Environmental Commission

News


butterflySwallowtail butterfly feeding on coneflower: Ross Lake Park

This Summer’s Spotlight Topic : Trees 

 In the midst of this hot summer, let’s keep in mind we can all help cool our city by planting trees this fall, as many trees as you can fit comfortably on your property. 

 Neighborhoods with trees are seven (7) to nine (9) degrees cooler than those without. Think about the difference between 93 and 86 degrees when you’re in the sun!

  • Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds.
  • Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.

  Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%. 

  •  Planting and maintaing trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere , mitigating the effects of climate change 
  • Expanding our tree canopy and maintaining the health of our tree population is a top priority for the LBEC/GT Shade Tree Committee. Trees are a major line of defense against greenhouse gas emissions and the heat island effect. Canopy cover cools our streets, prevents urban flooding, cleans our air, expands wildlife habitats, prevents soil erosion, and increases the population of pollinators and birds and beautifies our town. A diverse urban forest is better able to resist pests and diseases and has the best chance for good growth and long-term survival.

 Helpful Tree Tips:

 The LBEC/GT reminds you tree health can be difficult to determine, but checking your tree yearly may help you notice problems as they appear. Even healthy trees can fall down.  A tree may be green and lush, but that does not guarantee that it is structurally safe.

 Be sure to inspect trees any time, especially after storms. Examine the crown, branches, trunk and area around the roots for these common dangers: 

  • Broken, dead or hanging branches
  • Cracks, fungi and cavities
  • Weak trunk or branch unions
  • Encircling root compressing the trunk (a flat-sided trunk at the ground level is a good indicator)
  • Recent lean, especially if the soil or grass has lifted on one side

 We suggest consulting a professional as pruning can be dangerous work, but it can encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Winter is the best time to prune because branches are easy to see, diseases cannot spread, and there is minimal stress on the tree. Never prune trees within 10’ of utility lines; instead contact the local utility company. If pruning cannot be done with both feet on the ground or if power tools are required, hire an arborist. 

When hiring a professional to assess your tree, look for a New Jersey licensed tree expert with proof of insurance. 

 Remember that a permit is required for pruning or removing trees in the planting strip between the sidewalk and curb. Permits are available at Town Hall. For more information, see the Tree Owner’s Manual , Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture.

 News: 

 Tree Planting Grant 2023

 Long Branch City administration knows the importance of trees and has applied for and received a USDA grant to plant 300 trees. Bravo!

 Tree Inventory Grant 2023

 The Environmental Commission/Green Team (LBEC/GT) applied for and was awarded a Stewardship Grant from N.J. Urban and Community Forestry to conduct a professional tree inventory. Our contractor, Davey Resource Group, a licensed tree and professional forestry company, has already begun documenting the trees in the planting strips, public buildings and parks throughout the City. Over the next few weekends, look for Tom and his assistant walking the streets and noting the species, size, health, and locations of our trees.

 This inventory will allow the city to qualify for more grant assistance, and will be better informed about the composition, structure and maintenance needs of our current urban forest and better allocate resources to it. The LBEC will also use the results of the inventory to update and implement forestry goals and objectives that are outlined in our Community Forestry Management Plan.  

 Meetings: 

 The LBEC and Green Team meet on the same nights with The LBEC meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and Green Team meets at 7:30 p.m. 

 In person meetings are held at: 

City Hall. 2nd floor conference room

344 Broadway

Long Branch, NJ 07740

 September 18, 2023

  • October 16, 2023
  • November 20, 2023
  • December 18, 2023 via ZOOM (link to follow)
  • January 22, 2024  via ZOOM (link to follow)
  • February 26, 2024.  via ZOOM (link to follow)
  • March 18, 2024
  • April 22, 2024
  • May 20, 2024
  • June 17, 2024
  • July 15, 2024
  • No meeting in August

 Overview

 The Long Branch Environmental Commission (LBEC) was established to advocate for the protection, development and use of natural resources, including water resources, located within Long Branch. 

 The LBEC reviews and makes recommendations concerning:

 Air pollution control

  • Alternative transportation
  • Aquatic resources
  • Composting
  • Environmental appearance
  • Noise control
  • Open space preservation
  • Protection of flora and fauna
  • Recycling
  • Soil and landscape protection
  • Solid waste management
  • Sustainable building design and practices
  • Water resources and storm water management
  • Advising & Education

 The LBEC works collaboratively to advise and educate local government, businesses, and residents on environmental issues, laws, and programs by:

 Drafting and amending ordinances

  • Inventorying and advocating for the preservation of open space
  • Responding to the public regarding local environmental concerns
  • Reviewing and commenting on building and development application
  • Creating and updating the Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI)

 You may ask what distinguishes Green Team from the Environmental Commission?

 The Environmental Commission is an advisory board that works with other City commissions and boards (such as the Planning Board) to review site plans and advocate for/strengthen ordinances like the stormwater management and tree preservation ordinances. It advises the City Council on various environmental issues.

 The Green Team is focused on implementing actions recommended by ‘Sustainable Jersey’  (see the SJ website https://www.sustainablejersey.com/ for more information on this) and has achieved Silver certification. Green Team web page is located at https://www.longbranch.org/334/LB-Green-Team

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas

 

LBEC Members

•        Catherine Duckett

Term Expires: June 30, 2024

•        Anita Voogt, Council Liaison

Term Expires: June 30, 2024

•        Chris Boglioli, Member

Term Expires: June 30, 2024, Filling Unexpired Term

•        Richard Catanese, Member

Term Expires: June 30, 2026

•        Avry Griffin, Member

Term Expires: June 30, 2024

•        Richard Lee, Member

Term Expires: June 30, 2026

•        Faith Teitelbaum Member, Acting Chair

Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Filling Unexpired Term

•        Nan Simon Member

Term Expires: June 30, 2024 filling unexpired term

•        Jennifer Siehl 

Term expires:

June 30, 2024 filling unexpired term

 Anyone interested in attending a meeting or seeking to volunteer can contact: 

 Environmental Commission

Faith Teitelbaum 

Faithtei@aol.com 

732-513-5445

 

Green Team

Nan Simon

Nansimon717@gmail.com 

 Resources