Kingwood Township's Official Web Site


	Environmental Resource Inventory (January 2009) & Conservation Plan Element of the Master Plan (October 2008) for Kingwood Township * * PRESS RELEASE * * Kingwood Township Completes Conservation Planning Projects Kingwood Township recently completed an update of its Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) and adopted a Conservation Element as part of the municipality's Master Plan. The project was funded by a Smart Growth Grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), the Township, and volunteer time. The Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) provides a compilation of maps and text showing and explaining the natural characteristics and environmental features of a municipality including surface and ground water, soils, geology, steep slopes, wetlands, open space, human impacts and regulatory framework. The update was prepared by volunteer Deborah Kratzer, of Kratzer Environmental Services, a member of the Kingwood Township Environmental Commission. "The update makes the maps and information, originally done in 2004, current to 2009," said Mrs. Kratzer. "Also, the computerized maps have been revised so they are in an easily accessible, interactive format which allows for use as a planning and educational tool." The goals and policies in the Conservation Element were developed by the Kingwood Township Planning Board with the assistance of Banisch Associates, the Township's planning consultant, in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law. The goals, policies and strategies of this plan, based in part on the information in the ERI, are designed to carefully guide, manage and sustain the Township’s natural resources over time. "The updated ERI gives the Planning Board the science and knowledge of the town's natural features to assist us in making appropriate planning decisions," commented Richard Dodds, Planning Board Chairman. Through the adoption of this plan and the ERI update, Township residents may learn to appreciate and maintain the natural wonders that exist in their backyards. Understanding the interdependence of the variety of species habitat, surface and ground water systems, and land use policies are the foundation of responsible natural resources stewardship. This plan seeks to balance natural resource protection with private property owners’ reasonable expectations to use their land, and to establish responsible stewardship of natural resources as the basis for maintaining the natural environment that sustains the Township’s human population and abundant wildlife. Elaine Niemann, Mayor of Kingwood Township, stated, "We are very fortunate to have residents here in Kingwood Township who so generously give their time and talent to make it possible for us to take advantage of grant opportunities like this one from ANJEC. Kingwood's residents want to preserve the natural beauty of our township and the updated ERI and the Conservation Element will support our efforts in that regard." To complete these projects, Kingwood Township received a $6,250 Smart Growth Planning Grant from ANJEC, a private, non-profit educational organization dedicated to natural resource protection. The Township Committee provided matching funds of $3,750 and volunteer services exceeding $2,500. The grant was managed by a project team composed of members of the Environmental Commission, Planning Board, and Banisch Associates. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the ongoing process of implementing specific policies in the Conservation Element of the Master Plan by attending monthly meetings of the Township Committee, Planning Board and Environmental Commission. Copies of the documents, as well as meeting schedules, are available at Kingwood Township's website www.kingwoodtownship.com. 2009 ERI (it is approximately 24 mb and is PDF): Download Now 2008 Conservation Element (it is approximately 10 mb and is PDF): Download Now