Environmental Commission Minutes

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – July 5, 2007

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Lynne Lohr, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann. Also Michael Hogan. Absent: Anthony Cekada, Jean VanWort

Many thanks to Lynne & George Lohr for hosting our dinner meeting,

we all enjoyed a very pleasant evening.

Open Space

Curtis property - It was learned at a subsequent township meeting that the Curtis property appraisal has not been changed after conversations between the appraiser and owner. This land is mostly wet, and has very limited access, being at the end of 11^th and 12^th Avenues. It is doubtful the owners will accept this offer.

GEH Wildlife Management Area - Jim discussed with Supt. Lee Widjeskog moving the gates from the power past second field. The gas company will be asked to remove the silt fence. Trail arrows/names, parking, canoe drop off, and ‘carry in/carry out’ signs were discussed. We will have a walk in the fall to determine needs, and hopefully include interested residents. Lee has also promised to send a formal letter regarding horseback riding in the area.

Bird blinds were also discussed, and mention on the Heritage Trail Guide. The historical society will be asked to identify the buildings at the peninsula to include signage similar to those in Estell Manor Park .

Lee liked the idea of a bridge between Estell Manor Park and the peninsula (est. at approx. $200 K?). It would be around 100 feet long and include ADA access. (Mike Fralinger , township engineer, estimates a prefab bridge would cost about $500/foot.) Jim will also contact Harry Tillet about this effort.

Jim will also ask for help from Mike Fralinger regarding a bike path linking Estell Manor and Weymouth Township . There are several grants we could apply for, and if Estell Manor would join, this might improve our chances of obtaining them.

Grant writing – Gordon Dal has volunteered to help us write grants. Mayor Craig heard him speak at a mayors’ dinner and recruited his help.

Clean-up results - Lenape Landing has cleaned up some trash behind their buildings. When clean-up is completed the road will be closed.

Muncipal Building Grounds – At the request of the township, George wrote up his recommendations for the management of the trees at the municipal building and playground. Several trees need to be replaced, some need extensive trimming of dead limbs. George will survey the trees again and mark them accordingly. In the meantime, piled mulch should be removed from around the base of the trees.

Deer Control – No response yet to Julie’s article in the Weymouth Post. Mayor Craig offered to get a count of deer-related accidents when he visits the State Police barracks.

Gypsy Moth Damage – Spraying/timing/chemicals were discussed. We should be ready next year to control damage to trees. NOTE: Township should request participation in the Gypsy Moth Suppression Program.

Keeping in our sights: Environmental resource inventory, pictometry fly-by was done recently and our system will be updated soon, GIS updates/interface with township, stream assessment as fall project. Has the T&E survey been paid for yet???

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – June 7, 2007

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Anthony Cekada, Lynne Lohr, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, Jean VanWart, George Zimmermann. Also Michael Hogan.

Open Space

1800 Acres: All members signed a letter to the Township Committee requesting that an offer to buy be sent to the consultant for the 1800 acres.

George suggested that the township would be the best owners of open space – we would have more say in management, and possibly bring money to the township through proper forestry practices. Forests could be restored to their conditions before man prevented fires from clearing underbrush through selective harvest and prescribed burns. This would help mitigate the devastation of fires such as that at Warren Grove.

GEH Wildlife Management Area: Jim has the support of Hamilton Township to erect barriers for the dirt path between Dannenhauer and Lowell streets to prevent dumping. The township has notified Lenape Landing of their responsibility in keeping this area trash free.

Bike Path: Jim will again try to contact the township engineer regarding a bike path grant to link Estell Manor Park and the GEHRWMA. Deadline for this year’s grant is June 20 and we would like to accomplish this. Joining with Estell Manor to apply for this grant may give our application more funding and more weight.

Forestry Management – The presentation to the township committee given by George and Bob Williams was well received. Privately, George and his neighbors are having a forestry plan written up by Bob Williams to protect them from fires coming from Peasely and to increase biodiversity. Jill will also investigate this option.

George was asked to provide his thoughts on the trees around the municipal building and park.

Deer Control – Frank Craig has offered to visit the State Police barracks to obtain information on collisions with deer for the past several years.

Keeping in our sights: Environmental resource inventory, pictometry, GIS updates/interface with township, stream assessment as fall project.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

NOTE!!!

DINNER MEETING - THURSDAY, July 5 @ 6:00 pm

At Lynne Lohr’s house, 1116 12^th Ave. , Dorothy

– bring your spouse and a bathing suit.

Lynne needs to know how many people are attending – please call her or respond to this email whether or not you are coming, and if you will be bringing your spouse, etc.

