A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns raised by a resident, Gail Burn, regarding the burgeoning deer population and its impact on local gardens. Burn highlighted the challenges residents face with deer consuming garden plants and crops, referencing past frustrations expressed by another community member. She suggested homeowners take steps to manage deer interactions by avoiding deer-attractive plants, utilizing repellents, and installing motion-activated lights. Burn emphasized that while these issues are prevalent, responsibility lies largely with homeowners, as the rural setting necessitates a degree of coexistence with wildlife. Burn advised against using municipal resources for deer management, suggesting instead that residents adapt to living alongside various garden pests, including rabbits and groundhogs. Her comments sparked a broader discussion among commission members about educating the community on deer management and coexistence strategies. Proposals included developing informational materials on the township website, akin to existing bear safety guidelines, to inform residents about the implications of feeding deer and the importance of maintaining natural habitats.

As the discussion progressed, attention turned to the Earth Day celebration scheduled for May 3rd. The event, organized in collaboration with Spartan Middle School, promises to be a family-friendly occasion featuring various exhibitors and vendors, including the opening of the Vanckirk Museum. The commission plans to set up an environmental commission table to engage attendees, with members managing their own organization tables as well. Canopies will be used to accommodate potential wind conditions, and promotional materials will be disseminated to maximize attendance. The event aims to educate the public on environmental issues and promote sustainability through interactive exhibits and displays.

Logistical considerations for Earth Day included vendor arrival at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM start, with substantial preparation required in the morning. There was a suggestion to align the event with Sparta Day for increased visibility, although timing and logistical concerns were raised. The commission also discussed the potential for a rain barrel workshop, with proposed dates of May 22nd and June 12th, in collaboration with the Americore Watershed Ambassador. The workshop aims to educate community members on water conservation techniques, with feedback from previous sessions guiding improvements.

The commission also addressed lighting ordinances, focusing on the environmental impacts of different lighting designs. Discussions centered around the appropriateness of halo lighting for signage, which is permissible, versus internally illuminated signs, which are not. Concerns about light pollution led to a proposal encouraging new applicants to adopt down lighting practices and possibly instituting a general rule against upward lighting in future ordinances. This approach aligns with the commission’s broader efforts to promote environmentally responsible development practices within the community.

Additional topics included the approval of the Sustainable Jersey pledge, with the next steps involving obtaining a signed version for submission. The commission also provided updates on the “Bag a Day” initiative, which saw volunteers, including high school students, successfully collecting litter. The effort highlighted an increase in certain types of debris, prompting discussions on reinstating the initiative in the fall to maintain cleanliness.

In new business, the commission discussed a sustainability event at Kain University’s Skylands campus, expected to feature workshops and activities. Weather conditions may necessitate moving the event indoors. The commission also considered a resolution supporting the Packaging Product Stewardship Act, though further information is needed to understand its implications fully. A member shared observations from Breckenridge, noting a shift from plastic to aluminum bottles in establishments, sparking a conversation about reducing waste in local restaurants.

The meeting concluded with a report on drought conditions, which remain dry, and a positive update on habitat preservation efforts by the Nature Conservancy. The preserved lands, part of the Bobcat Alley project, span 454 acres in Warren and Sussex counties, contributing to regional conservation goals.