Amazing Trial Turnout! What's Next?
Thank you to all who were able to attend any part of the trial on May 20 and 21st. The best part was seeing you there on Monday morning, supporting us and the Forest. There were so many Forest lovers that the judge had the proceedings moved to a larger courtroom to accommodate the crowd!
Your presence had a huge impact, because it sent a message: people care deeply about this issue. Here is a recap of the trial and what comes next.
Background
The purpose of the trial was to determine whether parts of the Drew campus, including the Drew Forest, should be considered in an updated calculation of Madison’s affordable housing obligation. Read more under our FAQs.
FODF's expert witness, Jamie Morgan, from Davey Resources Group, testified to several environmental constraints present in the Forest, including six wetlands, steep slopes and NJDEP designated habitat for the endangered Indiana bat.
What's Next?
Once transcripts of the proceedings are produced, the parties will have 30 days to submit written final briefs (aka closing statements.) The judge will then review all the testimony and evidence and provide a written ruling, probably in about two months. In September 2022, the judge ruled that any resulting increase in Madison’s affordable housing obligation need not be built on the Drew Forest acres if Madison has other acceptable locations.
Read more in the media on our website.
In Other News
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced she is requesting an additional $5 million to assist the Borough of Madison in purchasing and preserving the Drew Forest. The request is one of the Community Project Funding (CPF) requests she submitted for Fiscal Year 2025.
Stealth Green Heron Hunts in the Forest
Next time you are in the forest, keep a lookout for a Green Heron. Unlike the showy Blue and White Herons, the Green Heron keeps a low profile, using its stocky, dark green body to blend in with leaves. The Green Heron is one of the few tool-using bird species. It creates fishing lures to entice small fish or amphibians which it hunts using patience and sharp bill. We caught one in action in the Drew Forest this spring!
Photo by Friends of the Drew Forest Board Member Kirsten Wallenstein
