Congratulations! On behalf of New Jersey Forest Service (NJFS), I am pleased to inform you that Somerville's fourth 5-year Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) is approved for 2019 - 2023.

A NJFS approved CFMP is an essential guide to successfully achieving a healthy, safe, and sustainable community forest. It is also the first step toward compliance with the Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act. Compliance affords New Jersey's communities increased liability protection under the Tort Claims Act. The next step toward compliance is participation in the training program. For more details go to www.communityforestry.nj.gov.

If you are a participant in the Green Communities grant program, NJFS will follow-up with you on the documentation required for the reimbursement request.

Please find enclosed the certificate of approval, and a signed plan certification by the State Forester within your management plan.