Frank Beans

George Cheesecake

Julie Pasta Salad

Michael Hot Wings

Lynne Hambergers/Hot dogs/Chicken/utensils/plates

Donations of soda or whatever else you like to eat would be appreciated.

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – May 3, 2007

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Anthony Cekada, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, Jean VanWart, George Zimmermann. Also Michael Hogan.

Absent: Lynn Lohr

Open Space

1800 Acres: The township committee held a public meeting on May 19 for the planning and zoning boards and environmental commission to discuss possibilities for the 1800 acres. George showed maps of the area and we discussed where clustering, if possible, could be placed to preserve the most appropriate land. It was suggested by Jim that the committee contact the management of the 1800 acres asking what they would consider for the property to preserve as open space. Frank Craig asked all boards to send the committee a letter to this effect. Attached is a draft letter (maybe overdone?) - please comment to Jill before the meeting.

Forestry Management: George mapped out areas of the town which should be preserved if possible and discussed the undisturbed upland pine areas, forestry management, biodiversity, and the need for prescribed burns. He pointed out where clustered development could take place with the least impact.

GEH Wildlife Management Area: Jim is working on signage. Also he is negotiating barriers for the dirt path between Dannenhauer and Lowell streets to prevent dumping. Hamilton Twp. may help, we have given them pictures of the dumping problem.

Bike Path: Jim will talk to the township engineer regarding a bike path grant to link Estell Manor Park and the GEHRWMA. Deadline for this year’s grant is June 20. Joining with Estell Manor to apply for this grant may give our application more funding and more weight.

Curtis Property: The appraisal for this property was very low, and the owners feel the appraiser did not have all the facts. The township committee has asked the appraiser to speak directly to the owners regarding permits, etc.

Forestry Presentation – George (along with Bob Williams) will give a presentation to the township committee on June 6.

Deer Control – George is working with Fish & Wildlife on this project. Apparently deer populations are down due to crop failures. Collision data should be available from the State Police.

Keeping in our sights: Environmental resource inventory, ATV’s, pictometry, GIS updates/interface with township, stream assessment as spring project.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

NEXT MEETING – THURSDAY, JUNE 7 @ 7:30 pm

Please comment on the attached letter – thanks - Jill

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – April 5, 2007

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Lynne Lohr, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, Jean VanWart, George Zimmermann. Also Michael Hogan.

Absent: Anthony Cekada

Open Space/1800 Acres – Jim has received no response to his calls to Jim Lanard, a consultant to the owners. We have requested a T&E report on this area. There is a man in Hamilton Township who is documenting this area and who came to a planning board meeting – it may be helpful to contact him.

GEH Wildlife Management Area - Jim is working on signage.

Earth Day – (update) Clean-up went well, although only four members of the public attended (including two spouses). Jim arranged for a dumpster from Leland Stanford through the fire company. Thanks to Frank Craig for water and soda, and to WalMart for trash bags and gloves. We will work with Frank Craig to have Lenape Landing take responsibility for keeping the area clean. Michael documented the clean-up and sent copies to the township.

The poster contest was a huge success. With so many posters to choose from, it was decided there would be first, second and third prizes for both grade divisions. $$ will be provided by Julie, Jim and Jill. Thanks to Debbie Pridgeon for the great poster judging party. Jim will present prizes at the next school assembly on May 14, and we will not release names of winners until then. Jill will prepare an article for the next post.

County Mosquito Spraying Program – We were asked by the township committee to comment on the county’s spraying program. Comments included when, with what chemicals/dosage, how would people know, overspray, why not target specific areas and spray by truck. Jill will put our questions in a letter to the township.

Forestry Presentation – George (along with Bob Williams) will try to hold a presentation for the township committee, with other boards/commissions invited in March or April??

Deer Control – George drafted a letter which was approved by all members.

Commission Members – Jean VanWart is now officially an alternate member.

Keeping in our sights: Environmental resource inventory, ATV’s, pictometry, GIS updates/interface with township, stream assessment as spring project.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

NEXT MEETING – THURSDAY, MAY 3 @ 7:30 pm

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – March 1, 2007

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann, Anthony Cekada. Also Michael Hogan.

Absent: Lynne Lohr.

Open Space/1800 Acres – At a meeting with Larry Liggett and Tom Stanuikynas of the Pinelands Commission on Monday, Feb. 26 at 9:00 a.m. we found that there is another consultant (Jim Lanard) working with the owners of the 1800 acres, and Jim Pridgeon will try to contact him. A schedule of payments in lieu of taxes according to percentage of open space in a township was passed out. While we probably cannot get the full amount, we could possibly get up to $10/acre in the future.

