Panel to Inventory, Help Maintain Trees

A group of community volunteers is conducting an inventory of Calabasas’ trees in an effort to enhance their care and maintenance.

Using $4,700 in federal and state grant money, the newly formed Tree Advisory Board has inventoried about 1,800 trees to date, said Rosi Dagit, the board’s project coordinator.

After the inventory is complete, possibly in December, Dagit said, the 11-member panel will use the information to create a tree management plan. Dagit said the plan will set schedules for tree planting and pruning and for the removal of trees that are sick or creating safety hazards or other problems.

The first phase of the inventory, she said, has focused on trees in more populated areas, where many trees were planted in too-small plots and are now causing sidewalk damage or even interfering with utility lines. Trees in outlying areas will be inventoried later, she said.

Dagit said the board seeks community input in the creation of the tree management plan.

In a related matter, the city of Calabasas will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday with a celebration at the future site of Juan Bautista de Anza Park, which is under construction at Lost Hills and Las Virgenes roads. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.