Trees & Public Greenery Committee
The Trees & Public Greenery Committee was established by Ordinance [Chapter 1, Article IV, Section 1.409] and consists of ten (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
6.11.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
June 11, 20256.11.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
5.14.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
May 14, 20255.14.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
4.9.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
April 9, 20254.9.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
3.12.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
March 12, 20253.12.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
2.12.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
February 12, 20252.12.2025 Trees and Public Greenery Committee
Committee Members
| Name | Address | Home Telephone | Appointment Date | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name: Patricia Bagley, chair | Address: 213 Pleasant Street | Home Telephone: (617) 680-7136 | Appointment Date: 09/19/2022 | Expiration Date: 09/03/2025 |
| Name: Scott McDermott | Address: 120 Thornton Street | Home Telephone: (603) 531-8001 | Appointment Date: 12/02/2024 | Expiration Date: 12/02/2027 |
| Name: Deborah Chag | Address: 19 Cabot St. | Home Telephone: (603) 498-5362 | Appointment Date: 08/23/2021 | Expiration Date: 08/23/2024 |
| Name: A. J. Dupere, State Forester | Address: Urban Forestry Center | Home Telephone: | Appointment Date: | Expiration Date: |
| Name: Michael Griffin | Address: 579 Sagamore Ave, #55 | Home Telephone: (603) 498-8960 | Appointment Date: 05/20/2024 | Expiration Date: 06/07/2027 |
| Name: Dennis Souto | Address: 218 Willard Avenue | Home Telephone: (603) 436-2466 | Appointment Date: 09/04/2021 | Expiration Date: 06/07/2027 |
| Name: Joanna Kelley, Asst. Mayor, Council representative | Address: | Home Telephone: | Appointment Date: 02/05/2024 | Expiration Date: 12/31/2025 |
| Name: Peter Rice, Public Works Director | Address: | Home Telephone: | Appointment Date: | Expiration Date: |
| Name: Maxwell Wiater, Certified Arborist and City Arborist Foreman | Address: | Home Telephone: (603) 570-8480 | Appointment Date: 9/04/2012 | Expiration Date: 06/07/2027 |