[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Hampton 4-28-1970. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby created in the Township of Hampton a commission to be known as the "Hampton Township Conservation Commission," in accordance with Chapter 245 of the Laws of 1968.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.
Said Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Mayor. One member of said Commission shall be a member of the Hampton Planning Board, and all members shall be residents of Hampton.
The members of said Conservation Commission shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Of the original appointees, the terms of two members shall be for one year, the terms of two members shall be for two years and the term of one member shall be for three years. Upon expiration of the terms of the original appointees, successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and shall serve until the appointment and qualification of their successors.
The Mayor and Township Committee of Hampton Township may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a hearing thereon, at which the member shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel. A vacancy on the Commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
The Hampton Township Conservation Commission shall have and enjoy the following powers and duties:
A. 
To conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the township.
B. 
To coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for the purpose of promoting the conservation and development of natural resources.
C. 
To advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes.
D. 
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 from time to time recommend to the Hampton Township Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in the Hampton Township Master Plan for the development and use of such areas.
E. 
Said Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Committee, acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the Township of Hampton, 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 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 of or otherwise conserve or properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the township.
F. 
Appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require and as shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.
G. 
Said Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the Township Committee.
H. 
Generally, to do all things necessary to promote the conservation and development of the township's natural resources, to provide the impetus and take leadership in natural resources planning and to inform the public about local conservation programs and the need for conserving the natural resources of the township.
The Hampton Township Conservation Commission shall organize annually by the selection of one of its members as Chairman, one as Vice Chairman and one as Secretary. Such officers shall perform the duties usually associated with such offices.
Meetings of the Conservation Commission shall be held at monthly intervals on such dates as it shall determine, and at the call of the Chairman.