By Christina Whittington, Special Writer
CHESTERFIELD — The Township Committee on June 28 approved an application for a $425,000 No Net Loss Grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
State entities are required to replant trees when they are removed during development projects involving a half acre or more.
Due to the New Jersey Turnpike widening project through Chesterfield, the township was included in the three-year No Net Loss Grant program because of tree clearing done as a result of the widening. It permits the township to reforest throughout the community at its discretion.
According to Christopher Trebisky, township engineer, “ In early March, we were notified that the grant would be available and that if we were interested, a response was necessary within 30 days. We responded positively.
”My office was dealing with the New Jersey Forest Service regarding the application when they were notified by the state last week that all applications must be received by June 30 to be included. We met with them on June 25 to walk through the particulars of the application in an effort to streamline the process and minimize the need for revisions.”
This is the second year of funding for Chesterfield. In 2011, the township received $300,000. From those funds, 1,200 trees were planted between Chesterfield Park, Village Square Park and the Chesterfield Elementary School.
This year, the township will be receiving about $425,000. There are plans to plant 1,415 trees between Charlotte Rodgers Park as well as along properties adjacent to the Turnpike and at Chesterfield Elementary School.
”The application itself is very lengthy, however, we are granted the ability to modify portions of it later,” Mr. Trebisky said. “Essentially, we will need to install the same amount of trees, but we can amend our application for the species of trees we are planting, locations, etc. It is something that is subject to review by the New Jersey Forest Service anyway so it’s not that big of a deal.”
The next Chesterfield Township Committee meeting is scheduled for July 11.

