973-383-9977 FAX
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Download information about the Gypsy Moths
Environment
Your Environmental Commission
is a citizen advisory group that makes recommendations to the Planning
Board regarding environmental issues within the Township. The
Commissioners represent residents’ long-term interests by acting as
advocates for the environment, reviewing development applications,
sponsoring public awareness programs, and evaluating the impact of
potential environmental problems.
Volunteers who currently serve on the Commission include:
Lois de Vries, Chair
Linda Hubbard, Vice Chair
Harvey Hummel, Secretary
Diane Gillespie
Robert Green
Kathryn Richardson
Peter Spinney
Gregory George, Alternate
Environmental Commission meetings are open to the public. Please refer to
the Township Calendar for the schedule. A link can be found in the
column to the left of this page. If you are
interested in serving on the Environmental Commission, please call
973-383-4280, ext. 245, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm to ask for an
application."
Mission Statement
The mission of the Andover Township Environmental Commission is to foster,
protect, preserve, and maintain the natural resources and rural character
of the township by encouraging environmentally healthy and sound
development, and promoting awareness of nature-friendly practices and
options among municipal officials, residents, and business people.
Accomplishments
In 2007, Andover Township Environmental Commission reviewed and reported on 18 development applications, completed the Natural Resource Inventory and a Build-Out Analysis, raised $7,000 in grant monies to help fund the township's Open Space Plan, continued its volunteer stream-monitoring program, and hosted speakers on invasive plants and open space stewardship.
In 2008, the Commission applied for $11,000+ in grant funds to produce a Hydrogeology Report essential to the future planning and protection of township water resources. The public's concern about water wells and the Germany Flats Aquifer was identified during the public hearing process for the Open Space Plan. Major projects for 2008 are the continuation of the stream-monitoring program, a pilot program for turning detention basins into stormwater gardens and wildlife habitat, and partnering with the Frelinghuysen Arboretum to present an all-day symposium on the same topic.
The
Commission continues to advocate for constraints, tree canopy
protection, and carbonate rock ordinances and is researching a native
plant ordinance.
The Dark Skies Initiative
In 2003, all Township property owners were mailed a copy of a brochure
that explains the negative effects of light pollution on our town. The
brochure was funded with the aid of a matching grant from the NJ
Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Services Program,
and Andover Township. Additional copies are available at the Municipal
Building, from the Planning Board Secretary, Mary Spector.
Light pollution will become more of an issue as our town’s business and
residential populations continue to increase. It needs to be addressed
before our view of the night sky is degraded any further. Try viewing the
skies above Morristown or Denville and you will quickly realize how
fortunate we are and how much we stand to lose by not acting now to
protect our dark skies.
In addition to sky glow, misdirected or excessive outdoor lighting can
create roadside glare, affecting drivers’ ability to see the road, and
becoming a nuisance by spilling over onto neighboring properties. To learn
more about the effects of light pollution and how others are dealing with
it, visit the Dark Sky website at
www.darksky.org.