GEH Wildlife Management Area - The GEHWA has donated $100 toward the brochure, and a thank you letter has been sent to them. Getting local businesses to donate toward the next brochure was discussed, as well as the opportunity for eco-tourism on the peninsula. If we want signs, this will need to be cleared with Lee W., and possibly the DEP could provide the signs.

March 10 Gardening Seminar – (update) Approx. 40 people attended from WT and surrounding towns. Building on this success, arrangements were made with Lorraine Keifer for a 2008 seminar on March 8. As discussed, Lorraine was given $50 as a thank you. Also, many thanks to Millie Messina, who baked an apple cake and provided coffee for the event.

Earth Day – We will hold a clean-up of the GEHWMA on Sunday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m. Jim will see if a dumpster can be donated by Lenape Landing for clean-up behind their buildings. Note: We need to get an article to Bonnie by April 6 for the Post.

Jessica Franzini and Rebecca French-Mesch from Water Watch expressed an interest in the clean-up and also wish to plant native species in the township. We discussed where plants are needed. Jim will coordinate this effort.

We have arranged with WT elementary school to hold a poster contest in conjunction with the clean-up. Julie Powell has kindly donated $25 as the prize for grades K-4 (theme: Don’t Litter), the commission will donate $25 for grades 5-8 (theme: How you Can Help the Environment in Weymouth Township ).

Forestry Presentation – George (along with Bob Williams) will try to hold a presentation for the township committee, with other boards/commissions invited in March or April.

Deer Control – George will draft a letter to the township. Fish & Game are considering this matter also.

Commission Members – Anthony Cekada is now officially an alternate member.

Keeping in our sights: Environmental resource inventory, ATV’s, pictometry, GIS updates/interface with township, stream assessment as spring project.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

NEXT MEETING – THURSDAY, APRIL 5 @ 7:30 pm

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – February 1, 2007

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann. Also Michael Hogan.

Absent: Lynne Lohr.

Reorganization - Jim Pridgeon was elected Chairman, with Lynne Lohr as Vice Chair. Congratulations!!

Open Space/1800 Acres – A meeting has been arranged with Larry Liggett and Tom Stanuikynas of the Pinelands Commission on Monday, Feb. 26 at 9:00 a.m. Eileen Miller, chair of the planning board, will also attend. At the meeting we should also request a full explanation of payments in lieu of taxes and the scale for % of property in conservation.

Michael has given the T&E report on the Curtis property to Bonnie Yearsley.

GEH Wildlife Management Area –We will plan for a clean-up in conjunction with Earth Day (April 22). This would be a good chance to involve the school with a poster contest, and possibly a nature tour in conjunction with the clean-up. Jim suggested we look into getting signs for parking, nature trail, etc. Also, historical sites should be included in the guide. We discussed tourist interest, and the possibility that local businesses may contribute to future trail or historical guides. Michael will seek funding to print the trail guide from the River Council.

March 10 Gardening Seminar – Flyers have been made and need to be distributed. We will offer coffee and donuts (with com. member approval). Maybe McDonalds will help out? Patti Doerr of the civic association did not seem interested in tying any activities to this seminar. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for a flyer promoting the commission to hand out at the seminar.

Earth Day – We will hold a clean-up of the GEHWMA on Sunday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m. We should try to get the school involved and schedule a nature walk in conjunction with the clean-up.

GEHWMA – We need parking signs, nature trail signs, etc. and should clear this with Lee (maybe DEP could provide?). We will check to see if the River Council will help pay for the trail guide, and in the future see if local businesses will contribute to an expanded guide. This area should be developed for eco-tourism.

Township Dump – Our site was taken off the contaminated sites list by the DEP. Jim will follow up with Frank, Michael will get some maps. Any future development nearby will need adequate notification to avoid any liability issues.

Forestry Presentation – George (along with Bob Williams) will determine a date for this presentation to the township committee, with other boards/commissions invited.

Pictometry – We will wait to hear from Frank as to training sessions.

Commission Members – At the next regular township committee meeting an ordinance will be introduced to add two alternate members.

Keeping in our sights: Deer control, environmental resource inventory, GIS updates/interface with township, stream assessment as spring project.

NEXT MEETING – MARCH 1 @ 7:30 pm

NOTE: Jessica Franzini of Water Watch will attend this meeting. She has people

willing to participate in a site clean-up and also to plant native species at selected sites.

Budget – We need to give Bonnie a number for 2007.

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – December 7, 2006

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Lynne Lohr, Jim Pridgeon, Michael Hogan, Anthony Cekada.

