In New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the US, the matrix of trees growing along streets, in parks, schoolyards and other open spaces can be thought of as an urban commons, with a significant role to play in supporting the would-be global atmospheric commons. In these spaces, land tenure and tree tenure arrangements are often ambiguous and do not align consistently, and the management and health of the trees suffer as a consequence. At the same time, urban and community forests have been newly promoted for their critical importance and potential for climate mitigation and adaptation, rectifying environmental injustice, and multiple social co-benefits. Long subject to under-investment, this arena has recently received a massive influx of state, federal, and regional funding for tree-planting projects.
In New Jersey, the efficacy of this flow of dollars is being constrained by limitations in tree nursery supply chains, suitable planting space, expertise, and institutional capacity. While the ambiguity in tenurial status and managerial responsibility may further constrain tree numbers and survival, at the same time these gaps, coupled with the new resource flows, may be opening the door to more and diverse involvement in tree stewardship.
This practitioner presentation will explore how these factors are playing out in New Jersey, based on the varied urban and community forestry initiatives of Sustainable Jersey, a non-profit municipal and school certification program and support network, including a $4.5 million tree-planting grant program for public schools and colleges and the promotion community forestry management plans, tree protection ordinances, and other of best management practices
