Environmental Commission & Green Team

Welcome to the Long Branch Environmental Commission & Green Team Website


Educate - Advocate - Facilitate


Spotlight topic:  A new way to protect our tree canopy

The NJDEP recently mandated that every New Jersey municipality have a tree ordinance that controls tree removals as a way to monitor and protect the state’s tree canopy. While Long Branch did have some tree protections in place, these only applied to properties undergoing major development, so on July 10, 2024, Long Branch established a new ordinance covering tree removal and replacement for all residents.

Long Branch’s new tree ordinance requires a permitting procedure for any resident who takes down more than 4 trees per acre over a 5 year period. Small or hazardous tree removals are not included in those numbers. Once that amount is reached a permit is required and residents will either need to replace the trees in their yard, plant them elsewhere in the city or pay a modest fee.  The funds raised by the fee will then be put toward replacing the lost trees elsewhere in the city. For details, click here to read the full ordinance.

Though the fees are not significant we believe this ordinance sends a clear message: the NJ DEP, our County Commissioners and the City of Long Branch recognize the benefits that mature trees bring to the community and want to build up and restore our tree canopy.

Tree Canopy Loss

According to the data collected in the city’s 2023 Forest Management Plan, Long Branch lost almost 10% of our tree canopy over the last 12 years.  Looking at the data by census tract confirms that the tree canopy loss is spread across the city, though the largest decline is in the Elberon section of the city.

Canopy Chart


Canopy Map


The Benefits of Trees

The value of a large tree cannot be overstated.  A typical oak tree is not only beautiful, but it enhances the ecology of our beach town by sustaining over 450 different species of birds and insects. Trees shade our sidewalks and yards, cooling our neighborhoods.  A tree absorbs thousands of gallons of water every year and helps reduce stormwater flooding. The roots stop erosion. It cleans the air. Beyond their environmental benefits, trees save energy by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds, increase property values and have even been shown to have a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health. Larger trees bring greater benefit. When you take down a big tree, for example one that measures 4 feet around, and replace it with a smaller one, please consider that it will take 10-15 years for that tree to have the same benefits to the community.

How can we help enforce this new law?  Education is the key. The Environmental Commission & Green Team will be actively working to promote awareness of the new ordinance. Please share this article with your neighbors and friends and feel free to reach out to us with questions.

More “Green Infrastructure”: new Rain Garden projects

The Environmental Commission and Green Team are holding a series of events around town which will culminate in the building of a demonstration “green infrastructure” project: a rain garden on Ross Lake. This demonstration project will show how the frequency and quantity of flooding on Elinore and Van Court Avenues is reduced by the filtering properties of the rain garden.

“Green Infrastructure” is defined as any measure that uses plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, or stormwater harvest and reuse to reduce flows to sewer systems or to surface waters. Planting trees is a form of green infrastructure, as are rain barrels, rain gardens and bioswales, among other options.

The EC & GT will also be hosting a rain garden information session for residents and offering a free rain garden design consultation for homeowners who would like to consider installing one in their own yard. Stay tuned for more information about these events.


Meetings:

 

The LBEC and Green Team meet on the same nights.  The  Environmental Commission meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and the Green Team meets at 8:00 p.m. 

In person meetings are held at: 

City Hall 2nd floor conference room

344 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740

Overview


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

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)

The ERI describes the natural resources in the city and is referenced as part of the city’s master plan when development applications are reviewed. The latest ERI was created in 2023 and the EC has committed to review it every 5 years moving forward.

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 Mayor and City Council on various environmental issues. The EC is comprised of seven commissioners and two alternates appointed by the Mayor. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

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 helped the city achieve Silver certification. The Green Team welcomes all volunteers interested in supporting our mission.

Agendas & Minutes

EC agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. View most recent EC agendas and minutes on the City Agenda and Minutes for Commissions page. Green Team meeting minutes are also posted there.

LBEC Members:


Faith Teitelbaum, Chair -- Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Christopher Boglioli, Member -- Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Richard Catanese, Member -- Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Manjula Chidambaram, Member -- Term Expires, March 14, 2026

Avery Griffin. Member -- Term Expires Expires June 30, 2024

Richard Lee, Member -- Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Jennifer Siehl, Member -- Term expires: June 30, 2027

Nan Simon, Alternate 1 -- Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Catherine Duckett, Alternate 2 -- Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Volunteer with the Environmental Commission and the Green Team

 

We are looking for enthusiastic and committed residents to help join in the rewarding work of preserving and sustaining Long Branch’s natural resources and building an environmentally friendly community.  We depend on volunteers to help us with projects all around town.   If you have a project you’d like to see happen, or would like to volunteer with us, here are some projects we are doing:

Looking for volunteers with the following skills:

  • Social media posting
  • Educational/public outreach 
  • Gardening 

Gardening opportunities (April – November):

Jackson Woods - Ocean Blvd    

  • Tuesday & Friday mornings  9 – 12   

Ross Lake Park - 20 Elinore Ave 

  • Thursday mornings  9 – 11    

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

Environmental Commission

Faith Teitelbaum 

longbranchec@gmail.com

Green Team

Nan Simon

LongBranchGreenTeam@gmail.com