October 5 2026 - Conway Tree Board

At the October 5, 2026 meeting of the City of Conway Tree Board, members discussed Arbor Day spending amid ongoing water restrictions. The board planned a giveaway of 75 trees ordered from Beimis (about $13 each) and considered providing each tree with a watering bag and care instructions; the giveaway would be reduced from prior years, with one tree per household and no reservations. Members discussed allocating $3,000 for Arbor Day, including trees, watering bags, food, and related costs, against a reported board balance of $5,631.64. The transcript does not clearly capture whether the proposed $3,000 allocation was formally approved. The McGee Center sign cost and available funding were still unclear, with follow-up needed; school plantings were deferred until at least next year because of water curtailment.

The board also discussed presenting the draft urban forestry management plan to City Council, tentatively targeting November 10, and sharing plan information at Arbor Day. Members raised concerns about 244 ash trees identified on public land and rights-of-way and discussed public education and future management, but no related spending decision was recorded. A Girl Scout tree planting at Laurel Park remained under consideration, with board members discussing a watering commitment. No vendor award or contract approval was identified.