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Bank Of America Investment The Lebanon Township Land Coalition was honored as the recipient of the New Jersey Audubon Societys (NJASs) 2002 Richard Kane Conservation Award during the recent Cape May Autumn birding weekend which hosted 9,000 participants. On behalf of the Coalition, Ed Post who is a long-time NJ Audubon member received a plaque signifying this Award at the Cape May NJAS Weekend banquet.

That was 30 days ago, Township Administrator Richard Brook said, and the township is still waiting. The officials said NJ Transit never previously disclosed the dirt contained toxic materials. Mayor Michael "Mickey" Muchowski said the township "saw them bringing in the soil and were quite happy with the berm itself." But he said there was some concern about safety and "because of our past experiences with NJ Transit we were reserving judgment" until officials saw the test results.

Investment Opportunity The Lebanon Township Land Coalition was formed by concerned citizens who sought to preserve a biologically rich site in the Highlands from development. As a result of their efforts, the Coalition was instrumental in opposing and defeating the proposed Mt. Lebanon Estates development in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County. The project, which included 39 McMansion homes on 248 acres, would have destroyed critical habitat for Bog Turtles, a federally threatened species. The site in northern New Jersey sits atop a 1000-foot ridge that drains into two native trout streams.

In an effort to further move the project forward, the township has applied to the state Department of Transportation for a planning grant to help design the path. "We're awaiting word on that grant, " Perry said. If the township does receive the grant, 2002

Banc Of America Investment In presenting the Conservation Award to the Lebanon Township Land Coalition, Eric Stiles, NJASs Vice President of Conservation and Stewardship, asserted that this David and Goliath tale exemplifies the profound positive impact local citizens can have in working together to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.

West Orange is a township of Essex County, N.J., and for years has been a hotbed for the mass media and telecommunications industry. Measuring 12.1 square miles of land, West Orange adjoins the South Mountain Reservation. The township has a population of 44, 943 and a median household income of $69, 254.

Banking Investment Preservation of the forest, wildlife and water resources in the Highlands region is of major importance to citizens of New Jersey and surrounding States. The region, comprising 13% of New Jersey, stretches from the Delaware River in Hunterdon County northeast to the Newark Watershed and Sterling Forest. Considered by many to be the States biodiversity belt, the Highlands is home to 145 bird species and 23 of our New Jersey threatened and endangered species. Its large forests lie draped over ridges and ravines, offering a wide assortment of habitats to its diverse wildlife.

Scott Barnes or Pete Bacinski, of New Jersey Audubon Society's Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, prepare the "Voice of New Jersey Audubon, " a hotline covering the entire state and updated 52 times each year. NJ Audubon's three hotlines can be read in full on New Jersey Audubon' - www.njaudubon. - by clicking on "Sightings" at the top of any page.

Investment Solution Strategic One of the major threats to the Highland comes from development. A recent US Forest Service report states that roughly nine square miles of forests and farms are being lost to development annually.

Investment Banking Services Lebanon Township citizens recognized these issues and the need for local conservation efforts to stop unwanted development in their community. Through considerable time and money investments, the Coalition hired attorney Kevin Kelly and consulting firm Thonet Associates to fight the sprawl project. These firms provided critical analysis and testimony on the devastating effects that the development would have had on water quality and quantity and wildlife, including the Bog Turtle. The Coalition played a key role in orchestrating citizen opposition and coordinating opposition among conservation groups, including NJ Audubon Society.

Bank Investment Lebanon Township Land Coalitions hard work paid off. Last April, the Lebanon Township Planning Board unanimously (7-0) voted against the Mt. Lebanon Estates project. New Jersey Audubon Society and other conservation groups have expressed support for purchase of the site as open space.

Alternative Investment We salute the work of the Lebanon Township Land Coalition and hope other citizen groups will work to protect our childrens heritage.

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Accompany Essential Investment Eric Stiles
Vice President for Conservation & Stewardship
New Jersey Audubon Society
11 Hardscrabble Road
PO Box 693
Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
Phone 908.766.5787 x 13
Fax 908.766.7775
Email estiles@njaudubon.org
Web Site www.njaudubon.org/conservation

Topic: Less Sprawl

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