February 9, 2026

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
February 9, 2026
Regular Meeting
In-Person/Zoom

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Mattes, Mrs. Emmetts (Zoom), Dr. Lippencott, Mr. Szabo, Mrs. Tracey, Ms. Kral, Ms. Coriston

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Branagan

Ms. Coriston called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the statement that this meeting is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. This was a regularly scheduled meeting of the Stillwater Township Environmental Commission. Regular meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building located in Middleville, New Jersey.

The flag was saluted and roll call was taken.

Matt Trochim – AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador, Watershed Management Area (WMA) 1, Upper Delaware Watersheds, Musconetcong Watershed Association:
Mr. Trochim introduced himself to the EC and provided a brief background stating he is a graduate of NJIT with a History degree and became interested in environmental education his senior year of college when he found out he lived in a Superfund Site in Pohatcong, the location of a contaminated aquifer. He indicated he would like to partner with the EC for litter clean-up events, invasive species removal, and other programs. Mr. Trochim stated he is also interested in providing programs at the school. He has coordinated a clean up along a creek in Washington, working with the local DPW and would like to do the same in this area. He can provide the necessary supplies, advertise the event, and seek volunteers. He is also interested in road salt studies and presentations. In response to EC questioning, Mr. Trochim spoke about events for the removal of invasives and tree shelters. He stated he would normally remove the invasives using clippers, cutting back vines and transporting them away. He would partner with the Township and DPW for the disposal. He provided his email to Ms. Chammings for further communication on such an event. He could assist with shelter removal and is familiar with the Foodshed Alliance that is coordinating Floodplain Fridays during February and March. Ms. Coriston stated that she would like to put Mr. Trochim in touch with the STEM teacher at Stillwater Elementary School. Mr. Trochim stated with respect to educational programs, he could provide presentations on water and water quality. He offered to present a macroinvertebrate presentation in the spring as part of stream assessment. Dr. Lippencott stated the EC has worked on water quality and compiled a 40-year report of its findings. The EC would like to collaborate with other municipalities on water quality, Dr. Lippencott asked Mr. Trochim for assistance. Dr. Lippencott noted our water quality reports can be found on the Township website for Mr. Trochim’s review. The EC thanked Mr. Trochim for the discussion and looks forward to working with him in the future.

Minutes: Ms. Coriston made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/12/2026, seconded by Mr. Szabo.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Emmetts, abstain, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, abstain, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Bills: Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the following bill, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mr. Szabo:
Secretary: $274.00

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Emmetts, yes, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:25pm.
There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:25pm.

Correspondence: 
– 1/14/2026 Email from M. Coriston, DEP Accomplishments Magazine ‘Better Than We Found It’
– 1/29/2026 Email from Chris Dunbar, Floodplain Fridays at Veterans Memorial Park
– 2/3/2026 Email from Committeewoman Chammings, 2026 Sussex County Trails Grant Webinar on 2/4/2026 at 2pm
– 2/3/2026 NJDEP Application Notice – PSE&G vegetative maintenance, application of herbicides, utility repair, replacement and maintenance, and geotechnical investigations

Old Business:
EC Discussion – Future Guest Speakers/Presentations:
The EC discussed future presentations to be offered through the EC and compiled a list of speakers and topics as follows:
– Mike VanCleef: NJ Invasive Species Strike Team
– Rich Kelsky: Forestry Management and Forest Health
– President/VP of Paradise Fishing Club
– Steve Mariconda: Dark Sky Light Pollution
– Speaker/Presentation: Beaver and Beaver Damage
– Christine Dunbar and/or Matt Trochim: Road Salt & the Impact on Waterways
– Stockton University Professor: Assessing Forestry Health Using Satellite Imagery (in-person or Zoom option)

Dr. Lippencott stated he recently attended a webinar, offered by Mr. Kelsky once a month, that discussed overgrazing, large deer population, and invasive species of both plants and animals. Dr. Lippencott would like to bring awareness to these issues and work toward solutions including speakers on each aspect and collaborating together. He added that a Stockton professor suggested by Mr. Kelsky uses satellite imagery to assess forest health. Dr. Lippencott noted the EC still must determine specific objectives and strategy.

Swartswood State Park draft letter:
Ms. Coriston provided a draft of the revised letter. She asked the EC to review it and provide their input prior to the March meeting. This item will be added to March agenda.

Cellco Verizon Wireless (Fredon):
Ms. Kral reported the cell tower application was carried to the February Land Use Board meeting. With respect to the application, Ms. Coriston noted the EC letter inquiring about an Environmental Impact Statement was sent to the Fredon Land Use Board.

40-Year Surface Water Quality Report (1984-2024):
A discussion on follow-up testing will be held when Mr. Branagan is in attendance.

