FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/7/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
609-984-1795

DEP Fines Property Owner $50,000 for Illegal Waterfront Development

(03/68) TRENTON – Immediately ceasing further construction activities on two waterfront lots in Upper Township, Cape May County, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) fined a private landowner for the unauthorized development of a single family dwelling and septic field.

The unpermitted development, owned by Joseph Marley, occurred in specially regulated lands under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA), including a coastal high hazard area, an erosion hazard area, a barrier island corridor and an overwash area. The property is located at 1604 Commonwealth Avenue and the illegal activities impacted 4,000 square feet of waterfront property.

"Mr. Marley knowingly bypassed development permits that protect coastal natural resources and the safety of those who chose to reside along New Jersey's shores," said Commissioner Bradley Campbell. "Unchecked waterfront development can destroy vital wildlife habitat, increase water pollution, and in some cases cause personal injury or the loss of property from coastal storms, erosion, and flooding."

Prior to building the illegal dwelling on the two adjacent lots, Mr. Marley contacted the DEP and submitted a proposed plan to expand an existing dwelling to be located on the non-waterward side of the property. Because the proposed expansion would not exceed 400 square feet and was not proposed on a beach, dune, and/or wetland, the DEP informed Mr. Marley that no CAFRA permit was required.

In addition, Mr. Marley's proposed expansion of the dwelling included a request for a new septic field. This proposed addition would require a CAFRA permit because it was not located within the 400-square-foot expansion area. In order to remain exempt from a CAFRA permit, the DEP informed Mr. Marley that an alternate 3,000-gallon holding tank for sewage discharge located under the dwelling would be required.

A site inspection conducted by the DEP on February 21, 2003 revealed that the original pre-existing single family residence proposed for expansion had been voluntarily demolished and a new, single family home had been constructed outside the original footprint. Further, the site inspection revealed that a septic field was under construction instead of the required holding tank, and the DEP issued a stop-work directive. A follow-up inspection revealed that the DEP directive to cease development of the septic field was ignored, and a second directive was issued.

In addition to the $50,000 penalty for CAFRA violations, the order requires that Mr. Marley submit to the department a CAFRA permit application for the new dwelling and submit a restoration plan to remove the septic field and restore the site to its pre-disturbance condition. The plan must be approved by the DEP. Mr. Marley has requested an administrative hearing.

The CAFRA law regulates almost all development activities involved in residential, commercial, or industrial development, including construction, relocation, and enlargement of buildings or structures; and all related work, such as excavation, grading, shore protection structures, and site preparation within the coastal zone.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Coastal Programs (includes "Before You Buy; Before You Build" info)
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/landuse/coast/coast.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/6/03

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

DEP Urges Public to be Fire Wise as Spring Forest Fire Season Heats Up

(03/67) TRENTON – Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today warned that the danger of wildfires is rising sharply as New Jersey’s forests dry out from an unusually wet spring.

The state Forest Fire Service has responded so far this year to 396 blazes that burned 790 acres. This is fewer than the 893 wildfires reported during the same period last year, but the fire frequency has increased in recent weeks as the forest floor has dried out.

“Fire danger is always highest this time of year when plants have not yet leafed out, allowing the drying rays of the sun to strike the forest floor,” Campbell said. “People need to be particularly careful with matches and lit cigarettes so they don’t unintentionally cause a fire that could threaten homes and lives.”

Ninety-nine percent of all wildfires in New Jersey are caused by human activity, usually carelessness or arson, he noted.

The largest wildfires this year include a 275-acre blaze on April 16 in Waterford, Camden County, and a 90-acre fire on April 15 in Old Bridge, Middlesex County. On Monday, the Forest Fire Service responded to a three-acre fire in Monroe Township and a one-acre fire in Waterford Township, both in Camden County.

The fire danger is currently moderate to high, signifying that fires will start from a lighted match and spread rapidly in dry grass.

DEP Chief State Firewarden Maris Gabliks said wildfire risks increase with every new structure built in or adjacent to forests. Wildfires can spread quickly in New Jersey, threatening homes, property, natural resources and human lives.

“Wildfires have the potential to affect entire communities and the quality of life New Jersey residents enjoy in our forests and open spaces,” Gabliks said.

