Commission Achievements 2006-2009
Successful local initiatives help protect natural resources, health and open spaces
2006-2009 Environmental Commission Achievements
Achievement Topics
Environmental Commissions
2006-2009 Environmental Commission Achievements
Asbury Park (Monmouth) 2007
Berkeley Heights (Union) 2006
Bethlehem Township (Hunterdon) 2006, 2007
Bradley Beach (Monmouth) 2009
Cape May Point (Cape May) 2009
Chatham Township (Morris) 2008
Cranford (Union) 2006
Cresskill (Bergen) 2009
East Brunswick (Middlesex) 2006
Elk (Gloucester) 2007
Egg Harbor (Atlantic) 2006
Fanwood (Union) 2009
Hawthorne (Bergen) 2008
Long Hill (Morris) 2007
Mendham Township (Morris) 2006
Millburn (Essex) 2006
Montgomery (Somerset) 2009
Montville (Morris) 2008
Princeton Joint, Township & Borough (Mercer) 2008
Summit (Union) 2007
Verona (Essex) 2009
Washington Twp (Gloucester) 2007
Westville (Gloucester) 2009
West Amwell (Hunterdon) 2008
Woolwich (Gloucester) 2007
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONS
Asbury Park (Monmouth) Environment & Shade Tree Commission (2007)A reactivated and re-energized Shade Tree Commission, now the Environment and Shade Tree Commission, is a partner in Asbury Park’s recent renaissance. Believing that restoration of the city’s tree canopy would raise residents’ morale and neighborhood pride, the commission, working with the Sierra Club’s Cool City Program and over 300 volunteers, planted 1,250 trees throughout the city’s residential areas and recreational spaces. The commission used door hangers to announce public meetings that informed residents about the project, which promoted partnerships among the City Council, the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the school system, and led to a Memorial Tree Program, a Community Garden subcommittee and a weekly column in the local newspaper.
Berkeley Heights (Union) Environmental Commission (2006)
Using an ANJEC CD, the Commission produced a 30-minute Stormwater Basics video to help meet NJDEP educational requirements. Aired three times a week in August and September 2006 on the local community access channel’s Spotlight on Berkeley Heights program, the video covers
- The need to protect water;
- The importance of local watersheds;
- How to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff on local properties;
- The key role of trees to absorb excess nutrients and other pollutants, anchor the soil to reduce erosions and diminish economic loss from flooding.
Bethlehem Township (Hunterdon) Environmental Commission (2006)
Working with the North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development Council (NJRC&D) the Commission put together a five acre riparian buffer planting project on Warren Rod & Gun Club property along the Wild and Scenic Musconetcong River. The buffer aims to help filter runoff from adjacent farmed property and to shade trout maintenance waters. NJRC&D obtained a $23,000 grant to install 1,250 trees and 250 shrubs, increasing the buffer from as little as 75 feet to 100-200 feet. The Commission recruited 40 volunteers to water, mulch and weed the area following a professional contractor’s installation and continues to monitor and implement a five-year maintenance program.
Bethlehem Township (Hunterdon) Environmental Commission (2007)
Because many township residents come from more built-up areas and are not
used to rural living, the Commission decided to create a document that would
explain country realities such as wells, septic systems, and coexisting
with wildlife. The result, after three years of research and writing, was
“Country Wisdom,” a 40-page 8 ½" x 11" booklet
that provides information about the town’s natural resources and ordinances,
and gives practical advice about living and in harmony with, the country.
With the exception of printing and distribution, members of the Commission
did all work on the document.
Bradley Beach (Monmouth) 2009
In 2008 and 2009, the Commission worked on Rain Garden Construction with Monmouth County Master Gardeners, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Department of Public Works (DPW), the school board, Shade Tree Commission and the Bradley Beach School Eco-Club to design and plant a 1400 square feet rain garden and outdoor classroom along the school's perimeter fence. The project required pavement removal and soil excavation. The group obtained project funding from the NJ Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.
