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to be replenished by one 1.5- inch DBH tree. If the goal is to reduce erosion and improve water quality, shouldn't the ordinance require more trees to be planted? • Maybe the ordinance should require larger trees to be planted as replacements. This would increase the benefits provided by the replacement tree. The model ordinance also provides multiple exceptions. For example, it stipulates that up to four trees per acre could be removed over a five-year period without replacement. This runs counter to the entire reason for the model ordinance. These and other enhancements should be considered. Educating the community is just as important as the enhancements. Municipalities, watershed organizations and other environmental advocates need to make sure people understand the reasons we are protecting trees. The better people understand the issues, the more likely they will be to become part of the solution. To quote the Once-ler in The Lorax by Dr. Seuss: “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” the Cherry Hill Tree Fund for each healthy or poor condition tree removed that can't be replaced. That means if a commercial applicant wants to remove 20 healthy trees and replant 10 on site, they must contribute $3,000 to the fund. The ordinance also applies to homeowners who remove more than three healthy trees. If someone removes a tree without a tree removal permit, they must either submit a tree replacement plan to the DPW or pay $300 per tree. This fund is then dedicated to tree planting and maintenance projects with the goal of enhancing the township's tree canopy. Because multiple stakeholder meetings were held to gather residents ' input on the ordinance, and because residents are well informed on the rules, there is little to no resistance to upholding it. The public frequently participates in enforcement as well, reporting unauthorized tree removal to the town. Most importantly, the township officials are willing to update their policies and learn ways to make environmental sustainability more effective. The Township’s strategic and collaborative approach serves as a model for balancing development with environmental conservation, demonstrating that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand when all parties work together toward a common goal. Cherry Hill’s tree ordinance may be found at

ment with environmental conservation, demonstrating that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand when all parties work together toward a common goal. Cherry Hill’s tree ordinance may be found at https://tinyurl.com/bazvbw2d. Music under the stars in leafy Cherry Hill Courtesy of Cherry Hill website SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 17