Monday, June 15, 2009

Petition: No net tree loss policy

We, the undersigned residents, respectfully petition the Verona Township authorities to keep our town committed to a “NO NET TREE LOSS” policy.


One third of all public trees were recently cut down and many others damaged on Morningside Road between Lakeside Avenue and Forest Avenue due to sidewalk renovations.


This action shows little environmental awareness and should be prevented in the future. We request a tree to be planted for each one removed, that the trees to be planted have diversity and recommend the removal of the concrete slabs to maximize root space.

We cannot depend on the contractors to comply with our Chapter 171 code. Verona must enforce the Shade Tree Code. Violations should and must not be tolerated by any Verona resident or officials that represent Verona.


The October 2005 Verona Community Forestry Management Plan asked for an annual budget of $15,000 for tree planting, to close the gap on under stocked neighborhoods. Today, in 2009, we allocate a budget of only $ 10,000 to tree planting and we spend three times that amount on tree removals, many avoidable.


Verona has a long history in shade-tree management. The Shade Tree Commission was created in 1955. Today more than ever we request their members to be as proactive, effective and involved as possible in the care of our public trees. Proper communication with the residents is crucial. The STC should keep the public informed through the town’s website and provide a contact e-mail address.


We invite our public officials to protect our environment, preserve the established primarily residential character of the town and promote the conservation of its natural appearance. We welcome the idea of hiring an arborist to help achieve these goals.


Balancing species diversity, celebrating Arbor Day, adopting a tree ordinance, exploring alternative funding options and producing an annual summary of shade tree accomplishments are more points of the VCF Management plan that we should put into practice.


We urge you to take action and deliver the leadership and determination needed on preventing further damage to our urban forest.

Best Regards,

Verona residents listed below

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3 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 15, 2009

    On behalf of 120 residents, the petition was presented by Laura Morowitz in the Council meeting at town Hall, June 15, 2009.
    We enjoyed a very interesting conversation. I would like to thank you all for this opportunity to exchange information and ideas on the matter.

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  2. UnknownJune 16, 2009

    Ansewring Karen's questions, yes, there was a typo. The e-mail address is: veronatrees@gmail.com
    And yes, homeowners in Verona must request a tree to be planted in front of their homes if they wish so. So please grab the phone and call: 973-239-3220.
    In other towns like Montclair the town arborist selects the ideal public property spots to plant public trees with and without homeowners requests. And homeowners are given the opportunity to choose from a variety of trees properly selected. Tall trees like oaks and elms are offered for sites without overhead wires and smaller trees like cherries or lilacs for planting under wires.

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  3. Virginia CitranoJune 16, 2009

    Great work, Gloria!

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