Cape May Point (Cape May) 2009
To create its Nature Guide, the Commission obtained funding from Cape May Point Taxpayers Association and the Cape May Point Civic Club. The full-color 12"x 24" folded brochure includes a reference map of the town and directions for two routes -- a Neighborhood Walk and a Beach Walk. The brochure explains the natural features to look for along each tour route, and includes many photos of the abundant bird and beach life, points of interest and a concise history of Cape May Point.
Chatham
Township (Morris) (2008)
After persuading the town council to support the US Mayors' Climate Protection
Agreement, the Chatham Environmental Commission followed up by carrying
out the first action step of the Agreement - developing an Emissions Inventory
for township operations. An important task, it established a baseline for
setting greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and monitoring progress.
An energy subcommittee of the Environmental Commission worked with the township
administrator to record energy usage from bills and budget records. Using
recognized protocols, the Commission translated natural gas, motor vehicle
fuel and electricity units into carbon dioxide emissions. The Inventory
presents CO2 emissions and energy cost information, and includes some recommendations
for action. The Commission presented the Inventory to the township committee,
which responded by making a commitment to investigate and implement energy-saving
projects. The township has hired an architect to propose energy upgrades
for the Administration Building.
Cranford (Union) EnvironmentalCommission (2006)
Thanks to the Commission’s efforts over several years, in November 2005 the Cranford Township Committee enacted the first New Jersey municipal ordinance to require sustainable building standards for new township construction and existing buildings, based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Working with the Township Committee for several years on sustainability, the Commission conducted research, carried out an education program for officials, and proposed the ordinance. Cranford also encourages the use of LEED standards in redevelopment projects by offering density bonuses.
Cresskill (Bergen) 2009
To increase environmental stewardship for the Earthfest 2009, the Commission partnered with the Cresskill Educational Foundation on a celebration of Earth Day 2009, the first for Cresskill. They obtained participation from over 35 environmental or green exhibitors, provided displays and posters with green tips, a bike ride, a fun walk and clean-up of a nearby field and stream. The Earthfest attracted nearly 500 people, of which 150 participated in the bike ride and/or fun walk. They sold over 200 Earthfest t-shirts and reusable water bottles and over 150 reusable grocery bags. The $2,500 earned from sale of food and drinks was donated to the Educational Foundation.
East Brunswick (Middlesex) Environmental Commission (2006)
To educate the public and gain support for environmental initiatives, the Commission created a web site in January 2005 to reach residents and inform them of the Commission’s many activities and events including lectures, bird counts, butterfly park walks and moth night events. Publicity through newspaper articles and GOOGLE searches quickly attracted site users, including more than 200 e-mail subscribers. Within the first year, the Commission expanded the website to include environmental travel information, photo scrapbook pages and video clips for people to display their nature pictures. The website has more than 170 links and by September 2006 hits grew to 11,000, including people from all 50 states, Washington, DC and 65 countries. The Commission is working on web versions of field guides and anticipating increasing use of the website.
Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic) Environmental Commission (2006)
The Commission obtained permission from the township to dedicate an old closed 14.7-acre landfill in the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) area as a township arboretum with passive recreation for local residents. The Commission
- Developed a phased plan;
- Partnered with the township’s alternative high school to obtain volunteers and teach students valuable work and life skills;
- Constructed a shed to house their library of recycled nature and gardening books and a museum of found old bottles;
- Designed and built a handicap accessible observation deck;
- Developed a curriculum to introduce young children to the great outdoors in a quiet, non-threatening way.
With funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to support learning experience on the use of solar power and construction, the Commission and students researched, designed a unique building with a handicapped accessible composting toilet, a work room and water tank. They also installed solar panels and drilled a totally solar-powered well. Future projects include creation of a solar-powered workroom on the site, a gazebo and greenhouse.
Elk
Township (Gloucester) Environmental Commission (2007)
Since its establishment in June 2006, this busy new commission
- Developed a township map, available on the municipal website, showing preserved open space and farmland;
- Reviewed development applications;
- Prepared ordinances for tree protection, Phase I site assessments, soil removal, and agricultural buffers;
- Advised the Township Committee and zoning officer on issues including a wetlands violation; and
- Planned and carried out the Township's first Arbor Day.
