BYRAM TOWNSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA, MARCH 22, 2012

Call to order and attendance.

Minutes: January.

Reading file (summary list).

Correspondence and updates:

Amphibian census on Waterloo Road: Conserve Wildlife Foundation, MacKensie Hall (315-778-5253, 908-782-4614 x. 104); some brief migrations and counts within last two weeks.

Watershed Ambassador: Invited to EC meeting?

No Net Loss money: Some funding may be available again. EC letter sent regarding Byram’s continuing interest in getting funding.

Letter from NJ Transit to Joe Sabatini: Proposal to repair Mansfield Bike Trail—use a bridge.

Trail signs: For Tri-Community Trails Link (to be stored until Mansfield Bike Trail re-opens), Cranberry Overlook, Briar Ridge Park received. Tri-Community sign and metal post are stored on top shelf of supplies closet in administrative area of town hall. Small trail signs for Beckmann (Cranberry Overlook), Arnell, and Owners Maintenance (Briar Ridge Park) trails to be installed in spring.

2008 Recreational Trails grant: For Beckmann/Arnell/Owners Maintenance parcels (a.k.a. Cranberry Overlook and Briar Ridge Park). Margaret submitted close-out Feb. 29, 2012; still a few tasks to complete.

Sussex County GIS: Working with municipalities; building a “virtual site visit” program. Does EC want anything specific? They are working on a 2’ contour topo layer; will work on septics and wells; in future, site plans and photos? Easements? Contaminated sites? Joe asked for stormwater facilities and Planning Board resolutions and conditions.

Tri-Community Trails Link project: Nominated for Sussex County Chamber of Commerce beautification award, at 3/29 dinner. Business:

Membership: Two open regular seats (ending 6/30/12 and 6/30/13, to get 6-month extensions to sync with January re-organization): Daven has resigned—Caryn to become EC liaison on OS Committee, with Lisa Shimamoto to be Planning Board liaison on OS. Sheila to Recreation Committee as trails liaison? Possible new member: James C. Myers, 64 Lackawanna Drive; sent cover letter and resume and attending tonight.

New CVS plans: Still at the Planning Board. Any further EC comments?

Trails:  The Land Conservancy of NJ contract for 2012: tasks include updating the Trails Guide (the graphics and map work but not the printing). EC participation.  Girl Scout, Kathryn Livesey, looking for Gold Award project for summer 2012; [email protected], 973-347-7128. Brookwood Park? Or wetlands beside school fields? To be invited to March or April meeting.  Lenape Valley Go Green Club, looking for community service hours, trail maintenance, cleanups, environmental work: Rachel Strodel, faculty advisor, [email protected]. To be invited to March or April meeting.

Grants:  Smart Growth America workshop, “Planning for Economic and Fiscal Health,” May 17 evening and May 18 all day. To attend: Caryn, Cathy, Jen (Friday only); Sheila?  ANJEC Sustainable Land Use Planning Grants, up to $15,000, deadline March 30: draft application to record and monitor easements; needs EC letter of support.

EC section of Township website: Need to review and remove older items. Who can do?

Sustainable Jersey: Michelle, Leah, Cathy.  Use EC budget to advertise for new Green Team members—who to draft ads and get estimate?  Greenwashing: Walmart Sustainable Jersey grants. Discuss.  From Sustainable Jersey email: Site Plan Green Design Standards, to be updated for 2013 by mid 2012. Use this to create an ordinance requirement in Byram (partner with Architectural Review Committee again?).

Musconetcong River: Michelle.  20th annual spring cleanup—Sat. April 14. In Byram, clean up near Salt Gastropub and in the surrounding parklands, where trail is proposed to link with Highlands Trail through Allamuchy Mt. State Park. Wetlands permits:  Cutoff—rail and station site.  PSE&G powerline.

Township recycling: Statistics from Recycling Coordinator Cindy Church. EC involvement? Send someone to Board of Health meeting?

Tri-County Regional Forum:  Films with SCCC Progressive Student Union (president, Sofi Flamouropoulos, who met informally with EC members in February).  Possible film—health hazards of suburban sprawl, by documentary film maker Dr. Richard Jackson (weight gain, boredom, depression).

Arbor Day, April 27: We are to participate as part of our Community Forestry Plan. The 98 tiny trees?

Adjourn.