Shade Tree Commission

Members

Al Werner
Vice Chair
12/31/2024

Cindy Aiken
Regular
12/31/2022

Frank Goodhart
Regular
12/31/2026

Jack Gray
Regular
12/31/2024

Jim Baldassare
Township Committee Liaison
12/31/2022

Judy O'Connell
Secretary
12/31/2022

Kate Creegan
Regular
12/31/2025

Linda Sims
Regular
12/31/2022

Randy Santoro
Chair
12/31/2023

Tom Nicoletti

DPW Advisor
12/31/2022

Scott Kessel
Alternate 1
12/31/2022

Gregory Axt
Alternate 2
12/31/2026

Shade Tree Commission

On August 20, 1968, the Bernards Township Committee created the The Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission to aid in protecting and establishing trees throughout the township. The power to regulate the planting and protection of shade trees is contained in N.J.S.A. 40:88-4. The Shade Tree Commission is established in section 2-17. The Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission advises the Township Committee, Planning Board, and Zoning Board on Shade Tree concerns on public property and along public rights-of-way. Currently, tree care management needs are met primarily by outside contractors. The Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation Crews assist with tree planting and aftercare along with brush cleanup.

Mission:

Bernards Township desires to maintain and promote a healthy, safe and sustainable shade tree resource that will physically and aesthetically benefit the community and its residents in the most cost effective manner possible.

Goals & Objectives:

Develop Bernards Township's shade tree resource and introduce a diversity of trees and shrubbery that will provide for long term coverage of public lands, parks and recreation areas.
Establish an ongoing maintenance program for the trees along township rights-of-way and coordinate with county, state and utility company maintenance divisions to ensure that their procedures are compatible with ours.
Inventory tree resources on all local, county and state roads, lands and parks.
Revise tree ordinances as necessary to define responsibility for maintenance, removal and replacement.
Educate the public about trees and their importance to the entire community.
Identify hazardous trees, develop and implement a plan to remediate hazardous tree conditions.
Ensure that the goals of the Community Forestry Management Plan are compatible with the Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Expand the educational opportunities and training for Shade Tree Commission Members and Public Works Employees.

TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION

Bernards Township is proud to be named a Tree City USA. This distinction is given by the National Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of communities that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program marked by renewal and improvement.

In order to be honored as a Tree City USA community, four standards must be met: