DEP outlines tree, urban park and acquisition funding; residents urge more canopy in Orange

Summary

Residents and municipal staff celebrated recent tree grants, urged more urban canopy and asked DEP for technical help forming tree ordinances and environmental commissions; DEP noted some federal funding ended but highlighted state Natural Climate Solutions grants and Green Acres/urban acquisition programs.

Marty Mays and local advocates described how a ‘leafing out’ program and other grants are enabling tree inventories, pruning and planting in Orange. Mays listed grant components (a municipal inventory grant and line items for trimming and planting) and said the city will solicit bids for a municipal inventory. He said limited urban space makes state support essential.

Commissioner Sean Lauterred noted the federal urban and community forestry dollars (from the Inflation Reduction Act) enabled expansion of tree programs in overburdened communities but said one particular federal funding stream for 'leafing out' is no longer available; he pointed to a state-funded Natural Climate Solutions grant program now open for applications and to Green Acres and the Preserve New Jersey Act as additional acquisition/funding opportunities. DEP staff offered to help municipalities and nonprofits navigate these grant rounds and to add communities to outreach lists.