Forestry Policy

Drafted and Submitted on March 1, 2011 by the Coleman Memorial Park Forestry Committee

History of Coleman Memorial Park Forestry

As part of the Coleman legacy in the park, we are left with many rare and beautiful specimens of trees and shrubs, planted by the Coleman Family. Coleman Park has the Lebanon County Champion of Ginkgo, Blackgum and Katsura Trees. And some of the oldest and largest Oak Trees found in the state. Also found in Coleman Park; is the European Beech, Umbrella Magnolia, Chinese Toon, the Bottlebrush Buckeye, and Jetbead. There are many more natural wonders left by the Coleman Family for the entire County to enjoy. Presently the Park has a nature trail that circles the park and passes many of these historic and unique floras, and more than half of Coleman Park remains as a natural forest.

Forestry Policy at Coleman Memorial Park
Part of the safe operation of Coleman Memorial Park, we are required to remove dead, dangerous and invasive trees. The following criteria are used to determine removal of trees within Coleman Memorial Park. Forestry Committee and Park Manager will make final determination. State Forester and Consultants will be brought in as needed.

A. “Dead Tree” is a tree that has been compromised by age, nature or man that may pose a threat to persons or property in or adjacent to Coleman Memorial Park. Defined by the following criteria.

1. Show less than 30% foliage for a period of two years or longer (Drought, infestation and storm damage are to be considered)
2. Has extensive and detrimental bark damage.
3. Compromised root system that cannot be mended.
4. Storm damaged trees with extensive detrimental damage.
5. See Section “E”, standing deadwood or “Snags”.

B. “Danger of FB. ailing” is a tree that has been compromised by age, nature or man that may pose a threat to persons or property in or adjacent to Coleman Memorial Park. Defined by the following criteria.

1. Steep or compromised terrain, including trees that have outgrown their terrain.
2. Adjacency to park facilities, roadways, trails and neighboring properties are to be considered.
3. Compromised root system, including uncovered or pulled roots
4. Compromised trunk, Including significant rot or damage of tree structure
5. Compromised limb architecture, and balance of canopy, although it is preferable to remove dangerous limbs removal of trees may be necessary.
6. See Section “E”, standing deadwood or “Snags”.

C. “Invasive” is a flora that has been deemed by the invasive by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resource.

1. Highly invasive species should be removed to help reforestation efforts.
2. DCNR guidelines are to be followed for proper removal methods.
3. Although a flora may be listed on the DCNR invasive list, this does not mean it needs to be removed.

D. “Infested” Is a tree with insects or blight that pose a threat to forest health.

1. Although a tree is or has been infested, that does not indicate removal.
2. DCNR guidelines are to be followed according to type of infestation.
3. Trees are to be treated where possible to limit infestation.
4. See Section “A” and Section “B” for final determination.

E. Standing Deadwood or “Snags” are a necessity for the Park’s wildlife.

1. It is recommended that we have 4-5 standing deadwood or “Snags” trees per acre.
2. “Den trees” or trees with visible signs of wildlife are to be left standing where possible and are given priority when choosing which trees are to remain.
3. Standing deadwood or Snags should not pose a threat to persons or property in or adjacent to Coleman Memorial Park.

F. Special Exception for tree removal can be granted by the Coleman Memorial Park Board of Trustees by a majority vote. This is in the event of future facility planning or City of Lebanon request. Coleman Memorial Park Forestry Policy Continued

G. Sale and Disposal of trees: Coleman Memorial Park does not and will not fell a tree for money or trade. Although when trees are removed for the above criteria trees can be sold or traded as timber or firewood. Any proceeds from the sale of park trees will be given to the reforestation efforts.

H. Reforestation: When trees are removed we have improved the safety, but we have changed the natural landscape. As part of the tree removal process we are equally dedicated to the preservation and replanting of the parks natural resources.

1. Coleman Memorial Park is committed to replanting one tree for every one tree felled.
2. Reforest efforts are to be planted in the groomed section of the park. Groomed sections of the park include any area that is mowed or trimmed at least once during the course of the year.
3. The naturally forested section of the park will replant itself if left un-mowed or un-trimmed.
4. The naturally forested sections of the park will need to be managed with removal of invasive trees and encouraged with new plantings, for diversity in the forest.
5. Trees to be replanted are as follows

i. Indigenous species as specified by the Pennsylvania DCNR
ii. Historic species planted by the Coleman Family, replanting same species.
iii. Arboretum quality species to enhance the park’s flora attractions
iv. Species that attract diversity in wildlife.

Following is a list of persons who contributed to the Coleman Memorial Park Forestry Policy; Andrew Brought (State Forester), Julianne Schieffer (Penn State, Urban Forester), James Logan (friend of Coleman Park), Fritz Heilman (friend of Coleman Park) Leigh Beimensderfer (Lebanon Conservation District), James Snyder (Forestry Consultant), Gene Long (CMP Board), Dave Schnoke (CMP Board), Barry Hostetter (CMP Board), Fred Yeagley (CMP Board), Irv Siegel (CMP Board). Craig Henninger (Park Manager), Tom Watson (Former Lebanon City, Director Public Works)

Respectfully submitted,
Frederick A. Yeagley, Forestry Committee Chair
Coleman Memorial Park Board of Trustees