Safety Commission approves up to $700 for Arbor Day tree giveaway

The Ocean Township Safety Commission on April 9 voted to approve up to $700 to purchase saplings for its annual Arbor Day tree giveaway, a program members said has distributed roughly 150–200 trees in past years. The motion passed on a roll call during the meeting.

Commissioners discussed using the giveaway as an educational outreach opportunity and explored a web-based “adopt-a-tree” tracking idea to collect follow-up checks on survival and care. Members noted informal survival-rate figures referenced during the meeting—about one-third of distributed trees still alive in follow-ups—and said town communications (newsletter or website) could host a tracking form.

The item sponsor told the commission the annual distribution has run for about 20–30 years and asked for the modest budget appropriation to continue the practice. Commissioners agreed a simple tracking system could be set up through the town website so recipients could register tree location and report back on condition. No formal tracking policy was adopted at the meeting.

The commission’s approval authorizes staff to spend up to $700 on tree purchases for the giveaway. Commissioners said they would pursue outreach to elementary school classes and consider recognition features (e.g., “oldest contest” or “biggest tree” follow-ups) to increase engagement. The commission did not set a formal survival-tracking requirement; officials characterized tracking as an optional outreach and educational tool.

The meeting record indicates the vote was taken by roll call with affirmative responses recorded; individual voter names beyond several members saying “yes” in sequence were not listed in the motion record provided in the transcript. The commission adjourned following the discussion.