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In 2012, Southampton's Shade Tree Commission consulted with a Certified Tree Expert to create the municipality's first ever Community Forestry Management Plan. This management plan is an essential guide to successfully achieving a healthy and safe community forest. By developing and implementing a management plan for Southampton's community forest, the Township's tree program has become more proactive and efficient. The management plan has lead to decreased tree maintenance and removal costs, shorter response time to citizen requests for work, and a decrease in hazardous tree situations in Southampton Township.
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| Community Forestry Management Plan. pdf |
Tree City USA®
Southampton has been a Tree City USA community for 19 years. The Township has earned recognition from 2011-2014. This recognition is earned by communities if they have the framework necessary to manage and expand their public trees. Southampton has achieved Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management. Southampton's Shade Tree Commission worked very hard to earn the Township this recognition.
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Tree City USA® Growth AwardSouthampton was a recipient of the prestigious Tree City USA Growth Award in 2013 and 2014. The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. The Growth Award highlights innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban forestry. It also provides an opportunity to share new ideas and successes across the country. Southampton's Shade Tree Commission worked very hard and collaborated with key partners to earn the Township this award.
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Sustainable Jersey Community
The Shade Tree Commission lead the effort to have the Township participate in the Sustainable Jersey program. Former Commission Chairwoman Donna Fascenda was particularly instrumental in organizing these efforts. Participating in this program provides for Community Stewardship Incentive Program grant priority, grant opportunities, and sustainable structure to the Township. The Township Committee agreed to form a Creative Team and a Green Team after the Commission advocated for the program's implementation. The Commission has also completed actions that contribute to the 350+ points Southampton earned. These actions have lead to a sustainable community forest.
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