Tree lovers in Montclair, and everyone else for that matter, will be happy to hear that our leafy green town finally has appointed Stephen Shuckman as town arborist...and Shuckman has the undisputable credentials. The town's been without an arborist for months following Kevin Ward's resignation. Town Manager Joe Hartnett announced the news, to the delight of volunteers at Montclair's Environmental Commission. Carey Africk, a member of the EC and a Master Gardener writes:
Mr. Hartnett is to be congratulated for this proactive appointment.The hiring of Steve Schuckman is a feather in the town's cap. It is no secret that Steve is widely respected at all levels within the state, from the certifying agencies, to Rutgers, to industry, and to the Master Gardeners including myself.
I think Steve proves himself every day in the surrounding communities, including Glen Ridge where he has brought professionalism and excellence. He understands planting care and requirements and has helped put together a vision for that Town...And he has brought "thinking outside the box" by obtaining grants, and low cost solutions thus achieving major savings for "his" communities.
EC co-chairman William Dunnel adds:
"This is a good thing. We on the environmental commission have been pushing town management to consider hiring an outside qualified CTE to replace Ward for some time now and to more proactively address the town's shade tree issues. We are currently looking for candidates to fill his [Africk's} soon-to-be-vacant position as alternate commissioner, but his will be big shoes to fill."
...Shuckman is also known to some Bloomfielders for making tough tree-toppling decisions.
I didn't realize folks still thought "Outside the Box".
I'm sure he's a real "people person" and I wish him well!!!
(Can someone tell me though, on a practical level, what the Town arborist does?)