Supplementalreportwithaddons 2

environmental program funding has been lost. This new funding commitment runs through December 31, 2028, although it will need to be reauthorized annually through the State budget process. ANJEC will continue to be your advocate in Trenton for this funding because it directly supports municipal action to clean up land, create healthier communities and protect and preserve open spaces. Ten years and counting Secondly, this November we will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the choice by New Jersey voters to amend our State Constitution to create sustainable funding to preserve open space in the Garden State. Back in November 2014, 66 percent of voters said "yes" on their ballots to create an amendment to the State Constitution that now dedicates 65 percent of the CBT

Click on an article to jump to that page to open space, farmland and historic preservation. This funding cannot be used to support other State priorities or fill budget gaps without bringing another constitutional amendment before the voters in an election. ANJEC applauds New Jerseyans for prioritizing their values in our State budget. ANJEC is a founding member of the New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition (NJKIG), a coalition of more than 150 member organizations who are leading the crusade for funding preservation and stewardship in our State. ANJEC staff have served in several leadership positions with NJKIG, and with your support we'll continue our involvement to benefit municipalities across our great State! In this issue: 2 Director’s Report 4 Bringing back the night 6 Acting Locally 9 2024 ANJEC Lechner Scholarship winner 10 11 Planning and policy update Special section: Protecting NJ’s trees in a changing climate 11 Trees under threat…what we can do about it 14 Tree ordinances protect water, climate and more 15 Cherry Hill enacts tough but Jennifer M. Coffey (she/her) Executive Director Library Subscription $18.00 ISSN 1538-0742 fair tree ordinance 18 How tree species are af- fected by climate change 20 NJ notable trees 22 Growing Stronger: The advantages of the NJ Urban and Community Forestry Program Local Environment Matters Vol. 44 / No. 4 AUTUMN 2024 564 MUNICIPALITIES .......... ONE ENVIRONMENT Executive Director .............. Jennifer M. Coffey Editor ................................... Julie Lange Groth The mission of ANJEC is to promote local action to protect and restore New Jersey’s natural resources and to ensure healthy communities for today and the future. ANJEC advances its mission by engaging in equitable and inclusive practices through leadership, partnerships, education, advocacy for strong public policy, and in support of environmental commissions, public officials, and communities throughout New Jersey. The REPORT welcomes articles and photographs but is not responsible for loss or damage. Opinions expressed by guest authors do not necessarily reflect ANJEC policy. Articles may be reprinted with permission and credit. Please address correspondence to ANJEC REPORT, PO Box 157, Mendham, NJ 07945; tel: 973-539-7547. E-mail: info@ANJEC.org. Website: www.anjec.org. On the cover: Holiday Lake in Manalapan. 23 NJ Forest

lease address correspondence to ANJEC REPORT, PO Box 157, Mendham, NJ 07945; tel: 973-539-7547. E-mail: info@ANJEC.org. Website: www.anjec.org. On the cover: Holiday Lake in Manalapan. 23 NJ Forest Stewardship task force 23 Fall is a time for thinking forward 25 ANJEC awards 2024 open space grants 26 Using the ERI to improve land use decisions 28 Fortifying the future: NJ's Priority Action Plan tackles climate change 30 31 Business member spotlight Hopeful signs Photo by Andrew F. Kazmierski SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 3

Bringing back the night I By N. Dini Checko, ANJEC Project Director magine navigating the night just from the light of the stars. For millennia this was possible, but in the recent 25 years, there's been a dramatic increase in artificial outdoor lighting so that 80 percent of people in the US can no longer see the Milky Way. Princeton University's Office of Sustainability produced a powerful documentary about the importance of dark skies. Dark Sacred Night was directed by Jared Flesher and stars Princeton University astrophysicist Gaspar Bakos. Professor Bakos asserts there are simple solutions to bringing back dark skies for human and wildlife health: make outdoor lights dimmer; shield lights so they only shine downward; and use warm-colored lightbulbs. Professor Bakos defines light pollution as an "inappropriate and excess amount of outdoor lighting." In humans, light pollution has been linked to increases in breast cancer, diabetes and depression. Many species, such as migrating birds, hatching turtles and fireflies have also been affected with alarming rates of decline. For fireflies, these magical beloved bioluminescent beetles, artificial light decreases their ability to observe mating signals, which could impact reproduction and therefore population. Dark Skies International works to restore darkness to the global population living under a light-polluted nighttime sky. The nonprofit's website Dark Sky NJ states: "While its impacts are still being studied and vary widely across species, scientists do know light pollution is affecting how plants grow and reproduce. It disrupts their seasonal rhythms, their ability to sense and react to natural light, and their fragile relationship with pollinators. The more 4 ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 strained that relationship becomes, the more our food supply may be put in jeopardy. And just one broken link could create unfathomable physiological consequences up and down the food chain." LEDs can worsen light pollution The recent increase in light pollution is connected to the inappropriate use of outdoor LED lighting. LED light bulbs have important advantages -- they last longer, use less energy and are brighter than incandescent/CFL lights-but that means we should be using less lighting with proper design that focuses light only where it's needed. Light pollution costs approximately $3 billion annually in

