Environmental Commission Pledges Support for Hunting Ordinance

The Washington Township Environmental Commission met Monday, Oct. 4 to analyze the effect of several pending changes to the town's wildlife and resources.

Discussion began with commission member Bill Leavens describing an ordinance proposed by the Washington Township Committee that would allow deer hunting on municipal property.

"I think it's a great idea," said Leavens. He went on to explain, "Less deer ticks, fewer car accidents, a resurgence of over-grazed plants and protein for food kitchens."

All others in attendance agreed that from an environmental standpoint the ordinance would have their support.

This month's agenda also included the examination of site plans for a new Honda dealership to be built north of Route 46 near East Ave.

"The NJDEP allows us to review and provide suggestions for planned development in the area," said commission chairperson Valerie Walsh. 

Suggestions made by commission members included an increased number of native plants on the site, adding vegetation around the drainage basin and reducing light pollution.

In addition to serving as an advisory group, the environmental commission also works on its own proposed projects. Currently the commission is developing a forestry management strategy to improve the town's natural habitat and economy.

"The forest here is missing many levels of vegetation. If we cut a lot down to the ground, plants will re-grow in their natural order creating a healthier forest while the lumber provides a source of revenue," said Leavens.

Another project undertaken by the commission is to take water samples from multiple locations in town to test for contaminants.

"We are forming a database to record the results of these tests and find possible problem spots," said Leavens.

Feeling the budget cuts

Unfortunately the environmental commission is one of many local groups that are feeling the result of budget cuts. Water testing has been reduced to once a year in a minimal number of locations. Proposed projects in the past have also failed to materialize.

"Ideally we would be doing water testing 4 times a year but it's just not possible," said Leavens.

Commission member CJ Sinko points out other plans that never made it from paper to reality.

 "We wanted to do stuff like a battery and old medicine recycling program but we didn't have the resources," said Sinko.

Along with the frustrations of having little to work with, the environmental commission is only an advisory group with no actual power to enforce.

Commission member Frank Ferraro recalls presenting a water test to the township committee that indicated a high level of fecal coliform in local waters.

"Even though it was black and white, right in front of them, not much was done," said Ferraro.

Despite the frustrations and limited resources the environmental commission remains committed to preserving and improving the town's environment.

The meetings are open to the public, held the first Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building on Schooley's Mountain Road.