Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq., an Environmental Commission
is established for the protection, development and use of natural
resources, including water resources within the Township.
The powers and duties of the Environmental Commission shall
be as designated in N.J.S.A. 40:56A-2 et seq., including the power
to conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land
areas of the Township, to coordinate the activities of unofficial
bodies organized for similar purposes, and to advertise, prepare,
print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which
in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes. It shall keep
an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including
open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information
on the proper use of such areas, and may from time to time recommend
to the Planning Board, plans and programs for inclusion in the Master
Plan and the development and use of such areas.
It is the express intention and purpose of the Committee to
support the Environmental Commission pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-5.
The Environmental Commission may, subject to the approval of
the Township Committee, acquire property, both real and personal,
in the name of the Township, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise
or lease for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for
such purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such
an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest, development
right, easement (including conservation easement), covenant or other
contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations
or reversions), as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve,
protect, limit the future use or otherwise conserve and properly utilize
open spaces and other lands and water areas in the Township.
The Environmental Commission shall keep records of its meetings
and activities and make an annual report to the Township Committee.