Tree Report Complete File Updated 101524

October 16, 2024 Ms. Geneice Gary-Adams, Director/Zoning Official Township in West Orange Planning and Development 66 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052 Re: Supplemental Report re: Environmental Conditions per Settlement Agreement: West Essex Highlands with Recommendations for Site Plan Improvements Related to that Agreement Via Electronic Mail zoningofficial@westorange.org Dear Ms. Gary-Adams, After comments received at the hearings conducted on July 30; August 14 and September 11, 2024, an additional site visit and a follow up review, DeFeo Associates hereby submits the following supplemental report with recommendations related to the environmental conditions at the West Essex Highlands (Applicant) site. This report contains a FAQ section based on comments made during the public hearings with answers to those questions. Additionally, I have attached the power point presentation and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) High-Tensile Woven Wire Deer Fencing Design and Installation Specifications. Additional information on native plant selection is provided for use by the Applicant in selecting plants for cosmetic and pollinator installations. A. Summary of Findings; Forest Condition: 1. Field observations performed in 2019 and 2024 show virtually no change in overall understory growth. There is a severe lack of understory growth consisting of shrubs, seedlings or wildflowers. a. The primary understory growth consists of invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). This shrub is not browsed by deer, is not native and displaces native species. b. Field observations indicate that the forest is very open with viewing distances of 80-100 yards. 1

c. During the August 2024 site visit, ten white-tailed deer were observed individually and in small groups. 2. As noted the forest consists primarily of large trees. The initial study showed no trees under four inches in diameter within the study plots. a. The observational walk through conducted in August of 2024 did find small stands of trees ranging from 1-2”. However, as in the original study, these were much less common than the larger sizes. (See histogram in power point for clarity). 3. There are a number of tree species present in this forested area including: a. Oak (Quercus alba, Q. velutina and Q. rubra), several maples (Acer sp.), hickory (Carya glabra, C. ovata and others; flowering dogwood (Cornus florida); sassafras (Sassafras albidum); American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and black cherry (Prunus serotina). i. Note that with limited exception, the trees observed were as large as 2436” diameter at breast height (DBH). 4. The 2024 walk through of the site found the signs and symptoms of beech leaf disease. This disease has reached the northeast in the past several years and is caused by a nematode. The disease is currently untreatable and is anticipated to cause the death of infected beech trees within 10 years. Conclusions: The observations and findings indicate that while the largest trees in the forest appear healthy (except for American beech), it is a simple fact that where there is excessive deer browse, there is no opportunity for seedlings to regenerate the forest over time. While the trees in this forest today may live for many years, so long as the forest cannot regenerate itself, it is a forest in decline. Deer fencing is one tool that can help the forest to heal and begin the process of regeneration. Over time, when native seedlings are protected from deer browse, invasive grasses (such as Japanese stilt grass) are crowded out and native plants begin to effectively compete. As the site will be planted with approximately 2166 native perennials/grasses and ground covers as well as 1065 native shrubs to function as seed generators, the protected area has a high probability of new, native plant growth. B. Summary of Findings; Planting Selection The planting list submitted by the Applicant to date is not final. As noted in the preliminary report, some minor modifications to this list should be made based on the most recent USDA Plant

election The planting list submitted by the Applicant to date is not final. As noted in the preliminary report, some minor modifications to this list should be made based on the most recent USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and the inherent changes in local climate as it relates to plants and health. 2

