Ritzville Tree Board seeking community input

The City of Ritzville Tree Board is looking for community input on potential improvement and beautification projects on First Avenue. During the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair from Sept. 3-6, the Ritzville Tree Board will have a booth for community members to visit and leave input about the projects.

The Tree Board is beginning to focus on improvements to First Avenue because of the overall appearance of the road. As one of the main entrances to the city, the Tree Board wants to ensure visitors and locals are greeted by a well maintained and inviting road.

The beautification projects have not been established, but the Tree Board wants to focus near the city limits, at the intersection of Weber Road and First Avenue, and complete projects moving towards downtown The purpose of the booth at the fair is for community members to share what they would like to see there, such as trees, bushes or native grasses.

The proposed funding for the project is through the Willard and Patricia Hennings Fund.

The booth will be near the side entrance of the Knuth Building, with a small table set up across the walkway for visitors to be able to fill out forms. There will be three options, with current photos of the stretch of road provided, for visitors to leave ideas and input.

City Tree Board Chairman Mike Schrag said the purpose of the project is to help improve the appearance of the roadway with consideration of the community. Having input from community members is crucial, Schrag said, as the purpose of the project is to improve the community by making First Avenue a greener street.

At the booth, the Tree Board will have a list of past Arbor Day projects and tree care information, as well as the community input portion. To date, the Tree Board has planted 163 trees from 2010-2015 within the Ritzville community.

While the Tree Board is coordinating the beautification process, Schrag explained the foliage planted does not have to be specifically restricted to trees. Any native plant that can survive in the arid temperatures can be considered for the project.

Community members do not have to reference specific trees or bushes in order to participate in the project. They are encouraged to describe what they would like to see at the location, and the Tree Board will do the research to select the appropriate foliage to fit the vision.

The Tree Board is also dedicated in ensuring the plants will be low maintenance, in order to not be a time constraint on the city employees. Schrag said there are multiple native plants that can be used, which would require minimal yearly maintenance. He explained everything planted through the project will also be a perennial.

The Tree Board is also looking for any individuals who are interested in volunteering for the project. Schrag said the Tree Board is constantly in need of volunteers to assist, which could include volunteering for an hour to help plant trees or vegetation.

The booth at the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair will be available for people to visit from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday.