The Michigan City Tree Board consists of seven voting members. One member is a member of the Common Council elected by the Council serving a one-year term; one is a Common Council appointee, nominated by a city neighborhood association, serving a one-year term; and five are Mayoral appointees, with the advice and consent of the Common council, serving three-year terms. No less than four members must be residents of the City, and it is preferred that at least two members possess a degree in forestry, horticulture, or landscape architecture; or be a certified arborist or a full-time professional in the tree care industry with a minimum of five years' experience. Compensation of $50 is paid to appointees each meeting attended.

Meetings: 6:30 PM on the first Wednesday of each month at the NECA/IBEW Community Center Conference Room at 301 E. 8th Street in Michigan City.

Duties and Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of the City Tree Board to study, investigate, counsel, develop, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, alleys, along streets in the tree lawn, and in other public areas. A plan is presented to the City Council every four years, and upon their acceptance and approval, constitutes the official comprehensive city tree plan for the City.

The City Tree Board also establishes educational and informational programs, pamphlets and literature for dissemination to the public to assist the public in the proper care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and shrubs within private property ownership of the citizens of the City.

The City Tree Board develops qualifications and a job description for the position of City Forester, interviews prospective candidates and makes a recommendation to the Board of Public Works and Safety for the candidate of choice for the position of City Forester.

Sec. 102-34. - City tree board; duties and responsibilities.