Franklin Township Open Space Advisory Committee

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

7:30 PM

Regular Agenda

 

  1. Call to order in accordance with the Sunshine Law provision.
  2. Introductions/roll call.
  3. Reorganization (Election of Chair, Vice-chair and Secretary)
  4. Approval of the December 12, 2006 minutes.
  5. Financial Report.
  6. 1st  opening of the meeting to the public.
  7. Consultant’s Report.
    1. Ten Mile Run pedestrian bridge project.
    2. Historic Preservation signs.
    3. Bike racks
    4. Eagle Scout projects.
    5. Butler Road trails.
    6. Wooden Open Space Entrance Signs.
    7. X-mas tree wood chips on trials.
    8. Proposed changes to the SADC regulations for the PIG farm preservation program.
  8. Trails Advisory Committee Update.
  9. Old Business.
    1. Naming the Westpoint Avenue open space property
    2. Outings on open space in 2007—see attached “Exploring Franklin Township’s Open Space in 2007.”
    3. Other?
  10. New Business.
    1. Follow up and implementing the eco-heritage tourism plan.
    2. Resolution in support of renewing funding of the Garden State Preservation Trust.
    3. GPS device purchase.
    4. Other?
  11. 2nd opening of the meeting to the public.
  12. Executive Session to discuss possible purchase and/or sale of property (if needed).
  13. Adjournment.

Exploring Franklin Township’s Open Space in 2007

 

 

3/??/07           NJAS led

                       

                        5pm-7pm       Woodcocks and owls at dusk

 

 

5/6/07             NJAS led

 

                        8am-10am     Migration at the Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve

 

                        11am-1pm     Migration at the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve

 

 

6/10/07           NJAS led

 

                        8am-10am     Breeding birds at the Negri-Nepote Native                                                                                   Grassland Preserve

 

                        11am-1pm     Breeding birds at the Griggstown Native Grassland                                                                    Preserve

 

 

7/28/07           NJAS led

 

                        8am-10am     Butterflies at  the Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve

 

                        11am-1pm     Butterflies at the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve

 

 

9/22/07           Loos Consulting led

 

                        10am-12pm   Exploring the Nine-Mile-Run-Cliffs and the Catalpa portion of                                        the Ten Mile Run Greenway

 

 

10/20/07         Loos Consulting led

 

                        10am -12pm  Fall Foliage at the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve        

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RENEWAL OF THE GARDEN STATE PRESERVATION TRUST

 

Whereas, continued investment in open space preservation is vitally important to the state because of its value for New Jersey’s economy, environment, and character; and

 

Whereas, New Jersey continues to face incredible pressure from development, loosing close to 50 acres of open space daily to new projects; and

 

Whereas, the Garden State Preservation Trust has helped to establish New Jersey as a national leader in open space preservation, protecting over half a million acres of natural space and farmland since 1998; and

 

Whereas, the Garden State Preservation Trust is essential not only to the State’s conservation programs, but also to the work of counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations by providing grants and low interest loans to help preserve land for future generations; and

 

Whereas, even many of the places already protected – our state and local parks – are threatened by inadequate levels of funding for operation, maintenance, and stewardship; and

 

Whereas, the Garden State Preservation Trust is nearing bankruptcy, with funds to be completely exhausted in 2007 despite the continued need for the programs it makes possible; therefore be it

 

Resolved, that The Franklin Township Open Space Advisory Committee supports the renewal and strengthening of the Garden State Preservation Trust, to provide $325 million annually for New Jersey to continue its programs of open space acquisition, farmland and historic site preservation, and the dedication of $56 million annually to establish a stable source of funding for operation, maintenance, stewardship and capital projects for parks, farmland and natural areas.

 

Duly authenticated copies of this Resolution shall be transmitted to:

 

New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Bamboo Brook, 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931

The  Outdoor Recreation Alliance c/o N.J. Audubon Society, 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ  07934

The Honorable Jon Corzine, Office of the Governor, PO Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625

State Senator, 17 District

State Assemblypersons, 17th District

Daily and Weekly Newspapers

Franklin Township Manager, Council and Mayor