The commission’s planning committee, in collaboration with local schools, is spearheading an initiative to develop a long-term plan for enhancing tree cover in Ocean Township. The committee has been meeting monthly since June to foster community engagement and education. They have designed a survey to gather subjective data from residents concerning tree visibility, flooding issues, and community needs related to trees. With approval from the school superintendent, the survey will be distributed using the school’s software services. Teachers from the local middle school are integrating this project into their classrooms, where students will participate in creating public service announcements and the survey itself.

The survey aims to gather demographic insights and engage overburdened communities, asking questions like “Do you have trees outside your window?” and “Do you experience flooding in your area?” This initiative is also intended to bolster the commission’s case for future grants aimed at tree planting and canopy restoration. In addition, the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is planned to map tree canopy and flooding connections, with student participation in data collection.

The financial segment of the meeting covered the Shade Tree Fund’s expenditures over the past three years. There was a call for clearer financial reporting, with members expressing the need for an organized representation of income and projected revenues, especially regarding commitments from developers related to tree funds. Discussions also touched upon the potential adjustment of fees associated with tree removal, proposing an increase from $350 to $750 for commercial contexts. The commission noted a trend of tree removals due to emergencies and highlighted the need for proactive tree planting and maintenance measures.

Concerns regarding existing tree management practices were discussed, particularly the need for a comprehensive understanding of the current tree canopy coverage in the township. A suggestion to conduct a tree canopy survey to identify areas lacking adequate tree coverage emphasized achieving a target of 30% coverage to improve the quality of life. The conversation also considered where trees can be planted, given infrastructure limitations, and explored funding options for tree maintenance and planting.

The meeting addressed past issues with tree plantings, where trees on certain streets grew without maintenance, resulting in hazards. Participants advocated for a plan that includes understanding long-term maintenance costs for trees post-planting. The Freehold Township program, allowing residents to apply for trees on their property, was cited as an example, raising questions about landowner responsibilities and the township’s role in funding tree planting on private lands.

The Colonial Terrace project was specifically discussed, with the goal of planting trees along Route 35 to enhance area protection. The current poor condition of some existing trees, like black locusts, prompted a proposal for their removal. Discussions with the Public Works department were mentioned to energize the project, focusing on removing unhealthy trees and possibly applying a product on stumps to prevent suckering.

The conversation also covered the TreeKeeper software, highlighting the need for training and access. There were discussions about updating the tree inventory to reflect recent removals accurately. A training video was referenced, emphasizing the importance of understanding the software’s capabilities. Ensuring public access to tree data via the township’s website was discussed, allowing residents to view the inventory and locations of trees.

Public comments included concerns about hazardous tree management and the transparency of the tree inventory. Participants voiced the necessity for a systematic plan and community collaboration in managing the township’s tree resources, stressing that the success of tree planting initiatives depends on both immediate and long-term strategies.

The meeting also included a public inquiry about the availability of a list of trees for a library restoration project. The conversation included discussions on native versus non-native tree species, with a focus on prioritizing native plantings due to environmental changes and the invasive nature of some non-native species.