• Continue to plant street trees in the vacant sites identified in the Street Tree Inventory with appropriate and diversified species (smaller stature trees under utility lines or in smaller planting strips, larger stature trees in larger planting strips with no overhead obstructions).
• Maintain tree species diversity so that losses of a predominant species through senescence, disease or pestilence are minimized in the future.
• Investigate updating the borough tree inventory.

• Encourage the planting and proper stewardship of trees on private property and within the downtown special improvement district.

• Determine, with municipal officials, a borough process and protocols for the removal, planting, and maintenance of trees on private property, public and special improvement district properties.
• Advocate for and serve as the community watch dog to ensure process and policies are followed as well as best practices for tree planting.

• Ensure that employees working with trees, and property owners are familiar with the Emerald Ash Borer

• Educate employees and the public utilizing the State of New Jersey Emerald Ash Borer Kit
• Placing posters at public library and DPW
• Having employees read the Fact Sheet
• Engaging Tree experts contractually to be contacted if needed.

C. Liability Statement

Adherence to this management plan is expected to reduce liability claims against Somerville. It is the duty of the Borough to inspect and maintain vigilance in removing damaged and diseased trees. While Somerville has a limited budget, not every need may be addressed immediately. Therefore, available resources must be placed on reducing the most public, dangerous hazards. Instituting a plan to identify prioritize, and manage tree hazards that will maximize the benefits of trees while mitigating public safety is recommended.

Whereas no maintenance program can predict each tree failure before it occurs, the Borough of Somerville is expected to reduce exposure to liabilities by reducing significantly the occurrence of tree-related accidents. This plan is a commitment to managing risks associated with trees in public spaces.

3. Community Overview – Five Years of Progress

The Borough of Somerville is a community bordering the Raritan River in Somerset County, New Jersey. With a population of approximately 12,000, the Borough serves as the County seat and includes the historic Somerset County Court House and a traditional "downtown" area along Main Street. Public transportation is provided by New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley rail line with a station in the downtown area. Somerville, together with Bridgewater and Raritan, has been