NEW JERSEY — New Jersey officials announced $250,000 in municipal tree maintenance grants Friday as part of Arbor Day celebrations marking the close of Earth Week.
The Sherrill administration said the funding will support tree pruning and removal projects in communities across the state, with individual grants of up to $25,000 available through the New Jersey Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.
Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak joined state and local officials in Paramus for a tree-planting ceremony recognizing the borough’s 50th consecutive year as a Tree City USA community.
“As we close out the first Earth Week of the Sherrill Administration, what more of a fitting way than by celebrating local leadership at its finest. There’s nearly 19,500 municipalities in our country and of those, only 16 have reached Tree City USA status. Paramus is one of those,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “Trees provide shade in hot weather and help lower energy costs, reduce flooding, beautify neighborhoods, improve air quality, and create habitat for wildlife.”
Officials said the grants aim to help municipalities manage tree inventories, reduce public safety risks and improve the health of urban forests. Communities must provide a 25% match to qualify.
Paramus and Parsippany-Troy Hills are among a small number of municipalities nationwide to maintain Tree City USA status for 50 years, officials said.
“Paramus and Parsippany-Troy Hills exemplify the spirit of Arbor Day through 50 years of leadership in caring for and investing in their urban trees,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “We join the Arbor Day Foundation in commending Paramus on their success, which highlights the importance of long-term planning, local investment and community engagement in sustaining healthy, resilient urban and community forests.”
During the event, 23 trees were planted around Paramus Borough Hall, and 150 fruit trees were distributed to residents through a partnership with the New Jersey Tree Foundation, the New York Red Bulls and the U.S. Forest Service.
“Trees add to the quality of life for our residents, increase property values, beautify the town and overall make Paramus a better place to live,” said William R. Comery, Chairman of the Paramus Shade Tree Commission.
The grants are part of broader efforts to promote sustainable tree management and environmental resilience statewide, officials said.
