Hernando has filled all seven slots on its new tree board, a panel required to gain Tree City USA status. And while the members hold firm to environmental responsibility, don’t dismiss them as tree huggers.

“I’m a very practical engineer,” said one of the seven, Tiffany Heard. “But I say, ‘Just leave the trees.’ They’re a best management practice for treating storm-water runoff and promoting clean air.”

Also confirmed by the Hernando board of aldermen last week were Jeff Pirtle; Keith Hawkins; Cathy Franks; Doris Jones; Mike Flowers and Richard Warfel. Back in June, aldermen settled on seven as the number of tree board members so that at least one name could be submitted by the mayor from each of the city’s six wards.

The Hernando Planning department will enforce the city’s tree ordinance, which promotes trees but also sets penalties for violations such as cutting trees in public spaces without permission or allowing a tree to become a safety or health hazard.

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