Environmental Commission

An Environmental Commission in New Jersey is an official, municipal-level advisory body established by local ordinance or resolution to protect, develop, and use natural resources wisely.

It is composed of seven (7) members and two (2) alternates who are appointed by the Mayor and serve as volunteers.

Under New Jersey law, at least one member of the environmental commission is also required to serve on the municipal Planning Board to help bridge local development decisions with environmental protection.

The Vineland Environmental Commission

• Conducts research into the use and possible use of open land areas within the City of Vineland.
• Compiles and maintains an index of all open areas, publicly and privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.
• Studies and makes recommendations concerning open-space preservation, water-resources management, air-pollution control, solid-waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna.
• With the approval of the City Council, may acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the City of Vineland, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease, for any of its purposes, including but not limited to use as living museums, sites for scientific study, areas for teaching of natural history and conservation, places of historic or prehistoric interest and scenic beauty and habitats for rare and endangered plants and animals, and shall administer the property for such purposes, subject to the terms of conveyance. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest, development right, easement, convenant or other contractual right as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the City of Vineland. The Environmental Commission may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the use of the property acquired and to govern the conduct of persons while on or using said property.
• Recommends to the City Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in the Master Plan of the City of Vineland.
• May advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgment, it deems necessary for its purposes.
• Plans, implements and informs the public about local environmental programs and coordinates the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.

The Environmental Commission meets on the second Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted, at 7:00 pm in the City of Vineland 4th Floor conference room, 640 E. Wood Street, Vineland, NJ 08360.