Fanwood (Union) 2009
In response to the Commission's request for help in creating a monarch butterfly sanctuary in the Fanwood Nature Center, Boy Scout Andrew Van Haasteren took on the garden as his Eagle Scout project for a Monarch Butterfly Way station. Consulting with the Commission, a Master Gardener and a Butterfly Garden Expert, Andrew devised a plan and organized volunteers to establish the habitat. A publicity campaign encouraged local businesses and residents to donate compost and vegetable discards. Master Gardeners of Union County donated plants and 42 volunteers helped plant 27 species in the 800 square feet plot, which has been certified as a Monarch Way Station. By summer 2008, 15 monarch caterpillars were spotted on the flowering plants. The Commission prepared an informative website and CD to promote the Way station.
Hawthorne
Borough (Passaic) (2008)
The Hawthorne Environmental Commission worked with its mayor and council
and a local Eagle Scout to fund and implement improvements to Eight Acre
Woods, a natural area owned by the borough. The Commission's goal was to
increase environmental awareness among residents through opportunities to
experience nature and view wildlife at the site. The Commission obtained
donations of goods and services from local merchants, including a printer
who made trail signs using recycled materials and low-VOC inks. The Commission
and volunteers conducted a cleanup, cleared and marked trails, posted trail
maps at various locations in the Woods, and installed recycled-plastic benches
and trash and recycling receptacles. They celebrated at a well-attended
ribbon cutting ceremony when the work was complete.
Long Hill Township (Morris) Environmental Commission (2007)
Based on its experience reviewing and commenting on development applications,
the Environmental Commission saw a need for a standard advisory document
that would help applicants understand and address common environmental issues
before getting to the Planning or Zoning Board review stage. The Commission
developed an Applicant Handout for Environmental Issues that explains common
issues that arise during review, such as stormwater runoff, steep slopes,
wetlands, flooding, and plant/animal habitat. The Handout offers suggestions
on Best Management Practices including reduction of impervious cover, planting
of native species and elimination of curbing. The Planning Board and Township
Committee approved the Handout, which is now part of the packet applicants
receive at the start of a building project.
Mendham Township (Morris) Environmental Commission (2006)
After completing a comprehensive inventory, mapping, title and tax map investigation of approximately 70 conservation easements between 1998 and 2000, the Commission embarked on a project involving owner education and baseline inspection. In 2005, commissioners
- Reviewed and updated the previous easement records, creating a folder of information for each of the 167 lots with an existing easement;
- Drafted a letter to property owners, a monitoring form, and a brochure on conservation easements; and
- Hired a professional forester who would do the actual inspections.
A pilot mailing to a small group of property owners yielded 20 successful inspections. Individual follow-up letters informed owners of any significant problems. Each conservation easement file now contains a complete baseline set of information.
Montgomery (Somerset) 2009
The Commission organized the fourth community Earth Day celebration to provide education about environmentally friendly practices. Coordinated with the Rotary annual run, the fair attracted a record number of vendors, music from several bands, and a clown. A key event was collection of over 8,000 pounds of computers and electronics for recycling. Residents learned about services offered by local businesses and organizations like the Shade Tree Commission, Sustainability and Open Space Committees, Sourland Planning Council and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.
Montville
Township (Morris) (2008)
Montville's Environmental Commission celebrated Earth Week by hosting a
town-wide electronics recycling day. Working with the Key Club and the Paramus
Women's Club, the Commission publicized the event using educational press
releases about the importance of electronics recycling. Residents enjoyed
refreshments and received receipts for the electronic material they turned
in. The township collected a total of 18,000 lbs. of electronics, diverting
them from the trash stream. The recycler - Urban Renewal of Newark - refurbished
and donated 11 of the laptops turned in that day to Montville, which then
donated them to soldiers being deployed to Iraq, so they could keep in touch
with folks back home. The town had a special presentation for the soldiers.
