This chapter is intended to advance East Amwell's adopted policies
and regulations to preserve, protect and enhance the sensitive forested
areas of the Township by ensuring that tree removal practices comply
with best management practices. The Township recognizes the necessity
of conserving forest resources in order to protect its water supply
and that maintaining trees in a natural state is an important element
of promoting an adequate, high-quality water supply in this sensitive
area.
This chapter shall be known as the "East Amwell Tree Harvesting
Ordinance."
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
TREE
A woody perennial plant, with well-defined stem or stems,
and a crown where any stem has a minimum diameter of four inches measured
at four feet.
TREE HARVEST
The cutting of trees in excess of five trees in any six-month
period and classified based on the following criteria:
A.
Tier A tree harvest — The removal of up to 20
trees per tax lot where fewer than seven trees are removed from any
one acre.
B.
Tier B tree harvest — The removal of over 20
trees per tax lot or over six trees in any one acre.
Permits are not required for the following activities, which
shall not be considered tree harvests:
A. Removal of trees that present a hazard to the safety of persons or
property.
B. Removal of trees that are diseased, dead or storm damaged.
C. Removal of trees to eliminate invasive species including, but not
limited to, thorn apple, autumn olive, honey locust, poison sumac,
and multiflora rose.
D. Providing that a building permit has been obtained, clearing or clear-cutting of not more than a total of two acres of a residential lot for the construction of a dwelling/outbuilding/drive, except in the Sourland Mountain District, where clearing shall adhere to §
92-89I.
E. Removal of any tree growing on property used as a nursery, garden
center, Christmas tree farm or orchard, only if such use complies
with zoning laws.
F. Any cutting of trees performed as part of ongoing timber stand improvement
work in compliance with a state-approved woodland or forest management
plan.
G. Removal of any trees on a farm property with documented protection
under the Right to Farm Act, N.J.S.A. 4:1C-1 et seq. and a state-approved
woodland or forest management plan.