his or her perspective on how to succeed in environmental projects. As their discussion revealed, connectedness is best achieved by cultivating teamwork through expertise and understanding. “Our priorities are simple,” Spodofora said. “Protect the bay.” A few of the main ideas Spodofora touched upon were: data gathering; educating the public and raising awareness, through town-wide celebrations such as Arbor Day and the Groundwater Guardian designation; community involvement and networking (“I can’t stress enough the importance of networking”); unifying towns, their environmental commissions and advocacy groups; spreading the message that “environmental problems don’t recognize boundaries on a map”; managing resources; setting standards, in the form of ordinances, that reflect a long-range plan for environmental health. One simple, cost-saving measure he suggested was to borrow the verbiage from a neighboring town’s ordinance. In O’Donnell’s experience, towns that decide to unify voluntarily, rather than by mandate, seem to be more effective.
Constantino said one priority should be cleaning up and enhancing existing habitats. Recognizing that changes in resources can present challenges and a sour political atmosphere can impact/impede progress, his advice was to choose projects strategically, realistically – to ensure the environmental commission walks away with a win. One way to do that is by opening the lines of communication with leaders, build partnerships. But relationships and partnerships at the town level sometimes require a delicate touch, Wenzel pointed out. Miller, on behalf of ANJEC, suggested partnering with nonprofit organizations. She also said environmental commissions should leverage a town’s resources – public works, engineers, planners – to accomplish objectives. Eagle Scout Joe DeRado said the key to engaging partners is to assemble a knowledge base. Bringing good background builds credibility, Constantino agreed. When it comes to maintaining good results after a project is fi nished, Spodofora said, signage helps to bring ongoing recognition to an accomplishment and remind the public of the
town’s accomplishments. Wenzel added that establishing a sense of ownership and pride for those who helped make it happen can inspire and empower employees to take part and care about the outcome, so they will want to maintain the results. Auermuller summarized: Be realistic, organized, open and science-based, and work from the ground up. Tap into ANJEC as a resource for information and guidance. Recognize partners and express thanks for their efforts. While environmental commissions may be advisory in nature, they can have plenty of influence, Spodofora said. Get involved in the master plan; get ideas in writing; create something that is lasting. DeRado agreed: The first step toward making a difference is making noise. Be heard, he urged. Publish newsletters; speak at meetings; rally the support of others who trust and believe in the same mission. Also, Wenzel offered, never underestimate the power of a paper trail. Above all, passion drives prog ress, O’Donnell said. Y victorialassonde@thesandpaper.net
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35 The SandPaper/Wednesday, May 9, 2012
to public works to politics. The reason for the information-sharing session was to fill in communication gaps that can sometimes open up between the different groups, despite their shared goals, Galie acknowledged. It happens commonly enough that Galie felt it was necessary to bring all the groups together. “Our ‘habitat’ wasn’t connected,” she quipped. Panel of ‘Green’ Experts Shares Insights and Tips A panel discussion, called “Taking a Project from A-Z,” led by Watershed Coordinator Lisa Auermuller from the Jacques Cousteau Coastal Center, included: Britta Wenzel, executive director of Save Barnegat Bay and a former elected official; Tony O’Donnell, an economist with Sustainable Jersey; Chris Constantino, chair of the Point Pleasant Borough Environmental Commission; Kerry Miller, assistant director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions; 16-yearold Eagle Scout Joe DeRado; and Stafford Township Mayor John Spodofora, a longtime environmental champion. Each was selected for the panel based on