Township of Toms River Environmental Commission

Goals

Accomplished as of August 2007:

            Established a means of communication with the public by developing a section on the Township website and keeping a summary of accomplishments on the website.

            Assisted Township agencies in decisions regarding land use by helping with the Master Plan update and having the soils map and landscape project (threatened & endangered species habitat map) included.

            Helped the Mayor fill vacancies on the Commission, including two alternate seats, and will continue to recruit residents to serve on active subcommittees. 

Completed a priority item by supporting nomination of the Toms River for C-1 designation to help maintain water quality of this waterway, the largest volume input to Barnegat Bay, an estuary of national significance. 

Completed a priority item by preparing a Mission Statement to be included on the Environmental Commission’s page of the Township’s website. 

Challenges for 2007:

            Bring the Environmental Commission’s duties and responsibilities to be more in line with the enabling legislation as outlined in the ANJEC Environmental Commissioner’s Handbook.

            Create a brochure about the Environmental Commission, supply monthly columns to the local newspapers, and send out press releases addressing environmental concerns within the Township.

            Coordinate public programs – initiate an Adopt-A-Spot Program, especially for environmentally sensitive spots (catch basins, streams and rivers), plan a Township Clean-Up Day in the spring (perhaps in concert with Earth Day) and involve businesses, schools, scouts, and other agencies.

            Network with other environmental and conservation groups – send Environmental Commission minutes to the Open Space Committee, identify and contact environmental organizations in town, especially environmental clubs in the schools.

            Urge the establishment of a Shade Tree Commission for our Township.

            Invigorate recycling education and practices for our Township.

            Facilitate updating of the Natural Resources Inventory.

            Champion acquisition of the Riverwood Park Extension properties (Century Plan).

            Expand environmental education role and visibility in the community – raise awareness of environmental issues within the town; communicate throughout the town providing environmental information to citizens; produce guidelines for citizens on watershed management, stormwater management, and environmental stewardship.

     Educate the Environmental Commission members and citizens about global warming, including actions that can be taken to help prevent climate change.