New Jersey ? The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey calls itself the “College of the Pines.”

What’s the cost of living up to that nickname? Apparently, $718,053.

The state college, located northwest of Atlantic City in a sprawling forest area called the Pinelands, recently cleared out a wooded area to make way for new dorms.

It was required by state law to replace the chopped-down trees elsewhere. So on Wednesday, the board of trustees – despite grumbles from several members – voted to pay Turf Construction Co. more than $700,000 for the work.

College President Herman J. Saatkamp said under the law governing state agency construction projects, Stockton was required not only to replace the trees, but to replace them with similar, mature specimens.