VERA's Accomplishments in 2002
Hosted the Smart Growth Symposium with the Sierra Club as a co-sponsor. Dennis Miranda, NJ Conservation Foundation and Howard D. Cohen, Esq., Stern, Greenbert and Kilcullen (Land Use Atty.) were the featured speakers. The speakers are well respected in their fields, and their presentations lived up to their reputations. The meeting was well advertised and open to the public.
After concerned residents contacted VERA about contamination in and around a local lake and on private properties, VERA arranged a meeting for residents with officials from the EPA and the DEP. Residents continued to be concerned, especially about health problems, and another meeting was held, this time with the EPA, DEP, CDC, Camden County and local officials. As a follow up to the meeting, VERA met with Congressman Rob Andrews to inform him of the problem and to seek his advice and help. The meeting was highly productive. VERA and Congressman Andrew's office continue to monitor the situation and ask for specific actions when appropriate.
VERA won a prestigious Environmental Achievement Award from the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions for this web site. This is the second time we've won an ANJEC award.
During the course of routine stream monitoring visits at Lions Lake Park, VERA became increasingly concerned about the health of the lake and stream at the park. VERA reached out to US Fish and Wildlife for advice and guidence. US Fish and Wildlife proposed a plan to Voorhees Township for making conditions at the park more favorable to wildlife besides Canada Geese. Voorhees liked the plan and partners with US F&W, thus getting the work done at virtually no cost. The work was completed in October. We hope to see thriving populations of turtles, frogs, herons and other wildlife at the edge of the lake when the weather warms up.
VERA sponsored a Candidates Night for the four persons seeking election to Township Committee. We videotaped the event and had it broadcast repeatedly on Channel 19.
At VERA's invitation, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission gave a presentation to Township Committee regarding the Rancocas Greenway Plan. This plan, initiated by various groups including VERA several years ago, makes recommendations
DVRPC Presentation at Township Meeting
Buzby Landfill letter to DEP
Meeting with Rob Andrews regarding Kirkwood Lake to obtain his support for the Kirkwood Lake cleanup plans.
Attendance at Training Seminar
Support of Rt. 73 Committee plans
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