Your Environmental Commission is involved in a variety of programs and activities intended to promote, protect and study the environmental resources within the township. The following is a partial list of these programs and activities.

On Going Programs

Curbside Recycling

Implemented in 1996, this program has resulted in an improved recycling rate for the township and made recycling more convenient. The Commission continues its community contact and educational efforts to improve our recycling rate.

Clean Up Weekends

The Commission sponsors two cleanup weekends a year, one in April and the second in October. This program provides the residents of Allamuchy with a means to dispose of household rubbish at a nominal charge. On average each cleanup generates 10 to 14 tons of rubbish with 100-150 residents participating.

Since starting this program, there has been a noticeable decrease in the about of household rubbish dumped on our roadsides.

Community Outreach

Allamuchy Day, an annual township event, is the primarily community outreach program of the Allamuchy Environmental Commission. Events from previous years have included Raptor demonstrations, battery collection & art contests, displays of environmental projects and photographs exhibits of the township ans surrounding county

Clean Roads Program

A roadside litter removal program that encourages Allamuchy residents to clean the township roads The Environmental Commission provides all the materials necessary; bags, gloves, vests, signs etc and the Road Department disposes of the collections.

Environmental Impact Statements that come before the Planning Board as a result of major subdivision applications are reviewed by the Environmental Commission and their retained experts.

Allamuchy Elementary School Science class volunteers take water samples from several streams throughout the township on a regular basis so that the water quality can be monitored. This program has been discontinued.

Completed Grants

Obtained as a matching grant from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection. The purpose of this grant was to inventory and map the existing geological features within Allamuchy Township for the purpose of identifying potential environmental hazards.

The results of this study were incorporated into the master plan as part of a new zoning ordinance.

This grant was completed in 1997 and the final report is available at the Town Hall.

Two Grants:

These grants were also obtained from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and allow for the study of the Pequest watershed within Allamuchy Township and for public education.

The Pequest River is one of the township's most valuable natural resources. The grant studied this river corridor to determine what steps should be taken to adequately protect and preserve this resource.

Since approximately 85% of the township is located within this watershed it is important to identify potential sources of pollution, determine present water quality, establish river monitoring procedures and to develop watershed protection and management programs.

Threatened & Endangered Species Survey

The Commission received a grant from the state to conduct a survey of endangered, threatened and declining plants and animals in Allamuchy. Over twenty species of threatened or endangered plants or animals were identified. Over 100 different species of birds have been sighted in Allamuchy. A detailed report of the study is available at the town hall.

Drinking Water Quality Study

The Commission has recently completed a study of the drinking water quality in the township. Seven sites were studied which represented a geographical and geological cross section of the township. The study determined that the quality of water ranged from excellent to average. A detailed report of the study is available at the town hall.

This study was managed by the Morris Land Conservancy. This plan is a prerequisite for the Green Acres Planning Incentive grant.

This grant will provide monies for acquisition of land identified in the Planning Incentive Grant. A priority ranking worksheet was developed to prioritize lands that should be targeted.

Completed January of 2005

Current Projects

Phase I was obtained as a matching grant from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection. The purpose of this grant was to update the natural resources of Allamuchy Township and digitize them into a Geographical Information System (GIS) format that will allow for the overlay of the natural resources maps with tax maps.

Phase I was completed in Dec. 2004. Cost is $6,575.00

Phase II is scheduled to be completed in 2005 with a cost of $6,630.00.

Funding from various preservation sources allowed for the restoration of this historical landmark. The restoration is in the final stages of completion.