Tree Mitigation Committee identifying problem areas
By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
Hillsborough Township is full of organizations and committees working to better the town and improve quality of life. But one in particular is also charged with examining ways in which to make the town more aesthetically pleasing, while still focusing on improving life for its residents.
”Since its creation, the Tree Mitigation Committee has been reviewing different locations in Hillsborough where the planting of trees would provide the most benefit and impact to the town,” said Rich Resavy, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and acting chairman of the committee. “The late George Fenwick (and others) felt it was the committee’s job to promote the preservation of existing trees and the replenishment of tree stock to the maximum extent possible.”
According to Mr. Resavy, the committee is in the process of finalizing plans for several different projects, among them one to address sound buffering at the Willow Road Baseball Complex, and another to replace street trees in the neighborhoods and parks.
Mr. Resavy said the committee is planning to add conifer trees to the sound buffer that already exists at the Willow Road Baseball Complex. He said they will increase the density at that location and make it harder for sound to get through.
”Aesthetically speaking, this is the best way to approach deadening the excess sound from the seven ball fields,” he said. “As the trees mature over time, the buffer will become increasingly more effective.”
As for the tree replacements, Mr. Resavy said the project was introduced to replace damaged or dead street trees throughout the township. He said that there is currently $100,000 available in the Tree Mitigation Trust fund, some of which can be put toward this project.
”As long as the funding is available, we will continue this procedure,” he said.
In addition to future projects, Mr. Resavy, who is acting chairman, said the trust has also funded the planting of shade trees on Hillsborough and Willow Roads; a pine buffer for the Flagtown Soccer Field; and street trees throughout the township.
The committee was created in 2004 to recommend and review the replacement of trees throughout the township to enhance quality of life for residents. In addition, the committee is responsible for monitoring the types of equipment needed to plant and replace trees.
According to the ordinance which established the committee, at least two of its members must have an educational background in an area of expertise that relates to the mission of the group, be it as a landscape architect, arborist or other profession.
Funding for the committee comes from developer contributions to a reserve in the general capital fund for the township.
Some of these funds have recently been discussed for use in a possible remodeling of the front of the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex on South Branch Road. Plans for that project were presented to the Township Committee by Tom Biro, landscape architect and member of the Tree Mitigation Committee. Mr. Biro showed a plan that includes adding more trees to the area to provide shade for those entering and exiting the building.
”This is an enjoyable committee to take part in because of the town beautification aspect,” Mr. Resavy said. “Also, it’s the members’ true knowledge of the subject matter that makes for good discussion and ensures credible recommendations to the Town Council.”