To reduce the risk of fires, people should follow these guidelines:

• Use ashtrays in vehicles. Discarding cigarettes, matches and smoking materials is a violation of New Jersey law.
• Drown campfires. Obtain necessary permits. Don’t leave fires unattended.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children and explain to them the dangers of fire.
• People living in the forest should maintain a defensible buffer by clearing vegetation within 30 feet of any structures. Also, make sure firetrucks can pass down your driveway.
• Report suspicious vehicles and individuals. Arson is a major cause of forest fires in New Jersey.
• Check with your local Forest Firewarden about burning conditions.

Fire permits are required for recreational fires, as well as for agricultural burning. The New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act prohibits open burning of rubbish, garbage, trade waste, buildings, fallen timber and leaves or plants. For information on obtaining permits for recreational or agricultural burning, call the nearest DEP Forest Fire Office:

• Northern Forest Fire Headquarters in Franklin, Sussex County, (973) 827-6100
• Central Forest Fire Headquarters in New Lisbon, Burlington County, (609) 726-9010
• Southern Forest Fire Headquarters in Mays Landing, Atlantic County, (609) 625-1121

Unintentional violations of forest fire laws carry a maximum penalty of $5,000 for each offense, plus all fire suppression costs. Arson and other willful violations are subject to a maximum penalty of $100,000 for each offense plus all suppression costs.

For more information on wildfires and fire safety, please visit the New Jersey Forest Fire Service web site at www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry/parknj/forestfire/firesafety.htm

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/2/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
609-984-1795

DEP Calls for Residents to Limit Pesticide Use to Minimize Health Risks and Environmental Impacts:
Commercial Applicators to Notify Public Before Large-Scale Spraying

(03/66) TRENTON – In anticipation of increased landscape and gardening activities this spring and summer, Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today urged New Jersey's residents to use pesticides sparingly and reminded commercial applicators of their obligation to provide the public advance notice before large-scale pesticide applications.

"Homeowners and licensed applicators need to protect themselves and the environment from pesticide misuse and overexposure," said Commissioner Campbell. "I encourage all residents to explore alternative pest control measures that are not only safe, but also help New Jersey minimize the contribution of pesticides to water pollution."

Although pesticides can be beneficial, they can also pose risks to human health and the environment if improperly handled. The risk to human health can result from several sources: direct exposure through improper use, residual pesticides on food, and release into the environment from improper storage or disposal. Children and infants are particularly susceptible to pesticide exposure.

Through the pesticide web link pcpnj.org accessible from its homepage www.nj.gov/dep, DEP posts information on the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that provide homeowners effective and economical alternatives to routine pesticide spraying. Through IPM, a combination of pest management methods can be used including biological controls, barriers and simple household remedies like the application of a soap and water solution.

Commissioner Campbell also stressed that homeowners should check the credentials of professional pesticide applicators to ensure that they have valid DEP-issued licenses for both the pesticide applicator and the business, as well as required liability insurance for pesticide use. Applicators for weed, termite and household pest controls are among those licensed through the department's Pesticide Control Program.

For large-scale outdoor pesticide use, such as for gypsy moth or mosquito control, DEP requires the pesticide applicators to place one legal advertisement and one prominent display advertisement in two newspapers circulated in the proposed target area at least seven days before the scheduled application date. Commercial pesticide applicators also are required by law to give an individual advance notice of pesticide application if that individual requests it of the applicator. Sign posting on lawns and at public buildings is also required when pesticides are being used.

Residents who suspect pesticide misapplication should call DEP's Bureau of Pesticide Compliance at 609-984-6568 (during off-hours, any suspected environmental violations should be reported to DEP's 24-hour hotline at 1-877-927-6337). For a pesticide health emergency, call the New Jersey Poison Information System at 1-800-222-1222.

Through the federal EPA's website www.epa.gov, individuals can access a Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety. Local Rutgers County Extension offices also provide access to good sources of specific pest control information.

The effects of exposure to pesticides include poisoning, eye damage, disruption of the endocrine/hormone system, and respiratory ailments.

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Related Links

• Rutgers Cooperative Extensions
  http://www.rce.rutgers.edu
• USEPA: Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety (PDF)
  http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/2/03

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

DEP Upgrades Status of Pine Barrens Tree Frog
Pinelands symbol leaps off endangered species list

(03/65) TRENTON – Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced he has upgraded the status of the Pine Barrens tree frog, moving it from the endangered species list to the threatened species list.

The frog's improved status is based on biologists' determination that it is locally abundant and that its habitat is well protected by the Pinelands Commission's Comprehensive Management Plan.

