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stock of 2024 objectives that still need to be accomplished. Where does your town stand on required compliance with the new Inland Flood Hazard Rules and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permits? While you’re discussing stormwater issues and shrinking resources with local officials anyway, why not advocate for adoption of a stormwater utility in your town? It provides a funding stream that places a proportionate responsibility for stormwater management costs on those who generate the most runoff. Also think about potential new ordinances that could benefit your community and how to grease the skids among officials and residents through communication efforts. Examples include ordinances to protect trees, restrict use of gaspowered leaf blowers, outlaw invasive species and encourage green building. Is your town ready to tackle food waste composting? Are there preserved open spaces or trails that need attention, or newly available properties that could be acquired as open space, especially in environmentally overburdened, underserved communities? Now is the time to plan for such projects. Follow the money Think about what support and resources you'll need to accomplish 2025 goals. If your town operates on a calendar-year basis (rather than a fiscal year), municipal officials will be putting the annual budget together in the fall, so you'll need to submit your EC budget. In addition to any projects your commission will need funding for, be sure your budget includes ANJEC membership dues and fees for your members to attend the annual ANJEC Environmental Congress. And start looking for grants to support your plans, including ANJEC's Open Space Stewardship grants (see page 25). Prepare your annual report Autumn is also a good time to start writing your annual report highlighting all 24 ANJEC REPORT – Autumn Autumn 2024 2024 your accomplishments for 2024. Because your audience for this report is municipal officials as well as the community at large, emphasize how your efforts helped the town conserve resources, protect public health and improve quality of life. Also consider how you'll publicize your annual report. Besides presenting it at a Council meeting, many ECs post it on the municipal website and social media. Be sure to also share it with local news media. The Morris Township Environmental Commission's 2023 Annual Report is a good example of a

ng, many ECs post it on the municipal website and social media. Be sure to also share it with local news media. The Morris Township Environmental Commission's 2023 Annual Report is a good example of a well-organized document with charts that put their efforts in context and colorful pictures that add liveliness. It's posted on the town website at https://tinyurl.com/m5edb5tw. The Princeton EC's 2023 Annual Report is organized around the Commission's goals. It not only memorializes the EC's recommendations on development proposals but also discloses member attendance at EC meetings. In addition, the Report lists goals for the upcoming year. https:// tinyurl.com/2r7dehts The Kingwood Township EC's Annual Report is formatted like a newsletter and emphasizes how the EC collaborated with other municipal departments and organizations to accomplish its goals. It also provides information and resources for residents on important rural issues like well testing and septic system pumping. https://tinyurl.com/4f2sshfj ANJEC can help To make autumn the climax of a great year and the beginning of a promising 2025, contact the ANJEC Resource Center at info@anjec.org for information and toolkits to help you get a head start n the New Year!