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Environmental Commission Seeks Community Help Mapping Historic Trees

June 14, 2023

More than 60% of the land in Dennis Township is undeveloped. Much of that land consists of wetlands, cedar swamps, and woodlands. Many of species of trees, some native, some introduced, call Dennis Township home.

Over the years, efforts have been made to catalog specific trees in the township that are deemed significant. What determines if a tree is significant? Obviously, size in circumference and height are factors. So is the species of the tree. And in some cases, a tree may be categorized as “significant” for historical reasons

Dennis Township has not had an update of its catalog of significant trees since 1990 and the Environmental Commission would like to rectify that problem. In addition to creating an updated historical record, members of the commission want to develop a new list of qualifying trees since many of those last listed are gone and many new trees need to be added.

To accomplish this task, the commission asks for the cooperation and assistance of the community. Finding trees along roadsides or on public property can be done easily enough. However, many trees that might belong on our list, stand on private property.

The commission is asking property owners to contact us if you believe you have a tree(s) on your property that might belong on our list. If you’d like to help, you can do so by photographing the tree and take a measurement of circumference of its trunk 4 ½ feet off the ground. If you can identify the tree species, please include that information as well, as well as any special features: (lightning damage, for example).

Participants in this survey are not subject to special requirements regarding the care and maintenance of trees on their properties.

Your information can be mailed to the commission at: 571 Petersburg Road PO Box 204, Dennisville, NJ 08214.

If you’d like to email your information or have questions, feel free to contact us at

Thanks for your help!