Pursuant to L. 1972, c. 35 (N.J.S.A. 40:56A.1 et seq.), there is hereby
established in and for the Township of Franklin an Environmental Commission,
to be known as the "Franklin Township Environmental and Open Space Commission."
The Environmental and Open Space Commission shall have the power to
conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the
Township and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized
for similar purposes and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books,
maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary
for its purposes. It shall keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately
owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain
information on the proper use of such areas, and may from time to time recommend
to the Franklin Township Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in
a Township Master Plan and the development and use of such areas.
The Environmental and Open Space Commission may, subject to the approval
of the Township Committee, acquire property, both real and personal, in the
name of the Township, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease,
for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for such purposes, subject
to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire
the fee or any lesser interest, development right, easement (including conservation
easements), covenant or other contractual right (including a conveyance on
conditions or with limitations or reversions), as may be necessary to acquire,
maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve
and properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the Township.
The Environmental and Open Space Commission shall keep records of its
meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the Township Committee.
The governing body of a municipality may appropriate funds for the expenses
incurred by the Environmental Commission. The Commission may appoint such
clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require and as shall
be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.
The Commission may be dissolved at any time by the majority vote of
the Township Committee.