Shade Tree Commission
Mission Statement:
The Ridgewood Shade Tree
Commission’s (STC) purpose is to protect, preserve and enhance the shade trees
in the village. Shade Trees are defined
as Trees planted next to streets on the Village’s property. The STC’s goals are to foster public-private
partnerships to 1) educate the community about the contribution shade trees
make to the Village environment and, 2)
increase the number of shade trees in the village by actively promoting
community tree planting programs.
|
Commission Members |
Term |
|
George Wolfson (Chairperson) |
2013-2015 |
|
Michael Sedon (Council Member) |
2014-2016 |
|
Monica Buesser |
2013-2018 |
|
Stephen Lillis |
2013-2016 |
|
Andrew Lowry |
2014-2018 |
|
Crystal Matsibekker |
2014-2018 |
|
Edward Schwartz (Alternate) |
2013-2018 |
|
John Sharkey |
2013-2018 |
|
Manish
Shrimali |
2015-2019 |
Who to contact:
·
Emergency - a tree or branch is broken or down and poses a
safety risk…………….……………..911
·
Report problem
or concern - Tim Cronin (Parks and Recreation Dept.)
………….…201-670-5565
·
General
Information - about trees,
regulations, getting involved….…….RST@RidgewoodNJ.NET
Brief History;
After several decades of
low Village priority a group of community members worked to increase awareness
of the decline in the health and number of shade trees in the Village. Their efforts eventually resulted in the
Village Council appointing a Shade Tree Commission in 2014. In fact, this was a reestablishment of a
Shade Tree Commission which had prospered is the 30’s-50’s and was responsible
for planting most of the trees we now enjoy.
Current Status:
The commission members
have been appointed and plans to plant 12 ornamental trees this spring in the
central business district (downtown) and 20 shade trees in the fall. This is a very small program due to limited
funds in the Village Budget. In fact,
the Village generally removes more trees than it plants every year. One of the STC’s goals is to raise funds to
significantly increase the number of trees planted each year.
How citizens can get
involved;
1. Request a town tree – a limited number of trees is
planted by the Village each year. There
is, unfortunately, a long waiting list and priority is given to areas with the
most need.
2. Adopt-a-tree program
3. Encourage involvement of community groups in tree
planting/adopting programs.
Village Code
Regulations
There are general guidelines
and regulations such as recommended trees, planting locations and setbacks
which apply to planting Shade Trees. The
STC is in the process of developing additional materials to encourage
successful planting or replacing shade trees.
What is a Village “ Shade Tree”?
A Village shade tree is a
tree which belongs to the Village and is planted in the right-of-way of a Village
street. This may include the median
between the street and the sidewalk but can also include trees planted where no
sidewalk exists or on the property owner’s side of the sidewalk. The width of the right-of-way can vary from
street to street. It is measured from the center of the street to the property
owner’s land. The distance can vary from
10 to 15 ft. depending on the location.
(check village tax map for specific locations)
Village Shade trees are
the responsibility of the Village and cannot be removed or pruned without
Village permission.
Why Are Shade Trees
Important?
Shade Trees:
·
Provide shade to
cool homes, streets, in fact, the entire Village
·
Cooler homes
require less air conditioning which reduces energy costs and its impact on the
environment.
·
Clean air and
reduce ozone and C02 levels
·
Generate oxygen
for “fresher, healthier” air
·
Reduce rainwater
run-off and erosion and stream pollution
·
Provide habit for
wildlife
·
Increase the
beauty and serenity of the Village
·
Increase property
values and the sense of Village commitment to the community
Last updated as of: 5/15/2015