Home > Managing A Watershed > Supporting Municipalities

"The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice
something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."
- Gaylord Nelson, former governor of Wisconsin, founder of Earth Day

Local Laws are the foundation of watershed protection. The Association’s Program for Municipal Excellence focuses on building partnerships with municipal leaders and supporting proactive planning. Our assessment provides a unique regional perspective and recommendations to help your municipality achieve its goals and enhance the quality of the natural environment in our shared watershed.

Although each of us live in a municipality we call home, we do our living throughout a larger region. In New Jersey, commuting to work often means spending more than 30 minutes in a car. Our grocery store, pharmacy, and mechanic are often located in townships other than our own. Because our lives are so mobile and because the natural environment knows no political boundaries, regional planning makes sense. The Association’s Program for Municipal Excellence supports municipalities in planning for the needs of current and future residents while challenging local leaders to work together to address regional issues.

Through this program, the Association analyzes how local laws and policies support municipal goals. We then work with municipal officials to implement measures that aid municipalities in realizing their vision as well as enhancing the quality of the natural environment. Our assessment page for municipal officials provides additional information about the program, process, examples of implementation measures, and how to get involved.

If you are a resident and would like to learn more about what your municipality is doing to ensure a high quality of life and protect natural resources please visit our municipal assessment webpage for residents.

For more information on the Program for Municipal Excellence or any of the related information, please contact Susan Charkes, Environmental Planning Specialist, or Jennifer Coffey, Environmental Policy Specialist, or call us at 609-737-3735.