[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Andover
6-26-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-17. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The Township Committee does hereby decide and find that
the woodlands are an important cultural, ecological, scenic, and economic
resource. Proper management of this resource will insure its maintenance for
all forest benefits, i.e., watershed protection, wildlife habitat, recreational
aspects, and aesthetics.
B.
The woodlands must be preserved, protected, enhanced,
and maintained. A forestry program is intended to meet these objectives by
providing opportunities for the continuing uses of the Township's forest resources
which are compatible with the maintenance of the environment. This can be
accomplished by the improvement of the forests through the application of
solid management practices.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
The profession embracing the science, business and art of creating,
conserving and managing forests and forest lands for the continuing use of
their resources.
A woody plant that has the potential to reach a height of at least
10 feet, has a single stem, and has a definite crown shape.
Any property owner, or any person or persons, contractor, company or
corporation hired, desiring to cut, remove, or harvest any tree for commercial
purposes shall apply to the duly appointed officer of the Township of Andover
for a permit application and shall include a harvesting plan, which details
the harvesting practices proposed to be employed, including, but not limited
to the following:
A.
Location and size of tracts.
B.
Owner's name and address.
C.
Map of the property showing wetlands, types of vegetation
cover, area to be harvested, receiving waters, location of stream crossings
and alternatives, location of skid trails, location of access roads and landing,
cutting boundaries, and size of filter or buffer strips.
D.
Description of area to be harvested, including approximate
acreage, general soil types and erodibility, approximate range of percent
of slope, timber quality and age (forest type, species, age, DBH, height,
volume and reproduction), and understory.
E.
Description of timber to be harvested (number of trees,
species, diameter class and volume).
F.
Description of timber to be harvested regeneration plans.
G.
Description of intermediate management practices to be
applied during or after harvesting.
H.
A survey of the property indicating that the trees to
be harvested are within the property boundary lines. This survey condition
can be waived if the Construction Official is satisfied as to the area in
which trees are to be harvested.
The cost of this permit shall be $25.
Excepted from this chapter shall be:
A.
Any tree located on a parcel of land six acres or less
in size on which a residence has been constructed or to be constructed.
B.
Any tree growing on property actually being used as a
nursery, garden center, Christmas tree plantation, or an orchard.
C.
Any tree to be cut for personal use by the owner.
D.
Any tree growing on a public right-of-way or access easement,
public or private.
E.
Any dead, diseased, or other tree that is likely to endanger
life or property.
F.
Properties which are being developed under an approved
preliminary or final subdivision or has a building permit.
G.
Properties which are under a forestry program.
H.
Properties which are undergoing soil and site investigation
for development potential or other use potential or installation of septic
systems.
I.
Any trees which are being cut under the supervision of
a New Jersey certified forester.
A.
A stop-work order shall be issued by the designated Township official if noncompliance with the submitted harvesting plan is evident or if there is nonadherence to the standards in § 171-5. The stop-work order will remain in effect until the Township has determined that resuming work will not violate the conditions of the submitted harvesting plan.
B.
Should a permit not be secured prior to tree cutting
or removal, a fine shall be levied against the property owner, contractor,
company or corporation in the amount of $50 per tree (over 10 inches in diameter)
for the first offense and $100 per tree for any offense thereafter.
All provisions of the aforesaid ordinance not amended herein shall remain
in full force and effect.