er than incandescent/CFL lights-but that means we should be using less lighting with proper design that focuses light only where it's needed. Light pollution costs approximately $3 billion annually in wasted energy. What can be done about excess outdoor artificial light? Design • Illuminate only what you need to see. • Use energy-efficient bulbs and only as bright as you need. • Sheild light bulbs and direct them downward. • Use automatic timers or motion sensors to turn on lights only when needed. • Choose warm light. Just like for humans, blue light can be dangerous for wildlife. Education • Raise awareness about the problems with excess artificial light. • Celebrate the beauty of the night sky. Show the documentary Dark Sacred Night and encourage residents to view meteors such as the Perseid Shower. • Pass a proclamation. The Town of Clinton's proclamation designated April

2-8, 2024, as International Dark Sky Week. Reach out to info@anjec.org for sample proclamation language. • Use apps such as BirdCast to help birds as they migrate through the night. Birds get disoriented by artificial light and, sadly, many die. An estimated 365 to 988 million birds die in collisions with buildings annually, including several species of high conservation concern. Use BirdCast to monitor nocturnal migration activity and, when you know birds are passing through your town, encourage "lights out." Legislation 1. Pass an ordinance with strong outdoor lighting standards, such as Hopewell Township's (https://ecode360.com/ 36110083) . The Town of Clinton, under the leadership of Councilman John Kashwick, is working to pass an ordinance that could serve as a good model. "Excessive artificial light at night disrupts wildlife, impacts human health by disturbing sleep and circadian rhythms, and deprives our children from seeing the night sky," Kashwick explains. "In response to resident complaints about light pollution, I plan to introduce an ordinance in the Town SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER of Clinton later this year to mitigate its effects and reduce light trespass." 2. Support the passage of State bill A2196/S1610, which requires that outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by, or on behalf of the State, or at projects receiving State funds, to meet certain criteria. Simple, commonsense solutions can help bring back our dark skies. Each night, the universe offers us a spectacle of infinite beauty. By reducing light pollution, we preserve its beauty, wonder and peace. Sources: Dark Scared Night documentary www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FW0WZX75Nmo Dark Sky NJ - www.astra-nj.com/darkskynew-jersey Bird Migration App - https://birdcast.info/ migration-tools/live-migration-maps/ ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 5

By Rayna Laiosa, Chair, Hawthorne Environmental Commission/Green Team; Greg Poff, Township Manager, Randolph Township; Michele Gaynor, ANJEC Resource Center; and Julie Lange Groth, ANJEC Report Editor Hawthorne applauds environmental leadership Upcycle Fashion displayed at Hawthorne's 32nd Cel-Earth-Bration event held in April. From left, Natali Saleh; Rayna Laiosa, EC/Green Team Chair; Saja Alhoms; Mayor John V Lane, Borough of Hawthorne; Mary Mahon, Hawthorne EC Vice Chair; and Teacher Theresa DiGeronimo Photo by Rayna Laiosa “Think Globally, Act Locally” was the theme of a June presentation by Hawthorne students to the town's Environmental Commission (EC) showcasing their environmental projects. Certain local businesses and residents also received special recognition for their leadership and commitment to protecting and preserving the community's natural resources. The EC reviewed highlights of their 32nd Cel-Earth-Bration event held in April, where first prize winner Maggie Giacchetti, a third grader from Jefferson Elementary School, presented her project “Explore Hawthorne Places.” Hawthorne High School STEM students Ryan Corella, Joshua Duran, Nathan Gaehring, Jacob Hernandez and Medrit Veliu also presented their project “DownSpout Dynamo,” in which the 6 ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 students sought to test the viability of “gutter power” as a sustainable energy source by placing a hydroelectric converter inside a rain downspout to transfer waterpowered energy to a storage battery. The team was coached by math teacher Michele Phibbs and library media specialist Theresa DiGeronimo and was mentored by volunteers from New Era Engineering, Rayna Laiosa from the Hawthorne EC and STEAM Tank subject matter experts. The students earned second place in the statewide NJ School Board Association's STEAM Tank Challenge, earning their school $1,500. Students Saja Alhoms, Blake Preiskines, Natali Saleh, Rowyn Simmermon and Emma Damstra presented their “Upcycle Fashion Dress,” created with old SAT

