The term “Shade Tree Commission” does not do justice to the work being conducted by the members of The Oakland Shade Tree Commission. It evokes images of lazy summer days spent meandering in the afternoon sun making sure Oakland residents have enough shade. This is far from the reality.
A commission with major responsibilities and little authority, the members of The Oakland Shade Tree Commission have put in close to 140 volunteer hours in the last month. The majority of this time is spent dealing with the nuts and bolts of administration, the conducting of inspections, and the counseling of irate citizens. But there are rewarding moments of helping residents, organizations, schools or civic groups fulfill their own goals in adding to, and protecting, the natural resources of Oakland.
Some Oakland residents felt there was an abdication of responsibility by the town for not preventing the clear cutting of trees along Rt 202. It is a reasonable reaction if you saw the scores of stumps stretching like a graveyard for trees. This feeling was synthesized in a letter from Angela Vancophsky who’s emotions captured the feeling of other Oakland residents. The letter, addressed to the Mayor and Town Council, was read aloud at the May 5th Shade Tree Commission meeting. It was not required by rules of procedure, and it was not necessary since all were familiar with its contents, but it was an honorable gesture by the members to give voice to an Oakland resident who shares their concern for the preservation of the town’s natural beauty. They did not agree with her assessment as to how the town is overseeing the project, but they understood the emotion and passion.
As detailed by two commissioners at last week’s town council meeting, the developer is in accordance with the town’s regulations. The Commission’s goal is to negotiate, and assure, that the end result will be a downtown area that reflects the deep rooted commitment the people of Oakland have towards the natural beauty of the town. Requirements built into the approval process address not only the the forefront of the future structure, but also take into consideration Oakland’s image to the motorist speeding by on Rt 287.
The Oakland Shade Tree Commission is comprised of dedicated, knowledgeable members, exemplified by John Schaus. During the course of the recent Commission meeting, he dissected, diagnosed, and discussed numerous situations with regards to individual trees and broader projects. It was an impressive display of knowledge, and Oakland would have been well served by having this type of resource available during the development of The Copper Tree Mall.
The Copper Tree Mall, still the primary focus of the Oakland business district, is outside the sphere of The Shade Tree Commission’s ability to influence improvements. The town needs a plan that brings Copper Tree Mall to the table, and make them an active particpant on discussions about Oakland’s redevelopment; then The Shade Tree Commission can influence the area.
Oakland is obviously a “green” town. But for visitors, passersby, and some local residents, it will soon be spelled out for you on two new signs. Oakland has received a Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The Shade Tree Commission will present the mayor and council with a plaque at the next town council meeting, and the road signs carrying the Tree City insignia will be forthcoming. Mayor Szabo, John Schaus, Harry Harrison and Tony Smid attended the New Jersey Arbor Day- Celebrating Community Forestry, in East Briunswick, NJ. And for those readers of The Oakland Journal not familiar with the history of Arbor Day, we suggest checking out the Arbor Day Foundation website for a good, quick read.
The Oakland Journal would like to remind residents that they need a permit to remove a tree in Oakland. Homeowners can call town hall to arrange for the tree inspection, but they do not need to be at home during the inspection. The tree should be clearly marked, and they can pick up their permit at a more convenient time at borough hall; there is a $25 fee. It requires very little effort, and helps keep the Oakland we know ready for a new generation.