Tree fund will pay for future plantings in Florham Park

FLORHAM PARK Borough Council members on Thursday, July 17 adopted an amended tree ordinance that establishes a trust fund for future plantings.

The new ordinance will include a new community forestry management plan that outlines goals and objectives for managing trees on municipal property.

It also establishes the tree fund to administer and promote sustainability projects and practices consistent with the states Community Stewardship Incentive Program.

The new fund will be used for tree replacements on public land, and will consist of the $25 fee that accompanies any application for tree removal. The fund will also go toward covering administrative costs for implementing plans, specifications and bid documents as provided by law. In addition, the fund may be used for vouchers given to residents who want to plant trees in the front yard where they are unable to plant in the boroughs rights-of-way because of utility lines.

Important

According to the amended plan, Trees are declared to be an important cultural, ecological, scenic and economic resource. Proper management of this resource will ensure its maintenance and result in economic returns.

In addition, the boroughs forestry manage plan is intended to meet the objectives of preserving, protecting, enhancing and maintaining trees and providing opportunities for the continued use of forest resources which are compatible with the maintenance of the environment. This will be accomplished by ensuring proper management of forest and trees through the application of sound management practices.

To that end, it shall be unlawful to cut down, damage, poison, or in any other manner destroy or cause to be destroyed any trees as stipulated in the ordinance.

There are several exemptions to the ordinance.

Commercial nurseries and fruit orchards, Christmas tree farms, certain residential lots, and cemeteries are exempt, as is the removal of dead, dying or diseased or damaged trees.

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Tree fund will pay for future plantings in Florham Park