The Norris Tree Commission was established in the late 1970s and charged by ordinance with the responsibility to:

“develop and administer a written plan for the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, or other growth, on all municipal lands of any character whatsoever, including all parks, ‘commons’ or any other open space, and the entire right of way of all public highways including state roads, county roads, and city streets with the sole exception of the City of Norris Watershed.”

The major activities of the Tree Commission include managing trees on municipal lands, managing the Honor Tree Program, and maintaining the Norris Commons Arboretum. The Tree Commission also manages and maintains the city’s certification as a Tree City USA (the first in the state), which includes an annual Arbor Day celebration held in conjunction with Norris Elementary School. It also undertakes special projects such as the tree planting to beautify the Norris Freeway Scenic Byway near the corner of Highways 441 and 61 and the ongoing tree planting at the recently developed Norris Creamery Park and East Norris Greenway. To provide goals and long-term guidance for these and related activities, the Tree Commission has developed the Norris Urban Forest Management Plan.

The Tree Commission meets on the last Monday of the month at 4:30 PM at the Norris Community Building. The public is invited to attend the meetings.

The current Tree Commission members are:

Chuck Nicholson, Chair	Zach Cross	Pete Dolan
Bill Grieve	Mike Lyons	Harry Shatz

Contact the Tree Commission by email to [email protected]. And follow the Tree Commission on Facebook.