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Morris Township adopts amended tree ordinance after months of public input
Summary
The Morris Township Committee adopted Ordinance O1‑25 amending Chapter 57 (tree protections) after public comment highlighted concerns about exemptions, enforcement and use of arborist expertise. Committee members said the ordinance addresses clear‑cutting and can be revised later.
Morris Township on Wednesday adopted Ordinance O1‑25, amending Chapter 57 of the township code to revise the local tree protection rules.
The ordinance was approved by roll call vote; all five committee members present voted to adopt O1‑25. Supporters on the dais said state timing and existing township programs made adoption necessary now, while several residents urged stronger protections, tighter exemptions and professional oversight.
The adoption followed about 45 minutes of public comment focused on how the ordinance treats small‑lot properties and large or specimen trees. Resident Robert McCormick said the proposed exemption letting property owners remove up to eight trees in five years could “effectively clear‑cut” smaller lots and have “devastating visual and environmental impacts” on portions of the township. Dr. Lynn Siebert, who said she provided written comments earlier, urged the committee to require certified‑arborist review for large or specimen trees and to require replacement trees be native, not invasive: “I really think it would be imperative for the township to include language that would require that any replacement trees be native and noninvasive species.”
Committee members acknowledged those concerns but said staffing and budget constraints limit immediate changes. Committee member who seconded the motion noted that hiring a full‑time arborist would be “overly burdensome at this moment” given rising personnel and health costs. Deputy Mayor Grama Veil said the ordinance accomplishes one central goal: “eliminating the clear cutting of trees here in Morris Township.” The mayor and other committee members said they will accept further suggestions and consider ordinance tweaks after implementation.
Officials also highlighted an existing street‑tree replacement program that has planted more than 500 trees on township roadways in recent years and noted funding for continued plantings is included in this year’s budget.
The committee directed the township clerk to publish proper notice of adoption in the official newspaper. The ordinance was adopted after the planning board confirmed the amendments were not inconsistent with the municipal master plan.
The committee invited further written suggestions and said the environmental commission will remain involved in possible future revisions.