"When the Pine Barrens tree frog was added to the endangered species list in 1979, state Pinelands protection s were in their infancy," Campbell said. "The removal of the Pine Barrens tree frog from the state endangered list is testimony to how effective the Pinelands Commission has been at preserving southern New Jersey's natural treasures."

The Pine Barrens tree frog requires specialized habitats that are rare elsewhere but common in the million-acre Pinelands region of southern New Jersey. The species requires acidic water and it favors Atlantic white cedar swamps that are carpeted with dense mats of sphagnum moss. It breeds in shallow ponds that dry up in summer and are free of predators.

Its population is stable in New Jersey, and the state serves as a stronghold for the species throughout its entire range.

Boldly colored, the beautiful Pine Barrens tree frog is considered by many to be a symbol of the New Jersey Pinelands. In 1983 it was the subject of Andy Warhol's screen print series of endangered species.

Because of its improved status, the DEP has declared the Pine Barrens tree frog Species of the Month for May. The protection of the Pine Barrens tree frog is one of many success stories the DEP is celebrating this year to mark the 30th anniversary of the New Jersey Endangered Species Conservation Act and the creation of the DEP's Endangered and Nongame Species Program.

For more information, visit the Species of the Month homepage at www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/somhome.htm

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Related Links

• New Jersey Division Fish and Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com
• New Jersey Pinelands Commission
  http://www.nj.gov/pinelands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/1/03

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

Ocean County Shellfish Beds Re-Opened after February Closure

(03/64) TRENTON – Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell signed an order today re-opening Barnegat Bay shellfish beds that were closed Feb. 3 due to discharge from a broken sewage main.

The Ocean County Utilities Authority completed repairs to the line April 1, and the DEP allowed the bay waters and shellfish to flush for 30 days. Testing indicates that levels of coliform bacteria are at normal, acceptable levels and the waters are now safe for harvest. The re-opening takes effect Friday, May 2.

A copy of the commissioner’s revocation order and a map are attached.

See Order and Map below.
[PDF Version available; 429 Kb]

James E. McGreevey Governor		Bradley M. Campbell Commissioner
REVOCATION OF SHELLFISH BED CLOSURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAND USE MANAGEMENT Public Notice of Revocation of Condemnation of Shellfish Beds Pursuant to statutory authority granted the Department of Environmental Protection appearing at N.J.S.A. 13:1B-4 and 58:24-1 et. seq. and because of degraded water quality resulting from the release of sewage from a broken main into the waters of Barnegat Bay in Ocean County, the Department condemned and prohibited the harvesting of all shellfish from those State waters previously classified as Approved and Seasonally Approved in the Barnegat Bay area, specifically: All waters of Barnegat Bay south of the Mathis Bridge (Route 37) to a line from the northernmost point of land on the mainland located at the northeastern extent of Laurel Boulevard in Lacey Township bearing 105 degrees T to the cupola on Island Beach State Park. As provided for in the aforementioned prohibition, having determined through sample monitoring that the waters described above are now safe for the harvesting of shellfish, I revoke the prohibition on these waters and return them to their prior classification effective May 2, 2003.
DATE:_______________	______ [Signed May 1, 2003] __________________
	Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner
The Map

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Related Links

• DEP Orders Closure of Shellfish Beds in Ocean County (NJDEP News Release)
  https://njdepwptest.net/newsrel/03_0009
• New Jersey Division Fish and Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/30/03

Contact: Dana Loschiavo (609) 984-1423
Amy Cradic (609) 984-1795

DEP Commissioner Orders Horseshoe Crab Harvest Cut in Half

Shorebirds that rely on horseshoe crab eggs could soon be extinct, research shows

(03/63) TRENTON – Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today signed an emergency order halving New Jersey's annual horseshoe crab harvest and prohibiting all harvesting during the horseshoe crabs' prime spawning season from May 1 through June 7.

New Jersey is acting jointly with Delaware, which adopted similar restrictions Friday, in an effort to protect a rapidly declining population of migrating shorebirds that stop over each spring on Delaware Bay beaches to feed on the fat-rich eggs of the horseshoe crab.

"Sudden and dramatic declines in horseshoe crab and shorebird populations make clear that prompt action is needed to protect these resources," Campbell said. "I am grateful to Delaware Secretary John Hughes for joining us in a common sense, bi-state approach."

Studies show the concentration of horseshoe crab egg on the bay shore has declined significantly over the past decade, leaving many shorebirds without enough eggs to eat. Unable to gain sufficient weight during their Delaware Bay stop over, many shorebirds lack the energy to complete their Arctic migration and reproduce. Most in peril is the Western Hemisphere's Red Knot population, a state-threatened species that scientists predict could be extinct within 7 years.

