TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled a comprehensive plan to achieve tree equity across New Jersey. The objective is to ensure that all communities, particularly those in densely populated areas, benefit from the health, climate, and economic advantages of having sufficient tree cover.
The plan emphasizes the role of trees in mitigating the impacts of climate change, including carbon sequestration, energy conservation, and reduction of the urban heat island effect. Stormwater mitigation, flood reduction, and public health are additional focal points of the plan. The state’s Urban and Community Forestry program, already in operation, will be pivotal in implementing these strategies.
To augment the current program, the Department of Environmental Protection will evaluate funding opportunities to expand its reach. Short-term goals include assessing the current structure and function of the Urban and Community Forestry program to identify areas for growth, and locating plantable spaces in urban settings for potential afforestation.
Other short-term actions include ensuring that participating municipalities are compliant with necessary trainings and deadlines, and maintaining the existing Urban & Community Forestry grants program for tree planting. The department also plans to pilot a statewide school-focused tree planting grant program.
Medium-term goals include recruiting and onboarding 10 new municipalities with management plans each year and issuing 10 new or updated inventory grants per annual cycle. The plan also aims to train 100 individuals from participating municipalities annually.
Long-term goals focus on enrolling all municipalities in the Urban & Community Forestry program by 2043.
The initiative signifies New Jersey’s commitment to addressing climate challenges and ensuring equitable distribution of green resources across its communities.