The Planning Board raised questions about the need to shield ventilation grates on the parking garages. Concurrently, the Board requested possible use of plants that would flower and support pollinators. There are multiple native vines that can be planted for both aesthetic and insect use. A listing of recommended native plants is attached along which includes a list of native vines. This list is meant as a point of discussion and other plants may be appropriate. C. Summary of Findings; Pollinator Gardens: The Planning Board has requested that the Applicant consider reducing some open - air parking spaces and replacing them with pollinator gardens. Pollinator gardens can provide a greater opportunity for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects to thrive in the area. There is a large body of work on pollinator gardens that the Applicant can utilize to achieve this result. Recommendations: Tree Preservation: Based on the findings of the August 2024 field survey, DeFeo Associates is recommending that the Planning Board consider requiring that a GPS documentation of select specimen trees and/or areas within the LOD be mapped as a condition of approval. This tool will allow for a visual overlay to the final site plans that will: • Allow for greater control and accuracy during any tree removal activities. • Allow for the dentification and possible preservation of potential “seed” trees that might more rapidly allow for forest regeneration in the protected and fenced areas. Plant Selection: DeFeo Associates recommends that the Planning Board consider requiring the Applicant to review the attached listings and propose a selection of one or more vines to provide cover to the ventilation grates as requested. Pollinator Gardens: DeFeo Associates recommends that the Planning Board consider requiring the Applicant to review the attached listings and design the pollinator gardens as appropriate. 3

As additional information is made available, further reviews will be conducted as required. Should you have any questions, please contact me at your convenience. Very truly yours, Wayne D. DeFeo, LEED AP, BD&C Principal DeFeo Associates Cc Jamilet Baquerizo - jvite@westorange.org 4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Did your tree study look at tree species? a. Yes. Species identified include: i. Oak (Quercus alba, Q. velutina and Q. rubra), several maples (Acer sp.), hickory (Carya glabra, C. ovata and others); flowering dogwood (Cornus florida); sassafras (Sassafras albidum); American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and black cherry (Prunus serotina). 2. Has the site been surveyed since the original tree study was performed? a. Yes, a subsequent field observation was conducted in August 2024. 3. What changes were observed? a. The forest has essentially remained unchanged with the exception that beech leaf disease was observed. 4. Why is deer fencing needed? a. As noted in the presentations made in 2023 and this evening, the forest has very limited undergrowth including seedlings of young trees. Deer fencing allows a forest to regenerate through the growth of understory plants (shrubs and herbaceous plants) as well as new trees. 5. How will plants enter the fenced area? a. Seeds will be transported by wind, direct transport by small animals including birds and insects and water. Seeds can travel long distances by these means. In addition, the trees that are within the fenced will provide seeds for new seedling growth. 6. What will happen to the deer within the fenced area? a. There will be no deer in the fenced area after completion. The Applicant will be required to move the deer out of the area just prior to the final gate installations. 7. What will happen to the deer in the area? a. As noted in the report, there is little left for the deer to eat in this area. However, it should be noted that over 70 acres of land will neither be fenced or disturbed. 8. What will happen to other wildlife in the fenced area? a. Deer fencing does not impede the passage of smaller animals. The openings are graduated in size up to 8” openings. Animals such as fox and raccoons generally either climb the fence or burrow under it. Smaller animals simply pass through the fencing. 9. What advantages does increased understory growth provide to the surrounding area? a. Increased understory growth, both woody and herbaceous, will: i. Increase the visual barrier between the developed area and surrounding properties. ii. Decrease the flow and the speed at which the water travels and increase 5

water absorption, thus decreasing run off. 10. How will the Applicant be monitored to protect against excess tree removal? a. DeFeo Associates has retained Davey Resource Group to provide necessary staff to monitor tree removal and compliance with the Settlement Agreement. In addition, Wayne DeFeo will provide spot inspections as required. 6

West Essex Highlands Affordable Housing Development Environmental Safeguards and Enhancements Incorporated Within the Development October 30, 2024 West Orange Planning Board Hearing Presented by: Wayne D. DeFeo, LEED AP,BD&C Environmental Compliance Officer, West Orange

NSE Nos BY Xs Mea 7" mete re © chlarens Ad Famty » ee 7 p ‘ fen \ & Chis Church Newark TIGRAINE | Sek Mi alee . ay, FS RS Sele ’ fe ny He Hs? West Essex Highlands Condo 4 & z shea" } pa 2002 WEHI December Write a description for your map,

Old Trees Are Not Being Replaced Due to Deer Browse