Environmental Commission

Environmental Commission at Hazlet Day

Hazlet Day on Sept. 9, 2023 was a great success! The weather held out, many visitors stopped at the table and materials were handed out. Three plants were given out in the raffle. From left, Commission Members Amy Mescal, Barbara Ledja and Chairman Scott Aagre. 

Upcoming Events

Natco Park Nature Walk - Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Meet at Natco Lake trail entrance at the rear of the The Gramercy parking lot, 410 Route 36, Hazlet, NJ. 

Natco Park Tree Decorating - Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Environmental Building at Natco Park, 399 Middle Road, Hazlet. 

Facebook

Follow the The Hazlet Environmental Commission on Facebook @HazletEnvironmentalCommission.

Meetings & Location

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. in person at the Environmental Building at Natco Park, 399 Middle Road, Hazlet. Always check the Meeting Calendar for updates. Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and Minutes are posted in the Agenda Center.

2023 Meeting Dates

  • January 16, 2023 - Reorganization
  • February 6
  • March 6
  • April 3
  • May 1 (rescheduled for May 8)
  • May 8: (Stormwater Management Seminar)
  • June 19 (canceled due to lack of quorum)
  • July 10
  • August 7 (canceled due to lack of quorum)
  • September 11
  • October 2 Rescheduled to October 9
  • November 13
  • December 4
  • January 8, 2024 – Re-organization

Board Members & Terms

  • Scott Aagre, Chairman for an unexpired term commencing on 8/23/2023 through 12/31/2023
  • Joe Pobega, Vice Chairman 2021-2023
  • Ron Isenburg,  Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2025
  • Angela Lipel,  Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2025
  • Bob Friesendorf, Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2025 
  • Amy Mescal (Alternate #1) for an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2024
  • David Smentkowski (Alternate #2) for an unexpired term ending 12/31/2023
  • Barbara Lejda, 2021 - 2023


Township Committee Representatives

  • James Cavuto, Committeeman
  • Peter Terranova, Committeeman

About the Environmental Commission

The Hazlet Environmental Commission is an advisory body, comprised of Township residents, appointed by the Mayor. 

The responsibilities of the Commission are to:

  • Maintain an inventory of open space properties, publicly or privately owned, in the township
  • Maintain an inventory of natural and environmental resources in the township
  • Design, construct, and maintain trails on township properties and conduct public walks on these trails
  • Publicize Environmental Commission activities and accomplishments
  • Identify, research, and advise the Mayor and Township Committee on environmental issues that may affect the township and/or its residents
  • Review the Master Plan and make recommendations to the Land Use Board

Funding for the Environmental Commission is appropriated by the Hazlet Township Committee as part of the Township’s annual budget. In addition, the Commission may apply for grants from the state, county, and other sources to fund specific projects.

In 1968, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a law authorizing municipalities to establish a commission that would be an advisory body on environmental planning, protection and open space issues. In 1972 the State Legislature amended the law, expanding the commission’s responsibilities to other areas of environmental concern, including pollution prevention and control, solid waste management, noise control and environmental aesthetics. The Commission was established by the Township Committee in 1982.