practice booklets, a discarded book, leftover promotional flyers and an old mannequin. Lastly, Brianna Counsellor, David Salazar, Logan Sakir and Benedetto Russo were recognized for winning first place and a scholarship for their Species on the Edge 2.0 high school learning challenge entry about the black skimmer, a distinctive coastal waterbird. Colour & Whim Studio received the 2024 Green Businesses of Hawthorne award. The firm utilizes low VOC paint, teaches students how to make crafts out of recycled materials and recycles paper, cans and plastics. Citizens John Minicozzi, Paul Whelan and Rita Pinelli were recognized for their partnership with the EC. – Rayna Laiosa Guidebook lays foundation for environmental protection The Randolph Township Environmental Guidebook (RTEG) is a living document, subject to annual review, that contains information about contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. It also details projects and strategies that can be implemented locally to create positive and measurable change. Designed to be used at different scales, from municipal leadership to volunteer groups, the RTEG is overseen by the Environmental and Landmark Committee and was developed in consultation with Pinto Consulting, LLC, and funded by the NJ Highlands Council. The comprehensive resource contains detailed recommendations for 49 projects across 11 action categories, from air quality to open space to water. Key visions and goals include: • Enhancing sustainability and resilience – adopting sustainable practices to prepare for environmental challenges. • Fostering collaborative partnerships – collaborating with local departments, SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER schools, and organizations to promote sustainability. • Protecting sensitive areas – conserving natural habitats to maintain biodiversity; • Advancing clean energy use – transitioning to cleaner energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint; • Green infrastructure for stormwater management – utilizing innovative solutions to manage stormwater and reduce impact. • Community engagement and education – creating informed citizens committed to environmental health; • Improving air and water quality – implementing initiatives to benefit environmental and public health; • Boosting recycling and waste reduction – enhancing waste management to decrease environmental impact. The

air and water quality – implementing initiatives to benefit environmental and public health; • Boosting recycling and waste reduction – enhancing waste management to decrease environmental impact. The Environmental and Landmark Committee and the Township are proud to share the RTEG with the community as a collaboration between residents and the municipal government, which is essential for reaching shared goals of sustainability, environmental stewardship and resiliency. Find the RTEG at https://tinyurl.com/ 52375ysy – Greg Poff Hoboken is disposing of disposables Hoboken has joined the small but growing ranks of NJ municipalities that have enacted Skip the Stuff ordinances restricting restaurants from automatically handing out plastic cutlery and single-use condiments with takeout and delivery orders. The City Council unanimously approved the measure in June as part of an effort to reduce single-use plastic waste. The law stipulates that restaurants may only include items like plastic utensils and condiment packets in deliveries if customers specifically request them. In March Red Bank and Garwood passed similar ordinances, but the real pioneers of stuff-skipping laws took action years ago. Red Bank included limits on disposable ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 7

utensils in the municipality’s plastic bag ban instituted in 2019. And in 2018, Stone Harbor and Avalon passed laws prohibiting disposable plastic cutlery. Camden County began its ban on plastic utensils, stirrers, polystyrene food containers and singleserve disposable plastic water bottles at county facilities and county-sponsored events in 2020. – Julie Lange Groth Parsippany screens American River film The Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee together with the Parsippany Green Team and Wildlife Preserves, a nonprofit land conservation corporation, hosted a free screening of the awardwinning film American River, which documents the history of the Passaic River. The May screening brought 80 people together on a Saturday at the town library to learn about the sordid history of this infamous river. The Passaic, which starts from a pond in Mendham, travels through eight counties before ending up in Newark Bay. Parsippany sits in the Passaic River Basin and has the Whippany River and Rockaway River running through the Township. The documentary, produced by Scott Morris, chronicles the adventures of Mary Bruno and her guide Carl Alderson on the Passaic River. Bruno, author of the book, An American River: From Paradise to Superfund, is also a journalist and biologist. The pair set out by kayak on a four-day, 80mile journey starting along a quiet, treelined stream in Morris County and carrying them along many diverse habitats to the industrial, contaminated waters in Newark Bay. In the film Bruno talks about her childhood growing up near the polluted section of the River in North Arlington as she sets out to discover what has become of the River since her youth. Pastor John Algera, who runs a company called Urban Wilderness Renewal that conducts paddling expeditions on the Passaic River, spoke at the screening, about his experiences taking kayakers out on the River. Consensus about the film was very positive, with residents walking away with an appreciation and understanding of this exploited water body. They were also left with hope knowing that the federal Environmental Protection Agency has recently approved a final cleanup of the lower 8.3 miles of the River. For more information on the American River documentary, visit www.americanriver.film/. – Michele Gaynor Poster for American River film 8 ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024