There are plenty of ways for you to stay involved and to take action. Check out some of the many events we have going on throughout the year. Share with your friends and family, and help us protect and restore the Bay!
Have you volunteered with us lately? Update your hours volunteered HERE!
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin
Upcoming Events
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
The Natural Lands Trust Fund Program was established to acquire and maintain environmentally sensitive lands, natural areas or open spaces that would generally remain in their natural state and for the preservation of farmland. The objective of the program, is to establish of a system of protected lands which, in combination with the Farmlands Preservation Program, enhance the quality of life in Ocean County by:
- Helping to maintain the County’s rural characteristics;
- Protecting critical environmental resources and water supply;
- Maintaining and enhancing active agriculture;
- Buffering areas that are not compatible with development.
In 1997, the residents of Ocean County, overwhelmingly voted to establish the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Program. The approval of a 1.2 cent dedicated tax provides the Board of Chosen Freeholders with the funds to acquire lands in Ocean County for conservation and farmland preservation. On February 18, 1998, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders established a nine member Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee to advise on the preparation of the required open space plan and the nomination of properties to be acquired through the Natural Lands Trust Fund. The committee’s purpose is to review nominations for the Trust Fund and to forward recommendations to the Board of Chosen Freeholders for consideration.
The program now generates over $10 million per year for natural lands acquisitions and farmland preservation. Several important parcels have been preserved and acquired through partnerships with non-profits, municipalities and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information on the program click here.
** November/December meetings are combined. Date and location to be determined. Meetings are subject to change, please contact the Ocean County Planning Department to confirm dates at 732-929-2054.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
The Planning Board has jurisdiction to review and approve site plans, subdivisions, and dimensional variances requested as a part of those applications. Numerous functions are under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board in addition to the review of development applications, including the review of capital projects by various levels of government, preparation and adoption of a Master Plan guiding long-range goals and objectives for the Township, review and recommendation on amendments to land development and zoning regulations, and recommendations to Township Council on matters related to redevelopment.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
*October 16th meeting is at 1:00pm*
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.
The administrative duties of the Planning Board are carried out through the Community Development Department. The administrative responsibilities include the entire development process from the organization of a conceptual meeting, to assisting the applicant and their professionals with the development application, the public hearing process, resolution compliance and the signing of a final map prior to obtaining zoning and construction permits. In addition, all public notice and hearings relating to the Master Plan re-examination and adoption are facilitated through the department.
***Meeting details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the meeting organizer when planning to attend.