WARREN COUNTY, NJ – The Warren County Board of County Commissioners Wednesday night voted unanimously to establish an Environmental Advisory Committee and is continuing to seek volunteers to serve.
The committee will advise the County Commissioners on policy as it pertains to the environment, planning and sustainable growth within the county. It will be required to report annually on its activities, progress and recommendations, and submit interim reports as it deems necessary.
“There is a genuine interest in this,” Commissioner Director James R. Kern III said, noting that since announcing last month his intent to form the committee, he has received phone calls, emails and some applications from people hoping to participate.
The issue “touches people of all ages, it touches people of all political stripes,” Kern said, adding, “in every corner of the county, folks are interested in this.”
County Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski applauded Kern for his leadership on the issue, and noted that Warren County faces large environmental impact issues. However, the committee can address not only challenges but also opportunities, such as deploying electric vehicles in the county motor pool and preserving open space, Sarnoski noted. The committee can give the commissioners ideas on how to move forward to a better future for the county, he added.
“I think that will be a great addition to us helping preserve the character of our county,” County Commissioner Lori Ciesla said.
Kern said he appreciated the support his fellow commissioners are giving the idea, and was “very excited” there has been so much interest in the committee. A “tremendous amount of talent” has already stepped forward but the county is continuing to take applications from those interested in serving.
An application can be found on the official county government website’s Volunteer Opportunities page.
“One of our greatest assets is in fact our natural beauty,” Kern said, noting that like many others, he lives here “for our woods, our mountains, our lakes and rivers.” They are some of the best not only in New Jersey but in the entire nation, Kern said, adding that during the pandemic, Warren County has seen thousands of people visiting on the weekends to enjoy outdoor recreation here.
The advisory committee will have six members, one from each zone as established from the Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Zone Map, and one Commissioner liaison, each serving a three-year term.
The advisory committee is to serve the public in order to protect and restore Warren County’s natural resources and to increase environmental awareness, ensuring that both residents and visitors alike can enjoy a health environment and improved quality of life.