Absent: Julie Powell.

Open Space/1800 Acres – Jill will arrange a meeting at the Pinelands Commission to determine exactly what they would allow on the 1800 acres. We will invite a representative from the Twp. Committee, all interested/available commission members are encouraged to attend.

Also to do: Michael will request a Natural Heritage T&E report on the Curtis property. Jill will follow-up with Mr. Knudson at Green Acres for an explanation of the payment in lieu of taxes program.

March Gardening Seminar – Our newest potential member, Jean VanWort, has offered to help with organization of the seminar. Anne Craig is also interested, and may give a brief discussion of the Master Gardener program. Jill will approach Pattie Doerr to see if we can get support from the community events group.

Township Dump – Our site was taken off the contaminated sites list by the DEP. Frank Craig handed out a Press article with details. This needs to be followed up, and any future development nearby needs adequate notification to avoid any liability issues.

Forestry Presentation – The Planning Board subcommittee on tree-cutting has expressed interest in hearing about forestry management. Since any action or interest shown by the committee may not require an ordinance change, it would probably be best to have the presentation given directly to the township committee, with other interested parties invited. George will determine a date for this.

Stream Assessment – Michael will work on this as a Spring project.

Pictometry – The new computer has been installed, after pictometry is loaded we will schedule training for the boards and township employees, especially Bernadette and Jay.

Commission Members – We now have more people interested in membership than available positions!! Frank Craig suggested that we request the twp. committee to change the environmental commission ordinance. We will suggest a seven member commission, along with two alternate positions. This will not only give us more manpower, but with members from Belcoville and the Oaks, we can be more representative and reach out to more residents.

Keeping in our sights: Deer control, environmental resource inventory, forestry program presentation, GIS updates/interface with township, pictometry training, March 2007 gardening seminar by Triple Oaks.

NEXT MEETING – FEBRUARY 1 @ 7:30

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND A PINELANDS MUNCIPAL COUNCIL MEETING, THE NEXT ONE IS ON JAN. 30 IN BUENA VISTA . PLEASE CALL BONNIE FOR DETAILS.

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2006

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Lynne Lohr, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann. Absent: Julie Powell

Open Space/1800 Acres – After discussion of the 1800 acres, it was decided that the first step in developing a plan would be for representatives of the township committee and environmental commission to go to the Pinelands and determine exactly what they would allow on that property. Jill will arrange.

(update) Jill and Michael attended the Green Acres township committee workshop meeting on Nov. 3. Present were Bonnie Yearsley, Millie Messina, Frank Craig, Kathy Croes and John Coan (Green Acres), M. Joshi (AC Law Dept.), Renee Fehr (AC Planning Dept.), and Bonnie Brumbach (school board). The meeting was primarily for the Curtis property, although the procedures to be followed also apply to the Graham property and 1800 acres. Bonnie will put out a bid request for appraisal of the Curtis Property. Avenues to proceed with the 1800 acres were also discussed. Approaching the New York City manager of the property directly will be considered. Michael will request a Natural Heritage T&E report on the Curtis property. Also, we will follow-up with Mr. Knudson at Green Acres for an explanation of the payment in lieu of taxes program.

GEH Wildlife Management Area – We will seek funding to print the trail guide. We should plan another clean-up in conjunction with Earth Day (April 22).

March Gardening Seminar – Frank Craig suggested his wife, Anne, may be interested in helping with this seminar. As she is a Master Gardener, we will approach her about giving a presentation on this program. We will also ask the HSA through Patty Doerr if they would be interested in getting involved, and possibly holding a garden tour later in the summer.

Deer Control – George will arrange a meeting with the township committee and appropriate people from Fish & Wildlife(?). George described statewide problems with deer populations, especially as they relate to forest management and farm crops. He explained some control options, including longer hunting seasons and increasing bag limits.

Stream Assessment – Michael described the work he is doing in Gloucester County for the South Jersey Land and Water Trust/Rutgers. It was agreed we will work with interested students from Stockton to do stream assessments locally. The information obtained would be forwarded to Rutgers .

Pictometry – We will wait until the new computer is installed to hold training, possibly doing training while waiting for the new computer to be loaded. Jay Laubengauer should be involved as well as the tax assessor.

Anthony Cekada accepted our invitation to join the EC and submitted a request to township committee – Welcome!!!

Keeping in our sights: Environmental resource inventory, forestry program presentation, GIS updates/interface with township, Pictometry training, March 2007 gardening seminar by Triple Oaks.

