The Environmental 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 advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and
pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purpose. 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 Planning
Board or, if none, to the Mayor and Township Council plans and programs for
inclusion in a Municipal Master Plan and for the development and use of such
areas.
The Environmental Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township
Council, 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 of any lesser
interest, development right, easement, including a conveyance on conditions
or with limitations or reservations, as may be necessary to acquire, maintain,
improve, project, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve and properly
utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the township.
The Environmental Commission shall keep records of its meetings and
activities and shall make an annual report to the Township Council.