Attendees:

Wilma Morrissey
Steve Taylor
Faith Hahn
Cathie Oliver
Michael Craghan
Katrie Hillman
John Winterstella
Joan Koos
Richard Famularo
Tim Thomas
David McKeon
Evelyn Graff

After introductions, Mr. Taylor began the meeting by handing out the Watershed Management Plan Implementation Tracking Matrix. The matrix identifies the action plans contained in the watershed management plan that agencies and organizations are implementing to protect the Manasquan River. Members suggested proceeding by reviewing the matrix by having agency representatives in attendance provide a status summary of actions they're working on or have already completed. For organizations or agencies not represented at the meeting, members suggested contacting them regarding actions underway and actions already implemented.

Richard Famularo for the NJWSA reported that Action DW1.1 - Develop a new water supply safe yield analysis has been completed and a computer model has been developed from the process. Mr. Famularo reported that Action DW1.12 to purchase lands surrounding the reservoir is ongoing and the Authority plans to purchase the 140 acres surrounding the reservoir. He reported that C1 designation would have a positive impact on lands adjacent to the protected waterways. He also reported that NJDEP is in the process of developing new water supply master plan that is related to action FM 4.2. He said the state is trying to involve water purveyors in the planning process and suggested contacting Robert Kesckes regarding the status of the plan. He also informed the group that Ilene Putnam is the new Water Administrator and this project would be under her organization.

Faith Hahn from the Monmouth County Park System reported Action CH1.7 to develop an acquisition program for unique areas has focused primarily on the Manasquan reservoir area as is reflected in the 1990 Acquisition Program. Action CH2.4 to develop siting and design criteria for public access facilities was fulfilled by a public access report completed by Mr. John Tiedemann entitled "Boating and Fishing Access and Opportunities on the Manasquan River Estuary." Action DW1.7 to educate the public about water conservation and reuse is being done on an ongoing basis at the Manasquan Environmental Center. Actions HP 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 to document and protect floodplains are currently being done through a joint project between the Park System and the MRWA.

Ms. Hahn also noted that the proposed C1 restrictions may make public access to waterways more difficult and crossings may not be permitted. Ms. Hahn suggested that the MRWA seek relief for public access opportunities. The Park System will not likely pursue individual permits as opposed to general permits due to the complexity and time commitment associated with individual permits.

Members suggested identifying floodplain stressors during regularly scheduled stream walks conducted by the Monmouth County Health Department.

Tim Thomas from the Freehold Soil Conservation District reported that Action DW1.8 has been completed through the recently published "Landscaping Education for Homeowners" packet. Other recently published documents have also focused on landscaping education such as the "Watershed Friendly Property Management Guide." Action FM4.3 calls for a framework for developing stormwater and nonpoint source pollution plans and the District continues to work on this through the new Phase II stormwater management rules. Mr. Thomas also said that the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) are being applied to all sites not just residential sites, which will result in less impervious cover.

Wilma Morrissey from Wall Township reported that the Environmental Committee has been busy working on public education program elements. They have produced a series of brochures on the importance of native plantings, the development of a recreational bike path, various educational programs through local schools, and school essay, poster, and poetry contests.

Cathie Oliver from the Brielle Environmental Commission discussed the Borough's water use restrictions and mentioned the household occupancy shift occurring in the Borough. As homes are replaced and remodeled, square footage is added and larger families are more the norm. There are more people per household, which is having an impact on local water supplies.

Dave McKeon from Ocean County Planning Board reported that Actions CH1.14, DW1.3, and DW1.4 are being pursued through the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program. Efforts to educate the public about the costs of growth and the importance of water conservation and water recharge are priorities for the program. He also suggested that actions contained in the Management Plan should be modified to match the new stormwater regulations since that will be a significant focus in the coming years. New NJDEP 2002 data for land use and land cover will provide key information for landscape and planning changes. In fact, the Barnegat Bay Program is doing a build-out analysis with the Jacques Cousteau Society and is working to engage municipalities in the process.

Katrie Hillman from the Monmouth County Water Resources Association (WRA) reported that Action HP1.8 relating to dredge material management is being explored by the WRA. They plan to issue a report on their findings this summer. Ms. Hillman said that the WRA is focusing on the new Phase II stormwater management regulations. They will once again be hosting the annual awards luncheon in the fall and hope to offer another workshop on the stormwater regulations.

Members suggested contacting the Monmouth County GIS office for Actions HP1.3, HP1.11, HP3.4, HP4.1, HP4.2, and HP5.2 for these may be projects appropriate for summer interns since they focus on identifying habitats and property ownership.

Announcements
Cathie Oliver said that the Boy Scouts are having a Fall Camporee in October with approximately 250 young men in attendance. It will be a great opportunity for the MRWA to get the word out about environmental work and potential projects.

Tim Thomas announced that the Farm Bill provides new opportunities through the Team Habitat Program. He also mentioned that FSCD has a new soil erosion tracking system to facilitate citizen reporting and District response to soil erosion reports. Interested parties can obtain the citizens reporting sheet and submit it to the District to report erosion problems.

Dave McKeon reported on the Metedeconk Exchange effort and findings from the expert panel that was organized to assist in evaluating the Metedeconk watershed. Mr. McKeon said that the results from the Exchange will be posted on the Brick MUA webpage. In summary, the findings are:
1. officials need to act now, development pressure is high, a coordinated effort to protect the area is needed.
2. need to have one focal point for watershed protection and need a champion organization for watersheds.
3. form a watershed council with delegates from each town charged with implementing recommendations. A strategy for protection needs to be mapped with stormwater regulations as a driving factor. The Big Map and Smart Growth will also be key elements to an overall strategy for protection. Need to stress importance of water protection.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.