1. Tuxedo Park Tree Advisory Board (TPTAB) REPORT TO THE VILLAGE OF TUXEDO PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES JUNE 28, 2016 1

2. What has the TAB been doing?  www.tptreeboard.org featuring extensive tree care and related information was launched in March. Updates monthly. www.tptreeboard.org  Planted 150 trees and shrubs along both banks of the Augusta Brook with the assistance of the Garden Club.  Ongoing removal of dead/hazardous trees on Village property – starting with 8 large dead trees along Tuxedo Road and at south end of Tuxedo Lake.  Brought the community together to celebrate Arbor Day on April 30 with an event entirely funded by donations.  Presented the 2016 Arbor Day Award to Dena Steele and Houston Stebbins; planted a donated native beech tree in their honor in front of the Keep.  The Deviners have been cutting strangling vines along Tuxedo Road and at the Race Track.  Sending ”TAB updates” with each quarterly water bill mailings.  Planning a seminar for homeowners and landscapers on September 23 covering tree diseases and invasive species management with DEC and professional speakers.  Implementing a multi-year plan to transform the Race Track into a Nature Preserve. 2

3. The Race Track Preserve: the DEC encourages its preservation  The ”bowl” is a cost-effective storm water management system for the surrounding hills/properties.  The area is the headwater of Augusta Brook, a tributary of the Ramapo River that provides drinking water for millions in NY and NJ.  Vegetation along the embankment areas provides critical structural support to Tuxedo Road and Clubhouse Road.  Its mixed habitat of wetlands, forest and meadows provides a superlative home to a diverse range flora and fauna not found elsewhere in the Lower Hudson Valley. 3

4. The Race Track Preserve: restoration efforts to-date  The BOT-approved tree inventory study (conducted by arborist Brett Walker) is complete. The findings provide a basis for a forest regeneration plan. A worrying result: only 12 natural saplings were identified in 21 acres!  The BOT-approved Trilliam Invasive Species Management study has mapped the locations of invasives along the embankment areas and recommended management methods and timetable. Trillium will submit a replanting proposal for the embankments later in the summer.  The BOT-approved RFP has been sent to landscape design firms for proposals to remove invasive plants, replant and maintain the entire 21 acres – in phases over years to match availability of labor/donations and natural removal/replant cycles. Bid opening on July 1.  A “Friends of the Race Track Preserve” is being explored by some residents to raise money to fund restoration and ongoing maintenance.  Government grants are being pursued by Fred Rella. 4

5. BOT-approved TPTAB 2016/2017 budget  $5,000 direct expenses.  260 hours of allocated DPW time. 5

6. BOT approved TPTAB 2016/2017 budget: planned expenses Focus on removing 6 invasive species that are particularly aggressive but have not yet spread widely at the Race Track  Removal of Japanese Angelica Trees labor + herbicide $1,300 (Ramapo Mountain Trees & Shrubs Corp.)  Removal of Japanese Knotweed labor + herbicide $1,800 (Trillium Invasive Species Management Inc.)  Geotextile fabric to cover area after hand removal of Phragmites + Goutweed $600 (DPW)  Removal of Japanes Stiltgrass and Miscanthus $0 (The Deviners) Continued removal of fallen/dead wood and hazardous trees on Village property $0 (DPW) Tree tubes and other miscellaneous tree care materials $300 Unallocated expenses for time being $1,000 6