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Hamilton Shade Tree Commission advances fall planting plans, eyes state grant
Summary
The Hamilton Township Shade Tree Commission reviewed a fall planting plan led by the NJ Tree Foundation, discussed logistics and a sign bid for a 250-tree initiative, and said a resolution will be needed to apply for an NJ Urban and Community Forestry grant; budget confirmation is pending.
The Hamilton Township Shade Tree Commission on May 26 reviewed plans for a fall tree-planting push coordinated with the NJ Tree Foundation and discussed a separate state grant the township may pursue.
Mike Sherr, Central Jersey program director for the NJ Tree Foundation, told the commission the foundation has identified census-block-specific locations — including neighborhoods near Trenton and township parks — and has sent a census map showing “12 or more properties approved for planting.” He said the group will ask the township to publish tree-request information in the municipal newsletter and plans to start planting in mid–early October, pending budget approval.
The commission also reviewed updates to the Community Forestry Management Plan. Members reported a partial inventory for Vets Park, noting that paths were widened and some trees removed, which will be reflected in the plan updates.
Commissioners discussed the 2026 tree contract, part of a larger 250-tree initiative. A sign company quoted $2.65 per disc but was unable to produce a physical sample; commissioners instructed Robert Popert to visit the sign shop to approve the design. Staff said resident requests for trees will be due in June or July and that trees will be assigned based on site constraints such as underground and overhead utilities.
A potential NJ Urban and Community Forestry grant was also raised. Staff said the township's grant department would prepare the application but needs the grant due date, an estimated budget from the commission, and a copy of the township's certificate of insurance. Commissioners noted that a formal resolution will be required from the commission to submit the application; no resolution vote was recorded at the meeting.
The meeting opened with a standard notice: "This meeting is being held with the benefit of public notice as required by the Open Public Meetings Act," the chairman said, and the session was adjourned at about 6:57 p.m.
What happens next: the commission expects to consolidate tree requests on a spreadsheet after the June/July deadline, await budget confirmation for fall plantings, and prepare a resolution to permit the township to apply for the state grant if deadlines and funding align.
