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Shade Tree Commission presents updated community forestry plan, expands resident tree program
Summary
Jill Sullivan, newly named chair of the Shade Tree Commission, told the Fair Haven Borough Council that the commission updated its community forestry management plan to meet state requirements, planted and supported resident plantings of more than 100 trees in 2025, and plans expanded planting and outreach in 2026.
Jill Sullivan, chairperson of the Shade Tree Commission, presented the commission's 2025 annual report to the Fair Haven Borough Council on April 13, outlining an updated community forestry management plan and expanded resident tree programs.
Sullivan said the commission secured a grant to update the expiring plan and worked with consultant Bill Brasch, who wrote the prior plan, to produce a document centered on five implementation elements: training and education, tree-ordinance review, canopy management, collaboration with DPW on removal/pruning priorities and community outreach including disaster planning for pest threats. She said the inventory software ArborPro will house the planting plan so the borough has immediate recommendations when a planting site is identified.
The commission reported residents planted more than 100 trees on private property in 2025 and that spring 2026 orders exceeded 90 trees. Sullivan said the commission is exploring a memorial-tree program and a resident-request program that would allow homeowners to request a publicly funded planting on private property. She also said the group earned about 14.5 continuing-education credits last year versus an eight-credit requirement, and that its Tree City USA and New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry accreditations remain current.
Council members asked whether the plan update makes the borough eligible for state tree-planting grants; Sullivan confirmed the plan and the tree inventory were grant requirements and said those documents will position the borough to apply. She said mitigation of invasive species is another likely grant opportunity, and that much of the commission's operating budget goes to a licensed tree expert.
On the borough's aging cherry-tree stands, Sullivan said the commission is developing a staggered replanting approach and will coordinate with the Natural Area and Environmental Commission to address invasives and public outreach; she acknowledged removing long-standing trees will require careful communication with residents.
Council members thanked Sullivan for the work and congratulated her on her new role. Sullivan asked for council support when the commission brings a planting-plan and any ordinance recommendations forward for formal approval.
The council did not take action on the commission's requests during the presentation; Sullivan said the commission does not anticipate additional budget requests for 2026 beyond existing allocations.
