Gist of the First Meeting held on 8 April 2011

1. Introduction to the work of the Expert Panel on Tree Management
   • the terms of reference of the Expert Panel on Tree Management and tentative schedule of Panel meetings in 2011 was introduced to Members for reference.
2. Briefing on the work of the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section in Development Bureau
   • the work of the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section focusing on tree risk assessment, public education and community surveillance was presented.
3. Management of Old and Valuable Trees in Hong Kong
   • Members were briefed on the management of Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) in Hong Kong. The OVT Register was first compiled in September 2004 to take forward Government policy to provide priority protection to OVTs.
   • Members provided views on improvement measures for the protection of OVTs and deliberated on the pros and cons for extension of registration of OVTs to cover leased land
4. Briefing on Tree Risk Management
   • Members were presented with the current approach to tree risk management, focusing on "area basis" and "tree basis" assessment. Both tree management departments and the Tree Management Office (TMO) conduct audit checks on tree risk assessment.
   • Members supported the current approach and suggested refinement to the assessment procedures with a view to enhancing assessment.
5. Tree Cases (OVTs CW/92, CW/93, CW/86 and CW/98)
   A site inspection of trees was conducted
   • Members were briefed on the declining health condition of CW/92 and 93 which were infected by Brown Root Rot (Phellinus noxius) disease.
   • Members were further introduced the general health condition of CW/86 and CW/98.
   • Members provided their views on the proposed removal of CW/92 and 93. They also recommended soil improvement regime to address the soil compaction for CW/86.