TREX Program Update: 
Ms. Coriston reported 70lbs of plastic has been collected this cycle. There are two additional collections that still need to be weighed.

Fishing Line Collection:
No report.

New Business:
Zoning Board Site Surveys:
– 932 Saddleback Road (B3306/L1): variance for driveway standards and grades & front yard setback for installation of propane tank
– 905 Morningside Drive (B2101/L6): convert existing garage into apartment as permitted accessory conditional use and bulk variance relief for max. square footage of accessory structure whereas 1,000 sq. ft. is permitted and 2,494.5 sq. ft. is proposed. 

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Emmetts, yes, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Environmental Commission Volunteer Recognition: 
– Ms. Coriston for the TREX program.

– Dr. Lippencott, Dr. Mattes, & MR. Szabo for conducting site survey inspections

– Ms. Coriston for her attendance at the Trail Grant webinar on 2/4/2026

Endangered/Threatened Species Sightings:
– Eagles, Bobcats, and Eastern Screech Owl

2026 Sussex County Trail Grant Program:
Ms. Coriston attended the webinar on February 4th for more details on the trail grant and application. THe EC discussed applying for trail improvement at Veterans Memorial Park with 2 options.

Ms. Chammings stated the trail on the passive side is approximately 1/2 mile long and is very rustic. She suggested making it a smoother path but maintaining its natural aspects. It would probably cost less than $25,000 to do so and the DPW could be used as in-house labor to level it out. Signage, birdhouses, and/or benches could also be incorporated into the project.

The second option would be finishing the path on the active side of the park which meanders along the river and joins the paved path at the park. Paving the remainder of that path would require NJDEP approval. Ms. Chammings noted the $25,000 award is a reimbursement grant, so the EC would need to make a decision by its March meeting as to whether or not to improve the trail on the passive or active side of the park. Mr. Szabo commented that the should should keep its rural look as this is a rural community. Ms. Chammings agreed, stating making the passive side trail grassier and smoother would also make it easier to maintain. Mrs. Emmetts suggested having local scout groups make birdhouses.

Ms. Coriston asked the EC members to walk the trails on both sides of the park and decide which one would be a better candidate for improvement. Ms. Kral offered to conduct monthly forest bathing walks at Veterans, which could be incorporated into the application process. Ms. Coriston will review the rubric for the application. The EC discussed the requirements of the application. Ms. Chammings stated there are nine items listed and one is community engagement. She noted Barefoot University, a home school program, meets at the park every Thursday to conduct class. The students will try to participate with the shelter removal during February. Ms. Chammings will also provide the contact information for Barefoot University to Mr. Trochim for stewardship training and to Ms. Kral for the forest bathing program.

Ms. Coriston stated she will be unable to attend the EC meeting in March. She suggested the EC visit the Sussex County Open Space Committee webpage for more details on the grant and email her with any input.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:17 p.m.
There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:17pm.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Dr. Lippencott
This update is regarding the 1/21/2026 meeting.
– Chairperson 2026 is Bob Pierce

– Vice Chair 2026 is Amanda Kavanaugh

– Approval of bills

– Discussed short-term rentals and AirBnB Ordiannce

– During public session a local business owner was vocal regarding ordinances and asked for the township to be more business friendly. The Planning Board is in favor of streamlining and maintaining our rural character and history while promoting business.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings
This update is regarding the 1/20/2026 meeting.
– Resolution was adopted in support of the State Agriculture Board’s Farmland Preservation of the Fairclough property. The property will need to be unsubdivided and merged back into one lot.

– Ron Tappan will remain the Municipal QPA.

– Any Martin was appointed Township Historian.

– Funds were transferred as needed.

– Resolution with Hampton to place notation on lot located behind Community Center (owned by Hampton) indicating the lot will remain vacant as approved. Ms. Chammings noted she was opposed to the idea and voted no.

– The Township Contracted with Gallagher Risk Management: George Morville.

– DPW had a very difficult winter. The Township Committee is trying to hire new leadership and a new DPW employee has been hired.

– Ms. Chammings met with Habitat for Humanity to address their Fair Share Housing requirement that one property per year must be designated for rehabilitation or new housing.

– CERT held a JCP&L program on 2/10/2026 at the Community Center.

Miscellaneous Items:
Ms. Coriston commended the DPW for their service, the Recreation Commission and CERT for their community events and the Stillwater School for their recent snow play day where students played outside for one hour with many activities, allowing kids to just be kids. Ms. Chammings noted the camaraderie among teachers and students at the school is amazing and the snow play day was great.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Dr. Lippencott made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Emmetts. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Wunder, Secretary