Princeton
Joint (Mercer) - township and borough (2008)
In November 2007, approximately 400 Princeton-area residents participated
in a community tour event organized by the Princeton Joint Environmental
Commission. The tour featured homes, gardens and commercial buildings that
exemplify environmental sustainability strategies including renewable energy,
energy conservation, Integrated Pest Management and rain gardens. The goal
was to introduce residents to practical green building ideas, explore cost
effectiveness, and demonstrate which approaches can be incorporated into
new projects or as part of a retrofit. Builders, suppliers and landscapers
who worked on the projects were present at each of the 5 sites on the tour
to answer questions and talk about the sustainable features they employed.
The Commission publicized the tour with posters, fliers and press releases
explaining the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) standards.
Summit City (Union) Environmental Commission (2007)
The commission participated in the Summit Clean Power Team with the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to raise local residents’ awareness and encourage enrollment in New Jersey’s Clean Power Choice Program, which allows consumers to purchase energy from renewable sources by paying a small premium. The Team created and implemented a town-wide campaign that connected participation in Clean Power Choice with global climate protection, energy conservation, recycling and sustainable habits. The result was an increase of enrollment from 55 to 130 Summit households in less than a year.
Verona (Essex) 2009
In 2004, to encourage recycling at the town's schools, the Environmental Commission created a five-page guide and started a pilot paper recycling project in an elementary school. Since then, the Commission has expanded the program each year, adding other schools in Verona. Recycling collection has grown from one ton of paper in 2005 to an estimated seven tons of paper in 2009, collected from all six schools in town. In 2009, the commission added aluminum, plastic and glass to the recycling program.
Washington Township (Gloucester) Environmental Commission (2007)
Working with the school district and the township Municipal Utilities Authority
(MUA), the Commission hosted a day-long educational event for fourth graders,
to convey the importance of water resources for environmental and human
health. The agenda included a presentation by an Academy of Natural Sciences
representative about the adaptations specific species make to live in water
and a bus trip to the town’s water tower where students were surprised
to learn that water storage was at the top, utilizing gravity power to deliver
water. Students visited six stations in the base of the tower, each manned
by volunteers, including the Delaware River Basin Commission, the MUA, the
Environmental Commission, the US Geological Survey and the South Jersey
Land and Water Trust.
West
Amwell (Hunterdon) (2008)
Over 19 months, the members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
donated over 400 hours of their time and talents to update the town's Natural
Resources Inventory (NRI). Without the help of any paid consultants, the
Commission collected data and materials from state and county agencies,
nearby towns and nonprofit organizations to revise their 30-year-old NRI.
A local environmental nonprofit organization reviewed the draft revised
NRI gratis. When the NRI was nearly complete, an anonymous donor offered
to cover the cost of publishing the document, which the Commission is also
distributing on CD.
Westville (Gloucester) 2009
Adding beauty and art to natural preservation, the Commission restored a pond in a public park to demonstrate non-structural stormwater techniques, create habitat for honey bees and butterflies, and provide basking areas for the turtle population. The DPW provided the needed materials for Boy Scout Troop 40 to construct the turtle basking area. To protect the riparian area (2,000 square feet) adjacent to the pond, the Commission got funding from a local business for materials and planted the area according to a design by a landscape architect who volunteered services. The Commission received a grant for an elementary school mural project where the children painted the wildlife scenes that grace the entry to the Butterfly Garden. The Commission also worked with Rutgers, the Board of Education, NJ Department of Public Works (DPW), Master Gardeners and volunteers to construct a 242 square feet rain garden to control stormwater runoff.
Woolwich Township (Gloucester) Environmental Commission (2007)
In an effort to reduce waste, promote efficient resource use, and prolong the life of landfills, the Commission worked with the county recycling coordinator, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, trash haulers, and recycling market representatives to develop an ordinance requiring reuse or recycling of at least 65 percent of a project’s construction and demolition debris. Applicants for construction or demolition permits must approximate the amount of debris a project will generate, and submit information on the actual amounts disposed of and recycled. The Woolwich Township Committee adopted the ordinance in April 2007.
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