"We need to bear in mind that our shorebird and horseshoe crab populations are indicators of the health of the bay as a whole," Campbell said. "By acting today, we aim not only to prevent the dire future predicted for the Red Knot, but also to preserve the ecological balance throughout Delaware Bay."

Delaware Bay's beaches are the principal egg-laying grounds for the world's largest concentration of horseshoe crabs, and they attract the Western Hemisphere's second largest spring concentration of migrating shorebirds. The spring shorebird migration is one of the prime attractions of the $34 million ecotourism industry in Cape May and Cumberland counties.

The order signed today:

• Cuts the 2003 commercial harvest to 150,000 horseshoe crabs, a 50 percent reduction.
• Bans horseshoe crab harvesting from May 1 through June 7 in order to safeguard horseshoe crab eggs for shorebird feeding.
• Requires the use of bait-saving devices in conch pots. Horseshoe crabs are harvested primarily as bait for the conch fishery, and these devices reduce demand for horseshoe crabs by extending the effective fishing time of bait in the water.
• Requires harvesters to report their catch to the DEP by telephone every week in order to prevent over harvesting.

The commissioner also announced plans today to limit access to certain portions of Delaware Bay beaches where horseshoe crabs are known to spawn and where shorebirds traditionally feed.

The affected sections of beach in Lower, Middle and Downe townships will be closed only for 11 days in order to minimize human disturbance of the shorebirds while they feed. The beach restrictions coincide with the new and full moons, when horseshoe crab spawning and shorebird feeding are at their peak.

"By minimizing disturbances to feeding shorebirds, we can help them complete their long Arctic flight," Campbell said. "If successful, these actions could help prevent the Red Knot from being listed as a federally endangered species, a status that would come with a host of additional restrictions on beach access and horseshoe crab harvests."

On May 17 and 18 and May 24 to June 1, DEP staff will limit access at portions of specific beaches in the Villas, as well as portions of Reeds Beach, Cook's Beach, Kimbles Beach, Norbury's Landing, Pierces Point, Sunray Beach and Raybins Beach.

The closed areas will be marked with printed signs and rope fencing from the street end to the water's edge. DEP staff will be present to educate the public about the interaction between the shorebirds and horseshoe crabs and the need to let the birds feed undisturbed.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) also plans to limit access to certain bay beaches during peak shorebird migration. Delaware also has enacted a harvest moratorium from May 1 to June 7 and a 50 percent reduction in the number of horseshoe crabs to be harvested this year.

In addition to cooperating on this bay-wide effort, the two states are asking the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Horseshoe Crab Management Board to consider capping other Atlantic coast states' 2003 horseshoe crab bait harvest quotas at 2001 levels and to investigate measures to reduce horseshoe crab mortality in the biomedical industry.

Finally, the DEP is urging the public to report their observations of horseshoe crab spawning activity by calling (866) NJ-CATCH toll free, or by visiting www.njfishandwildlife.com and accessing the form entitled "Identification of Horseshoe Crab Spawning Habitat in the Inlets and Bays of New Jersey."

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Related Links

• NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife: Delaware Bay Beach Closure Information
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/beachcloz03.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/25/03

Contact: Dana Loschiavo (609) 984-1423
Amy Cradic (609) 984-1795

DEP Recognizes Students and Local Tree Care Programs at State Arbor Day Celebration in Liberty State Park: Volunteers Plant 150 Trees to Commemorate September 11th Victims

(03/62) JERSEY CITY – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today celebrated Arbor Day at Liberty State Park, Hudson County, recognizing recipients of Tree City USA awards, Conectiv and this year's winners of a state essay contest. More than 200 volunteers and tree experts planted 150 of 691 as part of a Grove of Remembrance, a symbolic representation of the New Jersey residents whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001.

"Arbor Day gives us the chance to reflect on the many benefits of the trees around us and their significance to the environment and our lives," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Joanna Dunn Samson. "This year's Arbor Day is marked by the Grove of Remembrance that will serve as a place of reflection and healing, and provide a shaded area of retreat for all park visitors."

During this year's Arbor Day ceremony a total of 15 Tree City USA Anniversary Awards were presented to 25th, 20th and 1st year communities participating in the Tree City USA program. (See end of release for full listing of award recipients.) Additionally, three military bases were honored for maintaining their Tree City USA status with a total of 32 years among them: McGuire Air Force Base, Naval Weapons Station Earle, and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.

