[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of West Amwell 2-7-2007 by Ord. No. 03-2007. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
The regulations contained herein are adopted
to assure that the Township properties owned by the Township of West
Amwell will be perpetually preserved in a natural condition for the
use, enjoyment and appreciation by local residents and visitors. These
regulations are also designed to protect the natural resources and
watersheds, to maintain and enhance biodiversity, to retain a quality
habitat for native plants and animals, and to maintain, enhance, protect
and preserve the natural features of said lands and the agricultural
character of the Township.
Any activity on, or use of, Township properties
inconsistent with the purpose of this chapter or which are detrimental
to conservation values is expressly prohibited. By way of example,
but not by way of limitations, the following activities and uses are
expressly prohibited:
A.
Commercial activities. Any commercial activity on
Township property is prohibited, except as authorized by the Township
Committee. De minimis commercial recreational activity may be permitted,
subject to an appropriate petition to and approval by the Township
and its relevant reviewing bodies.
B.
Industrial activities. Any industrial activity on
Township properties is strictly prohibited.
C.
Construction. The placement or construction of any
human-made modification such as, but not limited to, structures, buildings,
fences, roads, and parking lots, is prohibited, unless otherwise permitted
by this chapter or authorized by the Township Committee. The creation
and/or maintenance of appropriately reviewed and approved nature trails
shall not be considered a human-made construction or modification.
D.
Cutting and removing vegetation. Any cutting of trees
or removal of vegetation, including pruning or trimming, is prohibited,
except by authorized Township personnel.
E.
Land surface alteration. Any alteration of the surface
of the properties is prohibited, except as authorized by the Township
Committee. Any unauthorized removal of topsoil, sand, gravel, rock,
peat or natural surface materials of any kind is prohibited. Any alteration
of the land, for instance, the building of mounds for skateboarding
or for any other kind of recreational activity, is strictly prohibited.
F.
Dumping. Waste and debris may not be placed on Township
properties, except as authorized by the Township Committee.
G.
Watercourses; groundwater. Natural watercourses, wetlands,
or other bodies of water from ground or surface sources may not be
diverted. Measures necessary for erosion or flood control may be taken,
provided that the proposed actions have been properly reviewed and
authorized by the Township.
H.
Vehicles. The use of motorized vehicles including,
but not limited to, snowmobiles, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles,
and motorcycles is prohibited. No vehicles, except those authorized
by the Township, shall be permitted. Wheelchairs and other such forms
of personal transportation shall be permitted where the use of such
apparatus is appropriate. The Township reserves the right to regulate
bicycle use on its properties.
I.
Signs and billboards. The posting of signs and billboards
on Township property is prohibited, except as authorized by the Township
Committee.
J.
Noise. Township ordinances placing restrictions on
the intensity and duration of noise shall be strictly enforced on
Township properties.
K.
Additional prohibited activities. The following activities
are prohibited on Township property, except as authorized by the Township
Committee:
(1)
Paintball, the shooting of any guns, arrows, darts
or projectiles of any kind.
(2)
The hunting, capture, removal, disturbance, or harassment
of any wildlife. All wildlife and the homes of all wildlife on Township
properties shall not be moved, taken, disturbed, or relocated.
(3)
The consumption of alcohol.
(4)
Fireworks of any kind.
(5)
Campfires or use of open flame in any capacity.
(6)
Camping.
(7)
Littering.
(8)
Horseback
riding.
[Added 9-17-2008 by Ord.
No. 17-2008]
(9)
Removal
of survey markers, including conservation easement markers.
[Added 9-17-2008 by Ord.
No. 17-2008]
The West Amwell Township Police Department shall
be the public agency designated to enforce the provisions of this
chapter. The Township reserves the right to seek an injunction to
enjoin any activity in violation of this chapter. The Township further
reserves the right to seek all reasonable litigation costs and reasonable
attorney fees and all costs of any corrective action taken to remedy
damages done to its properties.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any
provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to a
fine of not less than $100 nor more than $2,000, a term of imprisonment
not exceeding 90 days or a period of community service not exceeding
90 days, or any combination thereof.