NEXT MEETING – December 7 at 7:30 PM

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – October 5, 2006

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, Michael Hogan

1800 Acres/Open Space – There will be a workshop meeting on Nov. 3 for the Township Committee, County Planning Dept., and Green Acres at10:30 a.m. Michael and Jill will attend, George will lend the maps he showed us in September for the meeting. This mainly concerns the Curtis and Graham properties. Come if you have a chance.

GEH Wildlife Management Area – The clean-up on October 21 was a success. Approx. 27 people participated, Benchmark School , 4-H and WHOA were represented. We cleaned several pickup loads of trash out of the woods, including 1-1/2 pickups of floor boards, and several bags of asbestos siding. Due to lack of suitable trash bags, some of the siding could not be removed. Thanks to Jim for coordinating the effort.

Trail guides were handed out. The township has given approval to print more copies, and we will try to get funding from the GEHRC.

Keeping in our sights: Curtis property (can we help appraiser with maps?), environmental resource inventory, forestry program, GIS updates/interface with township, Pictometry training, March 2007 gardening seminar by Triple Oaks.

NEXT MEETING – November 2 at 7:30 PM

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – September 7, 2006

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Lynn Lohr, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann. Also Frank Craig, Bonnie Brumbach, and Michael Hogan.

1800 Acres/Township Concerns – This was a workshop meeting for the township committee and environmental commission to discuss preservation and development as they relate to future township financial needs. George Zimmerman prepared maps to show various aspects of the township – zoning, wetlands, soil types, density allowances. Frank gave a summary of issues facing the township, including the calling of a +/- $600,000 bond by the county. We also discussed the current school capacity and how it would be affected by development.

Barge on GEHR – Subsequent to our meeting a letter was received from the State indicating no action would be taken because the owners of the barge are unknown.

GEH Wildlife Management Area – October 21 has been set for a cleanup of the peninsula. We will meet with volunteers (hopefully!!) at the back of the Marsh Center at 9:30 am . Volunteers will be directed to various trails. An article should be in the Weymouth Post, signs will be made and posted, and groups contacted. McDonald’s will be approached about supplying coffee.

To keep in our sights: Curtis property (can we help appraiser with maps?), environmental resource inventory, forestry program, GIS updates/interface with township, Pictometry training, tour guide for peninsula including exploring more trails, March 2007 gardening seminar by Triple Oaks.

Pinelands Municipal Council – update by Jill at Oct. meeting.

NEXT MEETING – October 5 at 7:30 PM

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – August 3, 2006

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Julie Powell, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann. Also Bob Birch, Frank Craig, Millie Messina, Cricket Cohen, and Michael Hogan.

1800 Acres – Ernest Deman of the Pinelands Commission was asked to discuss clustering in a forest area. Clustering is encouraged by the Commission and he described incentive options which are being considered. He took questions about other types of development which might be allowed and the steps necessary to get approval. Preservation was also discussed.

Frank Craig suggested an interim appraisal be prepared. He has been given Chris Jage’s (NJCF) list of suggested appraisers.

It was subsequently agreed to schedule a workshop meeting on September 7 for the township committee and environmental commission to discuss preservation and development as they relate to future township financial needs.

Electric/Phone Service – Bob Birch has been given copies of residents’ letter describing electric and phone problems, along with letters we have sent to Atlantic City Electric and the BPU.

Barge on GEHR – Jim’s pictures were forwarded to Gov. Corsine’s office along with a letter asking for assistance or guidance in getting the barge removed.

GEH Wildlife Management Area – October 21 has been set for a cleanup of the peninsula. Debbie D’Amor is the coordinator, and has already signed up some help for us. Jill will ask the school if they wish to participate and attend a nature tour after the clean-up. There is potential for the school to earn money through the clean communities grant for their help.

Supt. Lee Widjeskog has now given the township written permission to put trashcans out, at the request of Frank Craig. Frank will arrange to have Ron Carroll empty the cans on a regular basis.

Pictometry – Ed Conover of county emergency services will install Pictometry on our computer August 21.

To keep in our sights: Curtis property (can we help appraiser with maps?), Environmental resource inventory, forestry program, GIS updates/interface with township, Pictometry training, tour guide for peninsula including exploring more trails, March 2007 gardening seminar by Triple Oaks.

NEXT MEETING – September 7 at 7:30 PM

PLEASE COME – TOWNSHIP WORKSHOP MEETING

Weymouth Township Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes – July 6, 2006 for June

Attending: Members Jill Baxter, Lynne Lohr, Jim Pridgeon, George Zimmermann, and Frank Craig and Michael Hogan.

1800 Acres – We discussed possible interest by the owners in clustering, what we saw happening, and what could be possible under Pinelands rules. Subsequently Jill cal