§ 405-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

CALIPER: ANSI Z60 FOR NURSERY STOCK

"Caliper" is a type of diameter measurement used in the nursery industry. The height measurement shall be taken from ground level for field-grown stock and from the soil line for container-grown stock, which should be at or near the top of the root flare. Caliper measurement of the trunk shall be taken six inches above the top of root flare up to and including four-inch caliper size. If the caliper at six inches above the ground exceeds four inches, the caliper should be measured at 12 inches above the top of root flare. Seldom are tree trunks perfectly round. The most accurate measurement will result from the use of a diameter tape. Caliper measurements taken with manual or electronic slot or pincer type caliper tools should be the average of the smallest and largest measurements.

COMMUNITY FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN

A plan developed by a municipality that outlines the goals and objectives for managing trees on municipal property with the intent of minimizing liability to the municipality and maximizing the useful life of the tree resource. The plan is to be approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry, New Jersey Forest Service. A Shade Tree Commission shall be formed to oversee the implementation of the community forestry management plan.

DIAMETER BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)

The diameter of a tree measured 4 1/2 feet above the uphill/highest side.

EROSION

The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, ice, wind and gravity.

EXEMPT AREA

The lot area as provided in this chapter for which tree replacement shall not be required.

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

A plan for the management of timbered or forested lands approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Forest Service, or similar state or federal agency.

HISTORIC TREE

A tree that has been found to be of notable historic interest to Jackson Township because of its age, type, size or historic association and which has been so designated and that designation has been officially made and promulgated as part of the official records of the Township.

OPEN SPACE

Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private use and enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open spaces, provided that such areas may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets and off-street parking and other improvements that are designated to be incidental to the natural openness of the land.

SHADE TREE COMMISSION

Shade tree commissions can be formed by municipal ordinance, N.J.S.A. 40:64-1 et seq.

SPECIMEN TREE

Any tree in fair or better condition which is so designated by the Shade Tree Commission based on considerations of whether the tree is a rare species or specimen thereof; is abnormal in height, trunk diameter or dripline circumference for a tree of its species; has foliage of an unusual quality for a tree of its species; occupies a location which confers special shade tree, fragrance, erosion control, aesthetic, scenic enhancement, historic, preservation or cultural values to the community. For purposes of this definition, "in fair or better condition" shall mean that a tree has a relatively sound and solid trunk with no evidence of extensive decay or visual evidence of being hollow and with no major insect or pathological problem.

TREE

Any deciduous or coniferous species which has a DBH of six inches or greater.

TREE ESCROW FUND

A fund established by the governing body for the administration and promotion of tree and shrubbery resource sustainability projects and practices which may be consistent with the Community Stewardship Incentive Program as outlined within the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act, P.L. 1996, c. 135.

TREE PLANTING PLAN

A specific plan adopted by Jackson Township for the location and placement of trees on public property.

TREE PRESERVATION AND REMOVAL PLAN (TREE SAVE PLAN)

A specific plan that contains tree locations and other information in accordance with § 405-5 herein.

TREE REMOVAL PERMIT

The permit issued by the Shade Tree Commission or its designee to remove or destroy a tree or trees.

TREE REPLACEMENT PLAN

A specific plan for replacement of removed trees in accordance with the provision of this chapter.

TREE SPECIALIST

A. 

The Mayor shall appoint a Tree Specialist. This individual shall be responsible for the inspection of sites for which application(s) are filed under this chapter. This individual will be responsible for the administration and protection requirements of this chapter and enforcement of the chapter as directed by the Shade Tree Commission.

B. 

A Tree Specialist is either of the following:

(1) 

A forester who shall have a bachelor's degree in forestry or arboriculture from a college or university, shall be certified as a certified tree expert by the State of New Jersey and shall have a minimum of three years' experience in planting, care and maintenance of trees. The forester shall have the responsibility of reviewing an approved forest management plan and inspecting the forested site for plan compliance if requested by the Tax Assessor.

(2) 

A conservation officer who shall be certified as a certified tree expert by the State of New Jersey and shall have a minimum of three years' experience in planting, care and maintenance of trees.

C. 

The Tree Specialist shall be paid from the Tree Escrow Fund, which is established herein, and shall be paid in accordance with a fee schedule established by contract with the municipality.