Tree City USA began as a Bicentennial Project in 1976 and is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree City USA recognizes cities, counties, and military bases that have developed a comprehensive tree management program, and promotes tree planting and tree care. New Jersey leads the northeast in the number of Tree Cities.

The DEP's prestigious Joyce Kilmer Award was presented to Conectiv, recognizing their outstanding service and dedication to New Jersey's community trees and forests.

A listing of the nine winners of the student Arbor Day essay writing contest is presented at the end of this release. Over 1,100 essays were entered in this year's statewide competition.

The 2003 New Jersey State Arbor Day Celebration with the Grove of Remembrance at Liberty State Park was made possible through the assistance and cooperation of many partners, supporters and volunteers. The Grove of Remembrance is located in an area of the park with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

Since 1949, the New Jersey Legislature has set aside the last Friday of April as Arbor Day to promote tree planting and encourage residents throughout the State to honor trees and the people who care for them.

In addition to celebrating Arbor Day, the DEP in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced results of two jointly sponsored studies that show trees can significantly cool urban areas that generate heat and clean the air by absorbing pollution. For more information about the studies, a press release entitled "URBAN STUDY CONFIRMS TREES ARE COOL" is available on the DEP web site at www.state.nj.us/dep.

Tree City USA Anniversary Awards for Arbor Day 2003

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Related Links

• "Urban Study Confirms Trees Are Cool" (NJDEP News Release)
  https://njdepwptest.net/newsrel/03_0053
• NJDEP Community Forestry Program
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/forestry/community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/24/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Commissioner Campbell Ends Agreement with Liberty State Park Development Corporation: Announces Vision for Park's Future and Calls for New Public Advisory Committee

(03/61) TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today terminated the Liberty State Park Development Corporation (LSPDC) and announced a new policy directive to further establish Liberty State Park as a premiere, highly accessible urban open space.

"I have shared the public's concern that conflicts between the Corporation and park stewards have hampered progress in achieving our goals for the park," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "While the Corporation has played a useful role, and I applaud the commitment of the Corporation's board members, this change is overdue."

In 1986, the DEP and the Development Corporation entered into an agreement to promote public-private partnerships toward the development of facilities in Liberty State Park, including a marina, Liberty Science Center, Hudson River Walkway, and parking areas. However, in recent years, numerous LSPDC proposals have generated significant controversy among citizens concerned about the park.

Responding to citizen concerns and in light of its future vision for Liberty State Park, the McGreevey Administration has announced a new policy directive that calls for the termination of the LSPDC and the establishment of an expanded public advisory committee to include adequate representation by Jersey City residents, residents statewide, and other park constituencies.

"On numerous occasions the public has voiced their desire to maintain the remaining undeveloped land within Liberty State Park as open space. The state's plan for the park's future will better serve residents' needs for places to recreate and enjoy New Jersey's outdoors," added Commissioner Campbell.

In consultation with the public advisory committee, the DEP will focus on four priorities for Liberty State Park, including: the acceleration of the park's interior restoration; the expansion and improvement of opportunities for active recreation to better serve Jersey City and other local residents; the improvement of transportation for and access to the park, as well as the reduction of parking and transit impacts; and the development of a memorandum of understanding with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to explore cultural events at the park and non-commercial entertainment.

With the termination of the agreement between the DEP and Development Corporation, all leases and subleases, including that of the marina, parking facilities and the Liberty Science Center and Hall of Technology, will be assigned to the DEP by June 30, 2003.

As a result of its dissolution, the Development Corporation will no longer receive $110,000 a year from funds generated through Liberty State Park's parking fees. All revenues generated through parking fees will now go directly to the State of New Jersey and will be applied toward debt service payments of bonds for park improvements.

In April 2002, Commissioner Campbell issued a Notice of Default to the LSPDC, arising from concerns about mismanagement of park operations and finances. All issues raised under the notice have been resolved.

Working closely with park constituencies, the Department of Environmental Protection has spent more than 25 years since the park's acquisition planning for and building a park infrastructure that is suitable for public recreation, interpretation and education.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Policy Directive 2003-03: Liberty State Park Development Corporation
  http://www.state.nj.us/dep/commissioner/policy/pdir2003-03.htm
• NJDEP Parks & Forestry: Liberty State Park
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/forestry/parks/liberty.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/21/03

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

Green Acres Acquisitions Expand Belleplain State Forest

(03/60) WOODBINE, NJ — Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell kicked off Earth Week on Monday by announcing a major expansion of Belleplain State Forest in Cape May and Cumberland counties.

