It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to:
A.
The Town of Amherst hereby finds that there is a direct and important
relationship between the existence of trees in the Town and the health,
safety and welfare of the community. Trees preserve air and water
quality, provide shelter to people and property and enhance economic
and aesthetic value to property.
B.
It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to:
1.
Protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare
by requiring the preservation and protection of trees on public and
private property within the Town.
2.
Prevent the unnecessary clearing, destruction and disturbance of
trees on public and private property within the Town.
3.
Establish minimum standards and criteria for the limitation of the
removal of trees on public and private property within the Town.
4.
Establish minimum standards and criteria to ensure the replacement
of trees removed from public and private property within the Town.
5.
Reduce flooding.
6.
Reduce water pollution.
7.
Reduce the effects of wind and air turbulence.
8.
Reduce visual pollution.
9.
Reduce sound pollution.
10.
Reduce soil erosion.
11.
Reduce levels of carbon dioxide and return oxygen to atmosphere.
12.
Increase groundwater supply.
13.
Provide shade.
14.
Provide habitat for wildlife.
15.
Conserve and protect property values and otherwise facilitate the
creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community.
16.
Generally preserve and safeguard the ecological and aesthetic environment.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
following meaning:
A tree that sheds its leaves annually and including ginkgo
genus.
A comprehensive plan developed by the Tree Board which encompasses
a long term vision of the Town of Amherst needs, values and goals
for its trees. The Community Tree Management Plan is based on inventory
analysis of data to assess and address the health and longevity of
the Town's trees in order to promote diverse and sustainable
tree resources for the future.
A plant or tree that retains its verdure, leaves or needles
through all seasons and including deciduous conifers such as members
of the Larix, Pseudolarux, and taxodium genus.
Any and all trees, shrubs, bushes and other woody vegetation
located in Town parks and all other areas owned by the Town.
Any and all trees, shrubs, bushes and all woody vegetation
on land located between property lines on either side of all public
streets, highways or rights-of-way within the Town.
The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three
inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so
as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. On smaller
trees, topping applies to the cutting back of limbs within the tree's
crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure
the tree.
Any woody perennial plant (deciduous or coniferous) usually
having a single main stem generally with few or no branches on its
lower part.
