Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Forest Service

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New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Accreditation

Municipal and county governments can become accredited with the New Jersey Urban & Community Forestry program by developing and implementing a New Jersey Forest Service approved management plan for trees and forests, training and education, and annual reporting. Towns which are accredited with the New Jersey Urban & Community Forestry program have access to grants for development and implementation of their Community Forestry Management Plans and a basis for liability protection associated with local urban forestry programs.

  1. Stewardship Plan for Urban Trees and Forests
    2. A plan must be prepared according to NJUCF guidelines and approved by the State Forester.
  2. Training and Education
    3. At least two representatives (one municipal employee and one local volunteer), active in the local Urban and Community Forestry Program and the care of its tree and forest resources must complete Core Training.
  3. Annual Accomplishment Report
    4. An annual report using the most recent NJUCF forms and format must be submitted annually by February 15.
  1. Stewardship Plan for Urban Trees and Forests
    2. An approved plan must be in place; and expired plan will not count toward accreditation.
  2. Training and Education

    3. a. Core training requirements must be maintained. If a core trained representative is no longer active in the local urban and community forestry program another representative must attend core training to fill the vacancy.

    b. Eight (8) or more continuing education units (CEUs) must be earned by at least two (2) individuals annually. A person does not need to be core trained to earn CEUs for your community.

  3. Annual Accomplishment Report
    4. An annual report using the most recent NJUCF forms and format must be submitted annually by February 15.

To access your municipality's current or previous year's Accreditation Status, please click on the link below:

Accreditation Status

For questions about NJUCF Accreditation, Core Training, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and annual reporting, Communityforestry@dep.nj.gov

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