Our goal is to protect Byram’s abundant natural resources and work with our Township's committees and residents to preserve our quality of life and keep Byram GREEN!
Located in the heart of the New Jersey Highlands, Byram Township is known as “The Township of Lakes,” having more than two dozen lakes and ponds within its 22.48 square miles. Byram Township is also the proud home of Allamuchy State Park, Waterloo Village, Wild West City and large areas of parkland with many, many miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails.
Established in October 1974, the Byram Township Environmental Commission participates in a broad array of Township issues. The ordinance establishing the Commission defines its responsibilities as "all things necessary to promote the conservation and development of the Township's resources, to provide the impetus and take leadership in natural resources planning and to inform the public about local conservation programs and the need for conserving the natural resources of the Township." The Commission also reviews all applications before the Township's Planning Board, including site visits and written comments submitted to the Board and applicants.
The Commission is currently working on:
-
NEW!!
Did you read our article on Phosphorus Free products in
the Township Newsletter?
Check out the LIST of Phosphorus Free Products and Where to buy them! Click HERE! - A town-wide network of hiking & biking trails.
- Ordinances for tree preservation, soil disturbance and wellhead protection.
- Ongoing participation in the review of the widening of Route 206.
- Community education on well testing, drinking water quality, septic management, stormwater, wetlands, affordable housing, the Highlands, regional open space interconnections and lake community planning.
- An update of the town's Natural Resources Inventory, written and published by the Commission in 1994.
- Input on Village Center and Highlands Regional Master Plan.
- Meetings to discuss regional environmental and open space issues, organized and hosted by the Commission and drawings participants from five counties and scores of municipalities.
Past Commission work has included:
- Participation in the development of the Township's Smart Growth Plan, Master Plan, Lakefront Development Plan and Village Center Redevelopment Study.
- Development of the Lubbers Run Greenway Study, Groundwater Study, and Natural Resources Inventory.
- Trail mapping and maintenance, including creating a Township trails brochure.
- Application for and implementation of grants for these and other projects, totaling about $500,000 over the past 15 years; assistance and participation in several other Township grant projects.
- Establishment of a community Collaborative Planning process for Township residents and developers.
- Within the last two years, regional seminars on open space, regional open space interconnections, the Highlands, affordable housing and lake community planning.
- Byram Day display and activities, including the 2005 "Name the Stream" contest.
Interested in joining us? We are always looking for residents to help on projects or serve as members of the Environmental Commission. If you are interested, please call Environmental Commission secretary Margaret McGarrity at 973 347.2500 x138 or attend a Commission meeting.
The Byram Township Environmental Commission meets the fourth Thursday of each month (except on holidays - see date listing below) at 7:30 pm at the Township Municipal Building, 10 Mansfield Drive. Call Environmental Commission secretary Margaret McGarrity at 973 347.2500 x138 to confirm time and place.
2008 Meeting Schedule:
Thursday January 24
Thursday February 26
Thursday March 27
Thursday April 24
Thursday May 22
Thursday June 26
Thursday July 24
Thursday August 28
Thursday September 25
Thursday October 23
Monday November 24
Wednesday December 12
Commission Members:
Sheila Hall, Co-chair - 3 Yr. Member through 6/30/2009
Rowena McNulty, Co-chair - 3 Yr. Member through 6/30/2008
Scott Olson, Township Council Liaison - Non-voting Member
Margaret McGarrity, Secretary - 3 Yr.
Member through 6/30/2010
Daven Baez - 3 Yr. Member through 6/30/2010
Michelle Rehse - 3 Yr. Member through 6/30/2008
Caryn Segal, Planning Board Representative
- 3 Yr. Member through 6/30/2010
Lisa Shimamoto - 3 Yr. Member through 6/30/2009
OPEN, Board of Health Liaison -
Alternate I - 2 Yr. Alternate Member through 6/30/2009
Gary Dmoch - Alternate II - 2 Yr. Alternate Member through 6/30/2008
The Byram Township Environmental Commission is a proud member of ANJEC and the Highlands Coalition.
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