IPTD-525
Big Tree Public Survey
Description
Project Scope: Public Big Tree Survey for the NJ Big Tree Registry
Project Title: New Jersey Big Tree Public Survey
Project Overview: The New Jersey Big Tree Public Survey aims to empower the citizens of New Jersey to identify, measure, and document the state’s largest and most notable trees. By creating a user-friendly, accessible platform and providing educational resources, the project will enable the public to participate in building and expanding the New Jersey Big Tree Registry. This initiative will not only foster community engagement but also contribute to the conservation and appreciation of New Jersey's natural heritage.
Objectives:
1. Increase Awareness: Raise public awareness about the NJ Big Tree Registry and the importance of the conservation of
large and heritage trees.
2. Empower Citizens: Provide citizens with the tools and knowledge to identify and measure trees accurately, enabling
them to contribute to the registry.
3. Enhance Data Collection: Expand the NJ Big Tree Registry with new data on significant trees across the state.
4. Promote Community Engagement: Create a sense of ownership and pride among residents regarding their local trees
and natural environment.
5. Support Conservation: Contribute to environmental conservation efforts by identifying and tracking trees of
significance.
Project Justification
In 2016 a big tree geodatabase was created. This geodatabase was then used to create the big tree survey application allowing the big tree coordinator to easily collect and upload big tree data which includes tree id, circumference, height, average crown, nominator, big tree owner, tree location, county and more. For the big tree coordinator to be able to visit the nominated tree, he must first receive a completed and signed right of access (ROA) agreement. The ROA provides the big tree coordinator with the necessary permissions to visit the tree, measure the tree, photograph the tree, collect seed from the tree, and list the tree on the registry. Big tree owners that give permission to list their big trees on the registry will be listed. Those that do not, will not be visible to the public. In 2016 the Big Tree Registry consisted of 150 trees, and now it boasts over 700 trees increasing the workload considerably as all trees must be remeasured every 10 years.
Due to staffing shortages and limitations, it has become necessary to create a big tree survey for the public so they can measure and upload trees to be added to the NJ Big Tree Registry increasing efficiency for the New Jersey Forest Service (NJFS). Very little work is required to create the new big tree public survey as the data from current big tree survey will be fully utilized.
Added Project Planning Sheet that just needed to be signed by Todd Wyckoff, Chief of the NJ Forestry Service.