(The Cherry Hill Environmental Advisory Committee (CHEAC) recently approved an action plan with numerous objectives that will serve the community well. These objectives will not only improve the environment in our community but help save money.

CHEAC plans to complete an erosion control project at the Barclay Homestead, as well as install an elevated trailway as part of the nature trail at Barclay Farms and also at Croft Farms. Further, the committee is planning to participate in development of the Colwick trail (see next page), and will be looking for additional possibilities for nature trails.

In addition, CHEAC plans to develop a Natural Resource Management Plan for Willits Pond and Columbia Lakes, since problems are being encountered at these waterbodies and improvements are needed if they are to continue to be valuable community resources.

CHEAC is also planning to review and provide updating information on Cherry Hill’s Open Space Priority List, present a draft revised Cherry Hill Tree Management ordinance to the Mayor’s office, and develop a natural resources inventory plan.

Already at the advice of CHEAC, the township has stopped mowing selected open space parcels in the Colwick section of the community. In addition to creating meadow wildlife habitat, this has helped reduce flooding and reduced the gas consumption related to mowing – thus saving the township money.