Trees & Public Greenery Committee

The Trees & Public Greenery Committee was established by Ordinance [Chapter 1, Article IV, Section 1.409] and consists of nine (10) voting members including a member of the City Council, the City Manager or designee, the Tree Warden, the Public Works Foreman in charge of tree maintenance, and six (6) individuals with an interest in trees and public greenery.  The six (6) non-staff members of the Committee are appointed by the Mayor and City Council for three-year terms.

The main purpose of the Committee is to advise and assist the City’s Tree Warden in implementing the provisions of the “Portsmouth Urban Forestry Ordinance,” [Chapter 8, Article III, Section 8.300-8.310] to ensure the proper expansion, protection and maintenance of the City’s Urban Forest, by (1) establishing on public lands and public rights of way as many trees as can be maintained in a suitable and aesthetically pleasing manner; (2) encouraging the planting of trees that will represent a diversity of species and age classes; (3) regulating the enforcement and planting and maintenance of trees on City property; and (4) establishing limits on the amount of disturbance that may take place on any public property. 

No trees may be removed from any public right of way or public place in the City without a permit from the Tree Warden and permits may not be granted until after a hearing has been held by the Trees & Public Greenery Committee. 

If you have any further questions please contact Maxwell Wiater, Certified Arborist and City Arborist Foreman, 603-570-8480.

Meeting Playlist

Go To YouTube Playlist

Committee Members

Content
NameAddressHome TelephoneAppointment DateExpiration Date
Name: Scott McDermottAddress: 120 Thornton StreetHome Telephone: (603) 531-8001Appointment Date: 12/02/2024Expiration Date: 12/02/2027
Name: Patricia BagleyAddress: 213 Pleasant StreetHome Telephone: (617) 680-7136Appointment Date: 09/19/2022Expiration Date: 09/03/2025
Name: Deborah ChagAddress: 19 Cabot St.Home Telephone: (603) 498-5362Appointment Date: 08/23/2021Expiration Date: 08/23/2024
Name: A. J. Dupere, State ForesterAddress: Urban Forestry CenterHome Telephone:  Appointment Date:  Expiration Date:  
Name: Michael GriffinAddress: 579 Sagamore Ave, #55Home Telephone: (603) 498-8960Appointment Date: 05/20/2024Expiration Date: 06/07/2027
Name: Joanna Kelley, Asst. Mayor, Council representativeAddress:  Home Telephone:  Appointment Date: 02/05/2024Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Name: VacancyAddress:  Home Telephone:  Appointment Date:  Expiration Date:  
Name: Peter Rice, Public Works DirectorAddress:  Home Telephone:  Appointment Date:  Expiration Date:  
Name: Dennis SoutoAddress: 218 Willard AvenueHome Telephone: (603) 436-2466Appointment Date: 9/04/2012Expiration Date: 06/07/2027
Name: Maxwell Wiater, Certified Arborist and City Arborist ForemanAddress:  Home Telephone: (603) 570-8480Appointment Date:  Expiration Date: