Mon to Thurs: 8am – 4pm
Friday: 8am – 1pm
908.756.0080
15 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
Mon to Thurs: 8am – 4pm
Friday: 8am – 1pm
908.756.0080
15 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
Environmental Commission
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Watchung Environmental Commission is to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Borough, make recommendations to the Mayor and Council on actions and policies of sustainability and environmental stewardship, and preserve and enhance the rural residential aspects of life in the Borough of Watchung.
In furtherance of this, the Commission shall:
- Promote environmental awareness and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air, noise, and light pollution control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, and protection of flora and fauna.
- Advise the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment on the environmental impacts of pending developments in the Borough by reviewing all applications prior to public hearings.
- Foster awareness of the Borough’s natural environment within the community, including local schools, through public education programs and outreach.
- Promote innovative environmental recycling programs, green building best practices, pesticide-free organic land care, and anti-idling initiatives.
- Collaborate when possible with other Borough committees, such as Traffic and Beautification, Green Team, and DPW, on projects to improve the environment in the Borough.
Tree Preservation
Residents: As you make your landscaping and construction plans for the year, please remember that a permit is required before cutting down any tree, alive or dead. The tree removal permit is FREE. Details available on the Borough website at watchungnj.gov under Engineering, or by calling the Engineering Dept. at Borough Hall, 908-756-0091. The different types of permits are shown below. Permits should be sent to the Engineering Dept. at
Watchung is losing many trees to invasive insects, storms, and disease. Click here for the Preferred Tree List of the native trees and shrubs that are recommended as replacements for all the ash and other trees that are being lost.
If you are removing tree(s) | Then complete and submit |
|---|---|
If you are going to remove tree(s) without land disturbance | Tree removal application for permit with "no land disurbance" form |
If you are going to remove tree(s) with land disturbance | Tree removal application for permit with "with land disurbance" form |
If you are going to remove dead, diseased, dying or hazardous tree(s) without land disturbance | Dead, Diseased, Dying or Hazardous Tree Only Tree Removal Permit Application |
If you are going to remove dead, diseased, dying or hazardous tree(s) with land disturbance | Tree removal application for permit with "with land disurbance" form |
General Information
Authority: Code 2-39
Members:
7 Members for term of 3-years
1 shall be Planning Board Member
Appointed by Mayor; must be residents
Board Officials
Paolo Marano
Council Liaison
Doug Speeney, Chair
Ending 12/31/2028
Coraleine Kitt, Vice-Chair
Ending 12/31/2027
Jennifer Principato, Secretary
Ending 12/31/2026
Marisa Perez
Ending 12/31/2028
Karen Pennett
Ending 12/31/2026
Anna Ginzburg
Ending 12/31/2028
Abigail Pachon
Ending 12/31/2028
Special Recycling Programs
The Watchung EC is always on the lookout for new recycling opportunities for items not collected in Somerset County's regular curbside recycling. The EC is proud to sponsor the following programs:
CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES:
- Clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, and household textiles (sheets, towels, etc.) in any condition, wearable or not. All items must be dry and and placed in tied plastic bags (like trash bags).
- Bin is located at DPW Garage at 880 Somerset St., next to the Styrofoam bin.
- Open Monday to Friday during DPW regular business hours for self-service dropoff.
BOOKS:
- Paperback and hard cover books in good, readable condition. Books must have a barcode on the front or back cover.
- Bin is located up the driveway of the Fireman's Exempt Hall, next to Borough Hall, at 57 Mountain Blvd.
- Bin is available 24/7/365 for dropoff.
STYROFOAM:
- Clean, white packing Styrofoam only. All tape, stickers, and writing must be removed.
- Bin is located at DPW Garage at 880 Somerset St.
- Open Monday to Friday during DPW regular business hours for self-service recycling.
Best Lake Riparian Buffer Project
The EC, with the help of community volunteers, has planted and maintained over 200 native trees and shrubs along a 300 ft stretch of stream east of Best Lake. The EC developed the project to enhance the water quality entering Best Lake. Specifically, the buffer filters stormwater runoff entering the stream, reduces erosion, and shades the stream, which keeps water temperatures low enough to support a healthy fish population. In addition, the stream buffer helps provide a needed level of flood control by absorbing excess water during storm events. The buffer also serves to enhance habitat for wildlife and pollinators. To further enhance the natural habitat provided by the buffer, the EC sponsored an Eagle Scout project that added bird boxes along the buffer. The EC encourages residents to visit the area to enjoy the native plantings and diverse wildlife. An interpretive sign has been posted near the center of the buffer to learn more about the project and its environmental benefits.
Environmental Achievement Awards
In 2024, the Watchung EC received an Environmental Achievement Award from ANJEC (the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions) in recognition of the environmental improvements associated with the Best Lake Riparian Buffer project. The project was also highlighted on the cover of the Arbor Day Foundation's Fall 2024 Newsletter, which was distributed nationwide. In June of 2025, the Best Lake Riparian Buffer Project was Certified by the Watershed Institute. Specifically, the project was certified under the "River Friendly - Community Partner program". Creating the riparian buffer, implementing a tree replacement program in the floodplain adjacent to the buffer, adding bird boxes, adding educational signage, and having ongoing community engagement and stewardship of the area were all instrumental in gaining this prestigious Certification from the Watershed Institute.
No Littering Campaign
Residents are noticing more trash on our streets and more plastic in our lakes. This litter stacks up to a big problem and has major negative effects on our Borough. It harms property values, quality of life, proper performance of our sewer systems, and overall health and safety for all. Please help us in our no littering campaign by picking up loose trash on and around your property. Be sure to keep a tight lid on your trash and recycle bins. If items spill into the street, please pick them up before they blow into your neighbors’ yards or into our sewers, streams, and lakes. Remind your young ones to dispose of trash properly. Be part of the solution, not the pollution. Let’s keep Watchung clean and green!
