After controversy over removed trees in downtown North Little Rock, biologist added to tree board

Stumps remain from two trees that were cut down in downtown North Little Rock.
Stumps remain from two trees that were cut down in downtown North Little Rock.

A spot on the North Little Rock Tree Board is set to be filled by Paul Shell, a biologist with the Arkansas State Plant Board, two months after a controversy over several large trees downtown being removed.

The appointment is pending affirmation by the City Council on Monday.

The Tree Board’s duties include creating an “official comprehensive plan” for trees and shrubs in public areas of the city, including the preservation, removal or pruning of trees and shrubs.

The City Council increased the number of Tree Board members from five to six at its last meeting of 2017. The action was taken after the city received numerous public complaints for cutting down nine willow oaks and live oaks at a city-owned parking lot downtown in November without notice.

Mayor Joe Smith said he contacted city Park Ranger Ian Hope, the board’s chairman, before the trees were cut down, but the full board wasn’t consulted, raising questions about its purpose and authority. Three of the five board members are city employees or elected officials.

Shell has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hendrix College and has been with the State Plant Board for 28 years, including 16 years as plant inspection manager. His term on the Tree Board would be until January 2021.

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