The Township of Clark, pursuant to the statutory authority contained
in N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq., hereby creates an Environmental Commission
in and for the Township of Clark and for the protection, development
or use of natural resources, including water resources, located within
its territorial limits.
The Environmental Commission shall have 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 Planning
Board, or, if none, to the Mayor and governing body of the Township,
plans and programs for inclusion in the Municipal Master Plan and
the development of such lands.
The Environmental Commission may, subject to the approval of
the governing body, 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 easement), 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 Commission shall keep records of its meetings
and activities and shall make an annual report to the governing body
of the Township.
The governing body of the Township 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 shall be within the limits of funds appropriated
to it.
The Environmental Commission shall have power to study and make
recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources
management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control,
soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources
and protection of flora and fauna.