Essex / Erie Parks Recovery Plan Following Winter Snow Operations

Published on April 10, 2026

Montclair Township has announced a recovery plan for Essex and Erie Parks following recent winter storms. Cleanup efforts are already underway, and the plan details how the Township will restore affected areas while protecting tree health and improving future snow management practices. Please see our press release below for more information.

The Mayor & Council have also prepared an FAQ to address common questions from residents, available here:
 FAQ - Compacted Snow and Ice Masses in Erie and Essex Parks

Montclair Township Announces Park Recovery Plan Following Winter Snow Operations

[Montclair, NJ] — Montclair Township is moving forward with a targeted recovery plan to address conditions at Essex and Erie Parks following recent winter storm operations, during which snow was relocated to maintain safe roadways and ensure emergency access. Township officials and the Mayor and Council acknowledge community concerns regarding the accumulation of debris, ice, and potential environmental impacts.

“Our parks are a vital part of what makes Montclair such a special community, and we know how much residents care about them. While public safety during the storms had to come first, we also recognize the impact these conditions have had,” said Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville. “We are committed to a thoughtful, science-based recovery and to developing clear policies for future snow management. Our aim is not just to restore these parks, but to strengthen and improve their resilience for the future.”

A Balanced, Low-Impact Approach

Following consultation with outside environmental experts, the Township Arborist, and the Sustainability Department, the Township will implement a low-impact cleanup strategy designed to reduce further damage while improving current conditions. Because the ground remains thaw-sensitive, full removal of the snow and ice piles could cause significant soil compaction, turf damage, and harm to tree root systems. Instead, the Township will focus on controlled intervention.

Key elements of the plan include:

• Manual removal of visible trash and debris from snow piles, already underway
• Installation of woodchips in work areas to protect soil and reduce compaction
• Temporary fencing and restricted access to prevent further disturbance
• Avoidance of heavy equipment on vulnerable turf
• Targeted drainage improvements to support drying conditions

Cleanup efforts by Department of Community Services (DCS) crews are already underway and will continue as conditions allow.

“A controlled, low-impact response is the right course of action here. In situations like this, minimizing disturbance while conditions are still thaw-sensitive helps avoid unintended damage to soil and tree roots. A plan for testing to define the intensity and extent of a problem, combined with monitoring conditions and addressing impacts after the site has had time to dry, is a sound and responsible approach,” said Dr. Jason Grabosky, an expert in urban tree management and Director of the Urban Forestry Program at Rutgers University. 

Environmental Monitoring and Tree Protection

The Township is conducting ongoing environmental assessments to guide next steps, including:

• Soil testing for salinity, metals, and roadway-related contaminants
• Monitoring of meltwater and drainage conditions
• Arborist evaluations of tree health, including root stress and canopy condition

Restoration Plan

As conditions improve over the coming weeks, the Township will initiate broader restoration efforts, including:

• Soil decompaction and regrading
• Turf reseeding
• Pruning and ongoing tree care
• Replacement of any non-viable trees

This work will not only restore impacted areas, but also presents an opportunity to improve overall site conditions and enhance the long-term health of trees and park grounds.

A formal restoration log will track progress and ensure accountability.

Looking Ahead

The Township is also undertaking a review of its snow staging practices to prevent similar impacts in the future. This includes evaluating staging locations that adhere to DEP guidelines, identifying sensitive areas, and strengthening interdepartmental coordination.