- January 19, 2025
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Port Orange city officials will be looking into the systematic maintenance of trees after a discussion was held during the Tuesday, Jan. 16, City Council meeting that revolved around what could be done to rebeautify the area around retention ponds.
Conservationist Derek LaMontagne spoke to City Council members about his goal to have a project that would allow for more trees to be planted around retention ponds in the area. LaMontagne added that last spring several donated trees had been planted around a retention pond but were eventually cut down. He noted that some of the trees had been planted in memory of people.
According to LaMontagne, 24 trees purchased, grown and planted by volunteers were removed from the retention pond at the corner of Nova Road and Miles Drive on the Foxboro subdivision side. LaMontagne explained that the trees were planted last March with full approval of the city, county and other agencies, but were mowed or pulled out last fall by city workers.
LaMontage said he has since been trying to get answers, adding that if the trees are not replaced by the city soon, he will likely have to take legal action.
"The reasoning behind planting trees, and also shrubs and so forth, around retention ponds is sort of to absorb some of the nutrients and also rebeautify the area and also have to mow less," LaMontagne said.
Mayor Don Burnette said he would like to task the city's environmental board to look at what could be done in relation to the retention ponds and planting beyond just beautification. He added that planting trees around the ponds would also be an effective way to minimize erosion.
City Manager Jake Johansson confirmed with Burnette that the goal for the environmental board would be to look into maintaining what is already within the city while improving what is not there with new trees.
Councilman Bob Ford said the city needs a policy on trees that directs officials, public works and parks and recreation in particular, to perform periodic audits of the trees to ensure they are being maintained properly.
Ford said this would be a way to make sure the trees, especially the oaks, are being maintained, such as pruning of roots and branches. According to Ford, some residents have been worried about the oaks around City Center.
"I think that one of the things that has made Port Orange unique is the protection of trees," Ford said, adding that "The trees are wonderful and they do wonderful things for our community but there are costs associated with them."
Seedlings and tree removal
During the Tuesday, Jan. 23, Environmental Advisory Board meeting, members spoke with City Manager Jake Johansson about the possibility of purchasing up to 1,000 seedlings that could be kept on a roughly one-acre piece of land. The goal would be to give the seedlings away on or around Arbor Day.
Johansson noted that this would be possible, however, volunteers would be needed to help with planting the seedlings in pots.
The board was also asked to provide advice in the upcoming weeks on the relocation of 100 trees that will be removed during the Dunlawton median project. The project, which will take place this spring, will run from Spruce Creek Road to I-95 and will require the removal of most of the trees in the medians.