Campbell was joined this morning by Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky and Dennis Township Mayor and Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew.

Six recent acquisitions from private landowners and a purchase from the Borough of Woodbine are increasing Belleplain State Forest by 2,320 acres.

"These additions to Belleplain will not only preserve habitats for threatened and endangered species, but they also will give people more rivers, marshes and forests to explore and enjoy," Campbell said.

The largest addition to the State Forest is a 1,265-acre tract purchased from the Thomas family. The land is a mosaic of upland and wetland forest, bogs, lakes and meadows that likely harbors threatened and endangered species such as the Pine Barrens tree frog and the red-headed woodpecker.

"Governor McGreevey is committed to providing parks and outdoor recreation facilities, not just in rural areas, but also in urban and suburban communities throughout the State," Campbell said.

Woodbine is selling Green Acres a 266-acre addition to Belleplain, the first piece of the state forest that will be in the borough. The tract encompasses the western end of the borough’s new DeHirsh Avenue bicycle path.

Woodbine also is in line to receive a $90,000 Livable Communities grant to help pay for improvements along the bike path and at Lincoln Park, Franklin Street Park and Woodbine Elementary School playground. The money will be used to help the borough install a tot lot, replace aging playground equipment and purchase trash receptacles and park benches.

"We have many causes for celebration today – first to recognize the successful partnership between Woodbine and the State of New Jersey to preserve precious open space, and second to recognize the state’s support of our local parks," Pikolycky said. "Both of these initiatives will provide local residents and those across the state ideal access to New Jersey’s parks and natural resources."

Since 1961, Green Acres has protected more than 514,000 acres of open space and provided funding to develop hundreds of parks, bringing the state-wide system of preserved open space and farmland to more than 1.2 million acres.

Green Acres purchases land to protect environmentally sensitive open space, water resources and other significant natural and historical open space. Land acquired by Green Acres becomes part of the statewide system of parks and forest, wildlife management areas and natural areas.

Through the Local Assistance Program, Green Acres provides funding to county and municipal governments and nonprofit organizations to acquire open space and parks in their communities.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Green Acres
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres
• NJDEP Parks & Forestry: Belleplain State Forest
  http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry/parks/belle.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/17/03

Contact: Tanya Oznowich or Marc Rogoff
(609) 984-9802 or (609) 292-1474

DEP Announces Earth Day Classroom Speakers
Calendar of Events and Web Site

(03/59) TRENTON – Tuesday, April 22nd marks the 34th annual international celebration of Earth Day, a time when citizens around the world reaffirm their commitment to environmental protection. Due to the local popularity of Earth Day, area-wide events can begin as early as mid-April and carry on through mid-May.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging the public to visit it’s “Earth Day – New Jersey” web site at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/seeds/earthweb/eday.htm. to view a list of Earth Day events scheduled throughout the state and learn how to invite a DEP speaker into the classroom this spring.

“Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to recommit ourselves to protecting our environment,” said Bradley M. Campbell, DEP Commissioner. “It helps raise awareness among people of all ages about the responsibility we share. I encourage everyone to participate in at least one of the many Earth Day events scheduled throughout our state.”

The most popular feature at the web site is the “Calendar of Events.” The calendar currently features over thirty Earth Day, Arbor Day (April 25) and other public environmental events that are open to families, individuals and students. Coordinators of public events not yet listed in this calendar are invited to complete and submit the online event form.

A new DEP initiative featured at the web site under “Earth Day Resources” is the DEP Speakers Program. In honor of Earth Day’s national theme for 2003, ‘Water for Life’, the department has a number of employees available in April and May to conduct interactive, water-related lessons for students in grades K-8. Information is available online about how to schedule a classroom presentation.

Additional features at the site include the history of Earth Day, online educational resources, and a list of actions that people can take at home, in school or at work to help protect the environment.

DEP supports Earth Day activities in New Jersey because the celebration acts as a springboard for new or renewed public interest in environmental protection. Through this annual celebration, people become better informed about the role they can play in protecting the earth’s natural resources and environmental quality.

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Related Links

• NJDEP SEEDS Earth Day Events Calendar 2003
  http://www.state.nj.us/dep/seeds/earthweb/eday.htm