Grogans Mill and Panther Creek.

According to information from the township, due to less tree coverage, the community will see an increase in vines and underbrush. While the removal of vines has always been a part of the townships forest management plan, the township could see an increase in need for more services to handle the underbrush. Currently $78,000 is budgeted to address the vine removal.

Other agenda items include:

An update from the Lake Woodlands Property Owners Association regarding the use of the lake and assessment fees for residents on the lake;

The carryover of funds previously approved for the 2012 Capital Budget to complete the applicable projects;

Hosting the World Triathlon Organizations Iron Girl competition;

Supporting the proposed overpass at Research Forest Drive and Interstate 45.

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Township to revisit dead tree removal