O39 Resolution of the EC Environmental Commission Dated 7 2 25

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive Co-Chairs Jennifer Duckworth Jasmin Morin Members Karima Jackson Ann Marchioni Johnathan Redwine Gray Russell Honorable County Commissioner Patricia Sebold County Commissioner Alternate Dawn Spango Essex County, Liaison Environmental Coordinator Tara M Casella COUNTY OF ESSEX DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Daniel K. Salvante Director OF4 ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue Roseland, NJ 07068 Phone 973-228-8776 Fax 973-228-3793 Www.essexcountynj.org www.essexcountyparks.org June 2, 2025 Resolution of the Essex County Environmental Commission REQUESTING THAT THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF THE FOREST ON THE SECOND WATCHUNG MOUNTAIN RIDGE WHEREAS, these 120 acres of intact forest are a significant element of the West Essex area; and WHEREAS, the forest provides biodiversity, groundwater recharge, clean air and carbon storage; and WHEREAS, this area provides natural habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife; and WHEREAS, this area serves clean water to towns in Essex County communities and reduces flooding and erosion; and WHEREAS, this area serves as a major cooling zone to offset the urban heat island effect; and WHEREAS, this area increases open space in an area with little open space; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Essex County Environmental Commission respectfully requests that the Township of West Orange reject the proposed housing development and instead permanently preserve the forest on the Second Watchung Mountain Ridge Forest.