The mission of the Woodlands Committee is to consider and recommend to the Council such actions as may be appropriate to monitor, maintain and improve the health of the Borough's woodlands.

"Borough Woodlands" includes all Borough-owned wooded areas, from large tracts designated as parks to the small undeveloped "pocket" lots.

The health of the woodlands refers to all those qualities that promote appropriate diversity of fauna and flora in a natural, wild state, for the benefit and enjoyment of residents of the Borough, now and in the future.

Particular tasks include:

1. Evaluate the current conditions of the woodlands.
2. Identify factors affecting the health of the woodland environments. Include such factors as:
   • deer overbrowsing,
   • invasive species,
   • the recent drought, and
   • overuse.
3. Develop recommendations for how to attain healthy and sustainable woodland environments. Include such issues as:
   • regeneration of a healthy native understory,
   • reforestation,
   • removal of invasive species.
4. Develop a long-term woodlands management plan.

The Woodlands Committee shall coordinate efforts with the Environmental Commission, the Shade Tree Commission, and other committees and commissions established by the Council, as appropriate.

The Committee shall draw on prior work by the League of Women Voters and other sources.

jlu 11/21/2003