Bring On the Big Trees

If you are one of the Chatham residents who doesn't want to see any more trees cut down, try nominating a tree for the Big Tree Program through the state Division of Parks and Forestry.

The division of the state Department of Environmental Protection wants to update their Big Tree listing, which catalogues the largest single tree of every species that grows in New Jersey.

The first list was published in 1954 and updated in 1998. According to an article on NorthJersey.com, many of the trees that were catalogued in 1998 have been cut down.

The article goes on to say that the division "hopes someday to have a program in place to protect the tallest known specimens."

Many Chatham residents have spoken out against the removal of trees in town over the last few months, including trees cut down for the Lafayette Avenue repaving project, the Elmwood Avenue sidewalk installation and the elm tree on Main Street which NJDOT crews cut down last week.

Having a Big Tree in your yard or on your street may save that tree from being cut down in the next improvement project.

To nominate a Big Tree, print out the nomination form from the Division of Parks and Forestry Web site and mail it to the Big Tree Program, NJ Forest Service, Trenton, NJ 08625, or fax it to (609) 984-0378.