<p>September 21, 2012 CHRIS CHRISTIE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOB MARTIN Governor 401 E. STATE STREET Commissioner TRENTON, NJ 08625 KIM GUADAGNO Lt. Governor Dear Teachers,</p><p>The NJ Department of Environmental Protection will hold the 3rd Barnegat Bay Blitz Watershed-Wide Cleanup on Thursday, October 18, 2012. We welcome students and faculty within the watershed to demonstrate your sense of ownership for the Bay by joining us in Blitz activities this school year. </p><p>This fall we have added a new educational element to the Blitz. In addition to opportunities to have your students join thousands of other volunteers throughout the watershed in a schoolyard or local cleanup, Blitz schools can choose to participate in the Department’s 1st Rain Barrel Challenge and have a chance to win a Barnegat Bay Festival Day at your School! </p><p>While we hope that schools will participate in both the Blitz cleanup and the Rain Barrel Challenge, we understand that in some instances participating in both may not be possible. If that is the case for your school please let us know and we will work with you to get registered for the activity of your choice.</p><p>Attached please find information about the Rain Barrel Challenge and how schools can participate. The Rain Barrel Challenge is linked with several lessons, speakers and field trip opportunities (that support your goals in science, language arts, social studies and fine art) that explore topics regarding Barnegat Bay ecology and environmental protection. For example, students can learn about non-point source pollution, watershed protection, water conservation and stormwater. The Festival is a school-wide, day-long event with several hands-on learning stations about water. </p><p>If your school is interested in becoming a Blitz School and participating in the October cleanup and/or the Rain Barrel Challenge, please contact Diane Gard at (609) 292-0912 or [email protected]. To learn more about the Barnegat Bay Blitz, go to: http://www.nj.gov/dep/barnegatbay/bbblitz.htm. </p><p>Sincerely, </p><p>Katie Barnett and Lynette Lurig, Co-Chairs Barnegat Bay Blitz</p>