Crest Told: Plant the Right Trees

WILDWOOD CREST – “Trees are vital to the urban barrier setting,” Peter Lomax of The Lomax Consulting Group said Dec. 11. He spoke to Wildwood Crest Borough Commissioners.
Lomax gave a presentation informing Crest officials and residents of the need to plant appropriate trees on barrier islands.
According to Lomax, forestry and infrastructure are “vital” to the survival and thriving of island communities. Due to rising sea level and incorrect planting choices, environmental changes are impacting dunes, grasses, and trees.
For example, popular plantings in the 1970s included the Bradford pear and Japanese black pine; however, both of the ornamental species cannot tolerate harsh conditions.
Even sycamores, though suited to the water table, will eventually suffer from the salt intake, he said.
Commissioner Joyce Gould concurred with Lomax.
“The sycamores need to go,” Gould said. Gould added that the sycamores’ root systems create tripping hazards and undermine sidewalks.
The Herald contacted Lomax for further information on what types of trees are appropriate for the Crest. Lomax said information would be made available if the borough adopts the program.
“Species selection is an important consideration, once that is driven by site location, project type, intended purpose, etc.” Lomax wrote via email.
“In fact, the Community Forestry Management Plan was authored to aid and guide the borough in the implementation of its future planting projects and the design decisions associated with each.
“Once adopted by the borough and approved by the state, we can assist the borough in species selections that are location and situation-appropriate, and aid their Green Team in the development of a recommended species list that, among other considerations, promotes the use of native species which can thrive in barrier island growing conditions.”
The Community Forestry Management Program also provides municipalities the opportunity to receive funding once a year for various environmental projects. The funds come from the purchase of so-called “vanity” license plates and are designated by the state for participation in the program.
Training and courses are available for municipal employees and volunteers in the program, providing municipalities with Continuing Education Credits.
Borough Administrator Constance Mahon said, “We (Crest) need to be proactive,” referring to taking courses if the borough adopts the program.
Mayor Don Cabrera agreed and said a decision would be made at the borough’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting.
As the municipality awaits the Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers’ dune installation, officials will continue seeking to beautify the Crest and help preserve its urban, natural setting.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.