The Dalton
Tree Board met June 12, 2004. Created by the Mayor and City Council
to advise the city on issues related to creation and maintaining of
public green space, the Dalton Tree Board works on a variety of
projects in the Dalton area. The Chair of the Tree Board, Paul
Buchanan, introduced Dr. Don Davis, who opened with a few remarks
about his Dalton roots. His grandparents, Anna and Edward Kioebge,
started Anita Textiles in 1942, a jobbing business named after his
mother. After summarizing the prominence of the American Chestnut in
North Georgia forests, Dr. Davis introduced a short video about the
American Chestnut that aired on Turner South several months ago. The
film also interviews important members of the American Chestnut
Foundation, including Charlotte Ross, a Murray County native and
folklorist.
After the film, a brief question and answer session was held, with
Dr. Davis answering questions from a very concerned group of
citizens, including several members of the Georgia Forestry
Commission. Several people pledged to join the Provisional Georgia
Chapter and several others promised to join in the future. We also
received verbal support for the use of the Department of Public
Works' bucket truck in future pollination efforts. Several attendees
offered their property for future American chestnut plantings as
well. The meeting was successful as now we have several new
allies among the Tree Board members. In fact, Paul Buchanan has
verbally committed to planting several 100% American Chestnut trees
on city property. |
