HISTORY

In 1968, the NJ State Legislature passed a law authorizing municipalities to set up conservation commissions that would be advisory bodies on natural resource planning and protection, and open space issues. In 1972 the State Legislature amended the law, expanding the commissions' responsibilities to other areas of environmental concern such as pollution prevention and control, solid waste management, noise control and environmental appearance. At that time the name was changed to Environmental Commissions. Today Environmental Commissions are local environmental advocates involved in a broad range of activities.

In Mountain Lakes, the Environmental Commission was established by the Borough Council in 1973.

MISSION

The mission of the Mountain Lakes Environmental Commission is to:

• Advise the Borough Council and Board of Health on environmental issues
• Inform the planning and zoning boards of adjustment about environmental impacts of proposals for development
• Advocate planned open space preservation
• Investigate environmental problems and offer solutions
• Inform residents on environmental matters including ways to help protect the environment
• Interact with neighboring commissions and other organizations to tackle regional and state problems
• Maintain an inventory of the natural resources of the community
• Advise the Council and community regarding trails and woodlands
• Study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of the flora and fauna.

FUNDING

Funding for the Environmental Commission is appropriated by the Borough Council as part of the Borough's annual budget. In addition, the Commission seeks grants from the state and other sources to fund specific projects.