Proposed Amendment to the

Erosion Control Bylaw

Protecting Our Trees and Preserving Harvard's Rural Character

An amendment to the Erosion Control Bylaw is coming to Town Meeting to strengthen protections for trees, an essential natural resource that defines our rural character and is increasingly threatened by expanding development. In town surveys, residents have emphasized that the town’s rural beauty is what drew them here, and this bylaw helps guarantee that its beauty will remain for future generations.

From an environmental and climate perspective, trees play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our community.

• Trees are considered a key tool in combating rising carbon levels in the atmosphere. They act as one of the most significant natural carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• They prevent soil erosion, which helps protect water sources, sustain ecosystems, and reduce the risk of flooding.
• They provide shade, which becomes even more important as summer temperatures rise, helping to keep buildings cooler and energy costs down.
• Trees also improve air quality by reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.

Details of the Proposed Amendment

• When a major or minor permit is submitted to the town, the proposed amendment gives the Planning Board the authority to review and address the removal of trees that are more than twelve inches in diameter, and/or a single tree over twenty inches in diameter.
• When property owners plan to remove five or more large trees over twelve inches in diameter and/or a single tree over twenty inches in diameter, where no permit is required, it also includes a provision for the property owners to work with the Tree Warden.
• The amendment does not apply to trees that are diseased, dead, or pose a danger to homes or other structures or on land being used for agricultural purposes.
• Current bylaws already protect certain trees located near wetlands, along public roads, or on designated scenic routes.

Public Meeting and Resident Participation

The Tree Warden and Climate Initiative Committee will hold a public meeting on the bylaw on Tuesday, March 4th, at 7 PM via Zoom . Residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback. The link for the meeting will be found on the Town website,Planning Board agenda at least three days before the hearing.