FREEHOLD — Mayor Michael Wilson has announced that the Freehold Borough Shade Tree Commission was recently given a declaration from the state that it is in compliance with the four requirements of the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act.
The declaration acknowledges that the Freehold Borough Shade Tree Commission has met the following four requirements:
• Implementation of a community forestry management plan.
• Implementation of a core trained community representative; the borough has six such representatives.
• Requirement of at least two representatives who accrue a total of eight continuing education credits; the borough has four representatives who have accrued 20 credits.
• Submission of an annual accomplishment report.
Councilman George Schnurr, liaison to the Shade Tree Commission, said, “the Freehold Borough Shade Tree Commission has more than fulfilled the state obligations to receive this important declaration. This commission is composed of residents who are devoted to ensuring the health of our shade trees, which not only add character and a picturesque element to streets and public parks, but provide resources to indigenous birds and other native species.”
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Community Forestry Act acknowledges the contributions shade trees and community forests make to a community and emphasizes the necessity to nurture, protect and manage a vigorous community forest resource.
This enables municipalities to reduce or eliminate their exposure to litigation due to the drastic decline and poor condition of their community tree resources. The basis for this protection is a properly planned local community forestry program implemented through a state approved management plan, as well as municipal or county participation in the state’s training and accreditation program. A management plan is an essential guide to successfully achieving a healthy and safe community forest, according to the act.