Egg Harbor Township Environmental Commission

Goals for 2016

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better"

Samuel Beckett

                                           Egg Harbor Township Environmental Commission

                                                                         Goals for 2016

New Projects

·         Work on preparing a “significant” tree inventory and developing the specifications which define a significant tree. This was begun in the E.H.T. Tree Protection Ordinance draft.

·         Reinstitute public lectures/workshops to promote environmental awareness. These may include topics such as the use of fertilizer, weed control and other products, rain barrel construction, benefits of rain gardens, etc.

Ongoing Projects

·         Work with the Planning Board in strengthening existing environmental ordinances as well as developing new ordinances to define and protect significant trees. Encourage the implementation of ideas from the Livable Communities Plan, such as Green Roads.

·         Promote the creation of a Shade Tree Commission.

·         Encourage the allotment of matching funds required for the application of an ANJEC Smart Growth grant which provides for a natural resource inventory.

·         Promote the development of natural retention basins like the one on Veterans Avenue near the Library. Replant the mowed area of the basin.

Arboretum and Nature Reserve

·         Continue to participate in the enhancement and promotion of the park.  Especially on projects in conjunction with Eagle Academy students and with John Jones and the Catawba Project students.

Arbor Day

·         Continue to promote Arbor Day. Continue to focus on public participation with the significant tree inventory.

Miscellaneous

·         Continue to review plans, as required, to ensure compliance with our Township ordinances.

·         Continue to work with Boy Scouts on Eagle Scout Certification projects.

·         Promote our members participation in appropriate clinics to increase their knowledge of environmental issues which may affect EHT.

·         Publicize the Commission’s activities and accomplishments in the Current, the Press, environmental publications such as the ANJEC Quarterly Report, our website and Facebook page, etc.

·         Participate in the EHT Community Pride Day with Public Works.

·         Continue to work with NJ Audubon Society member John Layton and the Township administration to identify retention basins suitable for bluebird houses. 

Nesting results for 2015:

Eastern Bluebird chicks                          132 banded and fledged

Tree Swallow chicks                                  17 fledged

Tufted Titmouse chicks                              8 fledged

Black-capped Chickadee chicks            14 fledged